Part of the joy of solos is celebrating the connection to a larger reality that one has gained from the experience, and celebrating one’s return and re-connection to human community.
1. How does it work? We want to meet weekly. New comers a treated to a free solo, with volunteers/the organization providing a fully packed backpack (food, tent, sleeping bag with washed liner, rain gear, etc.) as needed. All soloist get to choose their own “safety” from among friends, family, or Solo Spirit members. Before and during the solo only the safety knows what wild and secret location the soloist has chosen (from among many offered) for his/her experience. The safety also receives the backpack from the organization and escorts the soloist to the trail head.
In the event of no newcomers there is a lottery to choose which members are to go on solos, Members help facilitate the logistics of making the solos happen, and then when a soloist returns members throw a celebration in a beautiful remote area when/as the soloist leaves the wilderness.
2. How long are solos? Typically half a day to three days; it depends on the individual’s preference.
3. Where are the solos to take place? In wild secret beautiful locations normally near falling water, that the group reconnoiters (somewhat), and where there is a very low likelihood of contact with other people.
4. Do I need any of my own gear? Within reason he organization will provide all of it.
5. What celebration ritual or party does the soloist receive upon “returning”? The celebration is meant to be both beautiful, fun, and tied into archetypal human traditions for finding meaningful connection to that which both includes and transcends the self. Come and see!