An unpredictable quest, a mysterious experiment

"Go on an unpredictable quest that will free your trapped vitality, or try a mysterious experiment that will awaken your sleeping magic.  P.S. For best results, ask for help every step of the way." 
Rob Brezsny

I decided to apply this fantastical advice from one of my favorite authors, to the entire Wakarusa festival experience.  Who wouldn't want to free trapped vitality and awaken sleeping magic?!  I did.  I do. 

                   

My quest was to show up to every moment with the inner knowing that my energy, responses, actions, etc could effect those around me in benevolent ways.  The mysterious experiment was to see if, by focusing on this intention throughout the entire festival experience, the results could be palpable - seen, felt, experienced in a tangible way.   

photo credit:  Brandi Emley

I did feel vitality and magic throughout my time here on Spirit Mountain.  I did experience extraordinary connections with others.  I was moved by music written with what seemed to have the same intention - to impact others in a beneficial way.  I laughed, I cried, I danced, I lived in each miraculous moment with gratitude.  Of course, it would be hard to prove whether this came from my quest/experiment, the mountain or just being surrounded by so much beauty(flora, fauna, people, music).    I imagine it was combination of all those things and more. 

photo credit:  Brandi Emley

I do know this, it was thrilling to give myself a secret adventure to go on.  A secret adventure within an audacious adventure - Wakarusa.  I think I'll try it again, soon.  

The mythical NSSO force

Years ago, Greg tried to explain it to me.  He said that this profession not only let him utilize some of his strongest gifts, but that he felt at home with the people he worked with.  It does no justice to say "the people he works with", nor does the word "team" even come close to describing the bond.  Friendship is an understatement, as well.  Naturally, I try to describe it as a work family, not related by blood, but through "blood, sweat and tears", and yes, that can be taken literally.  Ties welded through relying on each other, when stakes are high and in the face of obstacles where no one backs down.  They've come together, not merely by chance, but united by the common denominator - integrity.  They see life with this vitality that surges with dedication, authenticity and a levity that balances out all the high-stress moments in their lives.  

Their dedication not only extends to what it takes to make these events happen but to one another.  A fierce loyalty to each other can be found in every member of this family.  It's not common to find a group that can be tough enough to withstand the rigors of being the operational logistics of creating large scale events and still be conscious and considerate of each other's needs whatever they may be.  Spending months on the road in close quarters, they're adept at living together cohesively.  It's all the qualities I've described - integrity, dedication, loyalty, dependability, authenticity, levity, etc that make this unit work as remarkably as it does.  

Endless Summer - pillars of this family

They're especially supportive and appreciative of the talents, gifts and abilities of every individual that makes up this gang.  

Here's just one example of the support.  Jessica Pyrdsa is a siren in voice and a magician on piano.  In these pictures, we're supporting her at one of her first festival shows. 

And they know that it's as important to enjoy themselves all along the way...as you can probably deduct from all of these pictures.  

Ziplining in Whistler, Canada

NSSO Putt Putt in Austin, Texas

Dinner with the family in Pemberton, Canada

NSSO Forest time in Rothbury, Michigan

NSSO Sirens on Spirit Mountain, Arkansas

It all began on the magical mountain we are on right now.  Wakarusa is a special festival for this family.

Phil Clarkin took these spectacular Waka pictures.  He can be found at https://www.facebook.com/PhilClarkinPhotography?pnref=lhc

Check out Phil Clarkin Photography for epic Wakarusa picshttps://www.facebook.com/PhilClarkinPhotography?pnref=lhc

This strapping fellow(pictured below) saw the potential of the individuals.  

And who, you ask, are the masterminds behind the building of such a mythical company?

  None other than these gentlemen....

I'm honored to be included in this incredible clan.  Thanks to my stud muffin husband, I get to be nestled in the amazing embrace of NSSO love.  NSSO(Non-Stop Site Ops)