Solitude in Native Americans by Soff Belcher

2023-11-15 11:09:52 UTC

I think in a way extrinsically, as being a part of the community of native Americans you are kind of expected to go on a vision quest as far as I can imagine

2023-11-15 11:10:01 UTC

To begin with I would have thought it was healthy as they have the ability to spend so much time alone. But because they reported feeling the most loneliness out off the other cultures I’m not sure it’s healthy anymore.

Probably both

2023-11-15 11:10:17 UTC

Extrinsic as it is a social norm and expectation, intrinsic as it seems fun to have visions and quests

2023-11-15 11:10:18 UTC

I don’t think it would feel healthy for me but as you said they experience solitude differently and it’s probably healthy for them

2023-11-15 11:10:26 UTC

It is difficult as our relationship with solitude is so different to theirs, so whatever our answer is going to be will contradict with what they believe. However, personally I don’t believe that their relationship is healthy - it is not good for a person to be alone that up to a month, humans need contact even if it is just a little

2023-11-15 11:10:48 UTC

Given it’s importance in their culture it would seem to be inappropriate to assume it as unhealthy due to our restricted western understanding

What if someone doesn't have a vision?

2023-11-15 11:10:51 UTC

Would they need to stay in solitude longer, or what if it never happens?

2023-11-15 11:15:57 UTC

Fasting is healthy to a certain point as it helps your body rejuvenate the cells that need help and get rid of the cells that tend to be damaged. The body focuses its energy on the body and making it healthy. But up to a certain extend