The gentle roar of the power generators,
the dust floating around the trees, 
techno music beat filling the space, 
a few hippies, healers and yoginis dancing. 

I placed my hammock directly in front of
the stage, a bit further into the forest. 
The bass kick resonating in my body, nauseating. 
Surrounded by Christmas light, attached
to the tree, powered by the generator,,
I was hidden in plain sight, alone. 

I had a hard time sleeping the few nights
I stayed there. The dust, the discomfort, 
the feeling of being alone. Yet a part of
me wanted to stay. I offered a few Thai 
Massage, and a yoga nidra journey. 

A wireless mic, I could walk in the crowd, 
while Lee was playing gongs and bowls on stage, 
creating a supporting sound journey to the 
meditation. Inviting people to move from 
relaxation, to deep insight and out of body
experiences, out in the open. 

The land was raw and intense. I had to drive
a few miles down the road to the river, every
day to clean up and reconnect with the water. 
I realized how attached I was to my lake. 

The festival called rise, was birth after one
cancer survivor wanted to materialise her 
healing journey. Yoga, meditation, dance 
and art mixed wildly on a off-grid property
in the mountains and the edge of the desert. 

I was anti-social for the weekend. I went to sleep
early. I got out at night to dance a bit by myself.
I didn't flirt, nor wanted to connect with too many
people. I gave massage to the 2 main organizer, 
a beautiful exchange. I hope to be more involved
next year, with tech, com, more music and healing
practices. I also met a young woman. We exchanged
a few words. She is beautiful and powerful, a 
strong profound look in her eyes. I feel weak
and inappropriate so I don't develop the connection
further. We both have somewhat of a public figure, 
easy to find online. Lets see if we meet again.