Julie 2023, Perth
I signed up and embarked on the ADSJ with some trepidation. I was concerned unnecessarily, with things such as how would I manage not showering, sleeping in a swag, managing the cold, using drop loos and getting on with other members of the group who I had only met briefly prior to the trip. I needed not to have worried as the loos were private and plentiful, wet wipes worked well (and dry shampoo) and bringing layers of clothing, including a skiing jacket kept me warm. It was liberating to have few possessions, and set me off, reducing all my stuff, once back at home. This was my first time sleeping in a swag, I liked laying on the land and slept solidly – after looking out, from my warm sleeping bag, at the wondrous sky. The group members, were diverse, making for some rich exchanges, while learning about each other. It was also incredibly well priced considering the quality equipment, food, vehicles, expertise and time of the leaders.
The only task, that I found physically challenging, was rolling up my swag in the mornings, and I so appreciated the assistance of others, who readily helped.
The leaders were experienced, very supportive, skilled and thorough in making the preparations for the journey. They impressed as being very capable if an emergency were to occur and were highly safety focused. The food was fantastic- gourmet. Participating in food preparation, cooking and cleaning up developed connection, camaraderie and lively discussions.
The Great Victoria Desert was amazing. The isolation, the beauty and magical landscape. The history of its peoples and later explorers, intriguing. Seeing remote rock art was a highlight. I experienced timelessness, awe and wonder, transporting me from my small life to a big energy. It was gratifying to share reflections with others as we sat around the campfire and have periods of silence to focus and process the experiences.
This was a significant life changing experience, and set me up in a very good way, to ensure that I regularly check in to a natural environment to feel, absorb and ponder.
Alice 2021, Perth
Before my desert spirit journey I was so overwhelmed, constantly frustrated and unaware I was approaching burnout as a 21-year-old uni student. When a position opened up two days before a journey I threw my hands in the air and said ‘all right I’ll go’. It has been the best decision I’ve ever made.
No matter how hard I tried I could not understand the connection between the desert and spirituality. I can’t explain it, but I do now. I’ve learnt that you will never understand what the desert can offer you until you embark on your own journey. I went in blind and broken and came out with clear vision and a new outlook on spiritual connection and self-preservation. My mind and heart rejuvenated and my burnout disappeared, along with the bags under my eyes.
The community, teamwork, connection and camaraderie built on this journey is incredible. There is no judgement on age, gender, sexuality, religion or spirituality. You are seen as a person and that’s that. This trip offers a sense of living on the edge as well as pulling yourself back to reality in a new and improved mindset. I will never forget this experience and will forever be in debt to the desert.
Helen, 2021, 2022 - Perth
I travelled with Australian Spirit Journey team in both 2021 and 2022. At first, I simply wanted to “get away and have fun camping” with others in the rugged desert interior. The experience offered was so much more: new friends, common activities and time to reflect.
We travelled through the sacred heart of the desert, each day opening to extraordinary natural vistas, driving through wild, windy expanses of desert and each evening spent with an open fire, shared meal and gentle conversations.
We were encouraged to explore spirituality in a purposeful and meaningful manner, by speaking and listening with others while considering each other’s perspectives. The journey encouraged a return to faith, intellect and sense of being which I had misplaced in the crush of family and career responsibilities.
ADSJ has had a profoundly positive impact on my life. Between the trips I continue to reminisce on conversations and reflect on meaningful interactions and activities. I still imagine myself in the vast inland space and I draw upon the journey experiences to strengthen my core values and sense of self. A rich and wild experience waits for individuals seeking respite in the desert.