Post Trip Update Part 2 of 3

I decided to break the post trip blog into a few entries as the trip was two weeks and I did do a lot of things.  So welcome to part 2!

I left my camps site at Seal Rock later than I wanted, but I was not in a rush.  I will probably stay at this site again as it was lovely, though it was bare bones, it had what I needed which was peacefulness in nature.

I arrived at the festival grounds for check in around 12:30, which was still before the event had opened the box office for general attendees.  They were working hard to get vendors and performers in the gate first (rightfully so).  Arrival and departure days are always the hardest.  The team coordinating are trying their best and despite most of the attendees being "love and light" shiny people, they get short and frustrated despite the volunteers best efforts with the massive influx of human bodies, cars and gear (remember to breathe my friends).

Once they started the official check in for general Thursday entry people, it seemed to move smoothly.  The mad rush to site, park and to find your home for the weekend begins!  I have written a guide to make your arrival for Beloved Festival easy if you ever want to go. The link to the guide is HERE

Secret lake lit up at night

The location I camped this year was Eve's Orchard.  Located behind the stage and near the Oasis which has lovely live music throughout the day.  My vantage point I could see how long the lines were for the showers, and had a quick hop to the restrooms, vendors and main stage which I could hear faintly.  The community of people around me were wonderful again.

The weekend was full of growth, learning, singing, dancing and yoga.  Heart opening challenges and lots of beautiful sunshine and interactions with people.  This festival is said to be one of the best in the country, and I can understand why.  Between international music acts, big name headliners, amazing food and talented artists, there is something for everyone, even the children who have access to amazing activities!

Favorite things I participated in:

Jade Dragon tea space.  Have a cup, meet a friend!

Solsara event encourages human connection without words, active listening and human connection.  They hold an event daily at this festival and I try to do every one.  It's a beautiful way to start the day.  I've cried, laughed, held space for others processing things and appreciated human connection without expectation.  This group does heart opening events which push comfort levels for some (especially those who feel they may be socially awkward) and help you look deep within yourself as well as truly see the person in front of you without using words.  I always love to attend the event that Larry and Carrie do every year.  The community is blessed to have them.

Vulnerable Rally was a new thing this year.  Not really on the schedule, but a renegade event hosted at the art gallery.  This event challenged participants to write down a fear, self doubt, self defeating thought, addiction or something they dislike about themselves.  We then stood in silence in pairs and held space for each other.  We cried, laughed hugged and let each other know that we recognize that pain and their strength to open up about that.  We are taught we need to be strong and not show weakness in this world, but doing this was therapeutic.  I attended the rally twice over the weekend.  I cried.  I addressed my issues with intimacy and my past of abuse by partners.  I held space for those who felt they were worthless, less than everyone, too busy to notice important things and past emotional pains they still carry.  I posted one of the signs I held on my Instagram with a description talking about my experience, you can read it HERE

Honey from Benjamin Pixie

Benjamin Pixie of "The Pixie Traveling Medicine Show" on bees and the importance to our world as
well as what amazing things they provide for us to consume.  His talk was educational, enlightening and all around amazing.  I'm a fan of honey, and understand the importance of our little pollinator friends.  He also provided samples and tastes of different things that can be made from a healthy hive.  Highly recommend finding a local presentation if there is one.



Favorite Music I listened to or boogied down to:

The Polish Ambassador & The Diplomatic Scandal were an obvious go to as they were one of the bigger name groups attending the event.  Their set was awesome and definitely had the festival dancing and having fun.  I was glad to have been able to dance and watch the crowd play and dance as well.

Blackalicious played while I was enjoying tea at the Jade Dragon tea wagon.  The set was definitely getting the crowd up and enjoying the vibe.  Would love to see the amazing duo again.

Youssoupha Sidibe was unknown to me until this event.  I always find new groups to listen to thanks to Beloved, it is one of the things I cherish about this place.  Always something new, always a surprise and never a disappointment.

Jaya Lajshmi & Ananda always does amazing music and yoga.  This year I attended the Saturday Morning Kundalini Yoga and Meditation with live music preformed by the group.  A great wake-up and energizing class to get the blood flowing and the mind ready for the day.

You can find the full lineup of workshops and groups on the Beloved Facebook page if you want to explore the offerings they had.  Maybe one year I will teach my herbal medicine class there.  I just need more exposure and experience before I take on such an endeavor.

I could go on about so much at this place, but will end it here.  Next post will be about the return trip and wrap up of this two week adventure that really transformed the view of myself and my capabilities.

If you missed Part 1, you can find that Here