As I approached the sacred Indian land in Bradley, California I couldn’t help but feel the radiant energy emanating from everyone I crossed paths with. I knew something special was about to ensue, within moments of walking up to the media entrance I was greeted by everyone around me. Ironically enough this took me by surprise. I had attended far too many “raves” in 2016, I had forgotten that people were actually nice to each other at these transformational gatherings.
Needless to say the festival was pure vibes right off the bat. After acquiring my wristband and making my way to the camping ground I hitched a ride with one of the peddlers. They were kind enough to drive me to my destination on Corporate Ladder and Ethiopia. I wasted no time and set up my tent, everyone around me was smiling. There was no sense of hierarchy, everyone was equal, everyone was one family.
After setting up camp I proceeded to explore the beautiful paradise that was Lightning in a Bottle. I’ve been to many music festivals, and as a foodie, I’ve got to say LIB has the best food trucks around! Everything was healthy, and was run by volunteers. I patiently awaited nightfall, so I could spin some poi to the almighty Haywyre. The Vaporwave 80s vibes that Haywyre provided were everything I needed, and it was the perfect DJ set to the night’s vibe for me.
I attended a “Seed bombing” workshop by Natalie Flores, she’s the founder of Sunshine Partnerships, a certified 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to planting renegade gardens across the United States. She encourages environmental stewardship, and self sustainability. I built 5 seed bombs, after the fact we all walked together as a group and threw our seed bombs into the river in an effort to add more life to the vibrant nature that was already surrounding us.
I ran into lots of old friends, and made new friends that will last a lifetime. Lightning in a Bottle has changed the way I see music festivals, and I will be attending less “Raves” and more Transformational Music Festivals from now on. There’s something about this community that resonates with me. Maybe it’s the fact that they actually live by the credo of “Peace Love Unity and Respect”, maybe it’s the fact that this community isn’t a scene but a family, maybe it’s the fact that everyone is consciously evolved. Whatever it is, I know that i’ve found my home away from home, but most importantly; I’ve found my self.