i went to a music festival and it changed everything.
i joined the volunteer crew. i met up with another Frend from my area and we hauled up together, grabbed another guy on the way, and set up camp on the mountain. i had a tent and air mattress my coworker gave me, and a backpack and sleeping bag my therapist gave me. i brought my own food, and the best attitude i could muster.
i was a little nervous going in on my own. It's scary, what with my heaps of anxiety, and also a priority for sobriety that would be tested. But i really rooted myself down into my core, i sorted out my values, and i stayed in that center.
My tent lied on a 30 degree incline the whole weekend. The rain got much of my stuff wet, as the tent proved to be leaky. i wasn't as vigilant with the SPF as i should have been. And all these things are way overshadowed by the incredible loving powerful experience of it.
The volunteer crew was phenomenal. Positivity radiated through us. We connected, shared stories, food, drugs (to which i said no thank you), songs, our vibes filled the atmosphere. It transformed me.
The music lifted me up higher than i could've dreamed of. i discovered another fabulous Dead cover band, Sleepy Man - a fan frikkin tastic bluegrass band, Upstate Rubdown - such beautifully layered vocals and rhythms, Madaila - groovy tunes for my soul. One night, Nahko & Medicine for the People blew my mind with their songs of healing. About halfway through the performance, i felt a barrier around my heart break and fall away, and i wept. i was so awestruck. They just hit me, tapped into something that needed some tenderness, broke me down and brought me back together so much better.
The best drug there was AcroYoga. That was such a rush of grounded loftiness, strength and weightlessness, connection and harmony.
There was free Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and Deep River potato chips. There were hikes, with an amazing view from the top of the mountain. Tye dye workshops, frendship bracelet making, hammock lounging, mud jumping, flow toys, fun and Frends abounding. i also had the best burgers of my life there from the Burger Barn. A local farm, fully self sustained, has their seasonal food on wheels. 1st burger - Ethan Allen: burger with cheddar, grilled apple slices, and cranberry garlic mayo. 2nd burger - Nutty Goat - goat cheese, candied walnuts, bacon, carmelized onions, mayo. Tastebuds were in awe.
The journey home was surreal, trying to process all that had occurred. Adjusting back to my typical life was difficult. But i feel how i carry these experiences with me. It was such a necessary trip. i feel lighter and brighter, hopeful and level.
This season has a few more festivals on the horizon. i'm very excited for what's in store.
i joined the volunteer crew. i met up with another Frend from my area and we hauled up together, grabbed another guy on the way, and set up camp on the mountain. i had a tent and air mattress my coworker gave me, and a backpack and sleeping bag my therapist gave me. i brought my own food, and the best attitude i could muster.
i was a little nervous going in on my own. It's scary, what with my heaps of anxiety, and also a priority for sobriety that would be tested. But i really rooted myself down into my core, i sorted out my values, and i stayed in that center.
My tent lied on a 30 degree incline the whole weekend. The rain got much of my stuff wet, as the tent proved to be leaky. i wasn't as vigilant with the SPF as i should have been. And all these things are way overshadowed by the incredible loving powerful experience of it.
The volunteer crew was phenomenal. Positivity radiated through us. We connected, shared stories, food, drugs (to which i said no thank you), songs, our vibes filled the atmosphere. It transformed me.
The music lifted me up higher than i could've dreamed of. i discovered another fabulous Dead cover band, Sleepy Man - a fan frikkin tastic bluegrass band, Upstate Rubdown - such beautifully layered vocals and rhythms, Madaila - groovy tunes for my soul. One night, Nahko & Medicine for the People blew my mind with their songs of healing. About halfway through the performance, i felt a barrier around my heart break and fall away, and i wept. i was so awestruck. They just hit me, tapped into something that needed some tenderness, broke me down and brought me back together so much better.
The best drug there was AcroYoga. That was such a rush of grounded loftiness, strength and weightlessness, connection and harmony.
There was free Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and Deep River potato chips. There were hikes, with an amazing view from the top of the mountain. Tye dye workshops, frendship bracelet making, hammock lounging, mud jumping, flow toys, fun and Frends abounding. i also had the best burgers of my life there from the Burger Barn. A local farm, fully self sustained, has their seasonal food on wheels. 1st burger - Ethan Allen: burger with cheddar, grilled apple slices, and cranberry garlic mayo. 2nd burger - Nutty Goat - goat cheese, candied walnuts, bacon, carmelized onions, mayo. Tastebuds were in awe.
The journey home was surreal, trying to process all that had occurred. Adjusting back to my typical life was difficult. But i feel how i carry these experiences with me. It was such a necessary trip. i feel lighter and brighter, hopeful and level.
This season has a few more festivals on the horizon. i'm very excited for what's in store.
No comments:
Post a Comment