The alchemy of radiance, cosmic love ecstatic dance, sound of light meditation, rebirthing, chakra re-balancing and hundreds of classes and workshops with similarly resonant names promise a dip into the unknown, a leap from the routine of daily life into magic and adventure. They form the genetic makeup of a Conscious Festival, a space, usually in pretty countryside settings, with no alcohol or drugs for you to move, meet and connect, laugh many times and, maybe, cry once or twice.
The rich program of yoga and eastern practices, traditional and modern therapies and workshops, music, crafts, talks, healthy food and Nature will challenge and inspire you, balm your soul, give you an up and down roller coaster. You will be shaken, awakened or simply filled with joy and sadness, awe and wonder, realisation and sensual bliss.
We all want to belong, be part of a group, a community. Be respected and loved for what we are. Deep connection with others is the most warming feeling we can experience, the most fulfilling thing there is. A lot of what we do, consciously or subconsciously, is geared towards relating to others. Hugs and physical closeness triggers the release of feel good neurotransmitters and hormones like Oxytocin, which “can increase positive attitudes, such as bonding, towards individuals with similar characteristics, who then become classified as “in-group” members…”.
A feast of multicoloured t-shirts, big smiles, open arms and prolonged eye contact make a conscious festival the best place to meet fellow human beings.
Everyone is equally welcome, listened to and respected, no matter what background they come from or what outlook in life they hold. We all share the desire to leave behind modern comforts and get down and dirty, in Nature moving close to strangers in a feast for the senses. Are we niche, or a fringe? A reminiscence of the Hippie Movement, a counterculture? Just the idea of partying with no alcohol seems very out of the mainstream.
The program is so rich and diverse you can choose to attend back to back workshops from early morning to night. I usually like to start with a yoga class or Qigong and I always pick at least one type of dance: ecstatic, 5 rhythms, contact improvisation or similar. You can also choose to simply hangout around a open fire or in the sauna all day, drink tea and chat to new people.
Some festivals proud themselves for the rich lineup of music artists, bands and DJs. Music and dance is an essential element for people to step into the feminine energy of free movement and to “let go”. I have to say, this is one of my favourite parts of festivals. You can find anything from 80s revivals to indie bands and electronic tunes, tribal drums, chill-out and single instrument artists. One of my favourite sounds is the hearty vibration of the Australian Aboriginal didgeridoo.
Standard accommodation is your own tent, shared toilets and showers and the heavens of a on site sauna/basic spa space where you can choose to be naked and close, in the sweat lodge or around a fire. Social taboos and etiquette are better left behind, although people are made aware of others’ boundaries and you can very much decide to participate or withdraw at any given time.
The Festival’s soul is made by the volunteers, who typically trade time and effort for a free ticket and the festive energy is shared by kids and even babies, always welcome along their parents, adding softness and innocence to the atmosphere. Some festivals include food cooked on the premises by the volunteers, others partner with pop-up stalls and independent caterers dishing out all types of usually plant based or healthy food.
There is a lot to be said about tribal attitudes in society. This phenomenon is looked upon negatively more than favourably. Identity politics, extreme polarisation, “us vs them” attitudes are definitely not my thing and critical, independent thinking is what I stand for. Yet, I have to admit, being part of a community, a tribe, can feel very good at times and a heightened sense of belonging is what many feel at festivals. Maybe it’s just because people are more open-minded and approachable and let their emotions shine. They are friendly, easy to connect to and maybe a bit postmodern in outlook.
Why covering yourself up with fake, alcohol fuelled exuberance when you can find natural, inner lust for life, joy and curiosity through workshops and closeness to others? If being drunk might help in the Mongolian throat singing class or even when drumming with Kalahari drummers, you definitely want to be present when practicing falconry, Celtic blacksmithing or making sand mandalas with Tibetan monks. Shamanism and fire ceremonies anyone? Tantra, gong bath or yoga Nidra? You definitely don’t need a fake high when you can get a real one.
Festival goers demographics are difficult to establish and probably very diverse. Many have regular jobs and lifestyles and they dip into the atmosphere for a few days a year only. Others embrace a festival attitude all the time, maybe live a more alternative lifestyle. It doesn’t really matter where you are coming from, how old you are or what you do for a living. When I meet you, if you open up and let your soul shine, I’ll match your presence.
I took part as a guest, volunteer and teacher in Buddhafield (twice) and Into the Wild (three times) in the UK, Angsbacka in Sweden and Masters of Calm in Lithuania. I live in a sort of permanent festival village, where classes and events are happening all year round and I have been working in wellness and detox centres where fasting and alternative therapies are constantly employed. Because of this, I fancy myself a little bit of an expert in the subject and I will be even more involved in festivals in future. This rather peculiar, modern human environment is part of me now.
Do you feel you want to try it out for yourself? We can meet in the Festival Village of Koh Phangan or anywhere in the world where wide eyes and open arms, music and magic awaits. Any conscious festivals in your country you fancy being part of? Don’t be shy, get in touch and I might come along.
First pic from Ängsbacka by Ken Buslay, www.kenbuslay.com. Second pic from Into the Wild.