Natural High Healing

On Midsummer Day, my nephew and I went for a morning stroll through the forest towards a nearby beach. All of a sudden, we stopped in our tracks as an eagle came flying straight towards us. Instinctively, I held out an arm to protect my nephew and we both watched in amazement as the majestic bird changed direction and soared out across the water. 

The eagle is an impressive creature, capable of reaching heights other birds may only dream of. As a spirit animal, it can inspire us to view life from a broader perspective, allow our hearts to guide us, and remain open to unexpected opportunities. While unafraid of the unknown, eagles also have four toes on each foot, which helps them stay grounded and connected to the Earth.

With this in mind, I impulsively accepted an invitation to volunteer and cook vegan food at the Natural High Healing Festival two weeks later, in exchange for a free ticket to the workshops. Even though those guided by the eagle spirit are said to welcome challenges with courage and determination, I had many questions and concerns before the festival. Would I manage to sleep in a tent for four nights? What would I eat? Who would I spend time with? What if I wanted to be alone? 

I had no answers, only questions. Nonetheless, I embarked on a five-day adventure with three strangers who kindly provided transportation and taught me everything I needed to know about food preparation, cooking and serving. They even helped me to set up my tent, and camped right next to me.

Our vegan Peanut Stew was very popular

On Friday morning at eight a.m., I attended a workshop called "Manifesting Money through Kundalini Yoga." I squeezed my mat into a tiny corner of the crowded room, and took a deep breath - several, in fact - as we started with some powerful kriyas (movements) combined with breathwork. As the session progressed, the exercises became increasingly intense, raising our energy to a higher frequency. "Stay true to yourself, and do your best on the path that is yours," our teacher advised when she invited us to lie still for a while. "By resting in between, you teach your nervous system that it is safe to go for it."

My most significant takeaway from this workshop was the mindset that we live in a world of abundance and by vibrating on the same frequency as what we desire, we can attract what is meant for us. 

Later that day, I participated in another workshop called "The Forgiveness Journey." Once again, we began with breathwork and meditation, grounding ourselves in the present moment. After a bit of movement, our teacher invited us to find a partner. The tall blond girl in front of me turned around to ask if I would like to work together, and I nodded. We were instructed to stand close and gaze into each other's eyes for what felt like an eternity, but may have been around fifteen minutes. I don't know my partner's name, but I still remember every detail of her clear blue eyes. In them, I saw love and kindness. There were moments when I could glimpse the hard times she had been through, and other moments when I sensed that she could feel my pain. We quietly repeated: "I forgive you. I love you."

Finally, the teacher encouraged us to step closer and embrace one another. It was the longest hug of my life, but also the most healing. As we leaned in closer, I could feel the other girl's heart beating in the same rhythm as mine. "Allow yourself to relax into this embrace," the teacher said. "Allow yourself to be held and supported. What if there are no mistakes? What if everything happened exactly according to plan, so that you could be here right now? What if you could start over and rewrite your story with courage and authenticity?" I wiped a tear from my cheek, and reached out to touch my partner's hand. "Thank you," we both whispered softly, and then never spoke again.

On Saturday, I worked throughout the morning, and by the time I could join a dance workshop in the afternoon, I felt exhausted. I was not in the mood to observe and be aware of sensations, and I kept looking at my watch and the door. How long would I have to stay? And where would I go if I left? There were people everywhere.

As if sensing my state, the teacher said: "There might be agitation and irritation in your body. What if you stayed anyway?" So I did. Slowly but surely, we started to move. He guided us through a two-hour conscious dance journey, and I have never experienced anything like it. In a hypnotic voice, he spoke to our subconscious minds. 

Tell the truth. Be honest. Be you. Stop caring so much about what others think. If somebody saw you right now and asked why you're moving this way, just tell them that you don't know. Why are you moving? I don't know. Tell the truth. Be honest. Why are you moving? I don't know.

When, at the end, he invited us to lie down on the floor, I was already there, my whole body trembling. The headache was gone. The agitation was gone. Fatigue remained, but so did joy, contentment and bliss.

Closing ceremony and last dance at the Main Stage

On the final day of the festival, a storm swept in, challenging us as we attempted to pack up our belongings and dismantle the tents. The French vendor who had been selling chocolate came to assist us and the Indian chefs prepared refreshing mango lassis for everyone. Instead of competing, we had built camaraderie over the past few days and with big smiles, we shook hands and said "See you next year!"

I wouldn't say that my heart feels full after this experience, but rather that new space has opened up. I am ready to see and be seen, hear and be heard, love and be loved. I feel free, and like the eagle, I am ready to fly, with new questions on my mind. How far can I fly, and how high? And where should I go first?