Symbiosis Gathering 2009 from jdsvids on Vimeo.
Two weeks to the day of Symbiosis 09: I’m so very thankful for attending one of the jewels in the crown of the West Coast outdoor summer festival circuit. From the boundary pushing eco-architecture of The Do Lab’s Lake Stage, to Shrine and company’s Temple-rific Forest Stage, to the homie hug-fest continually occurring in the wee hours of Om Shan Tea Temple area; what an enchanting and transformative weekend it was. I woke up early every morning to refreshing lake side swims followed by lounging amongst graceful swaths of scantily clad 21st century neo-tribal herds. It was like a National Geographic living special for bass loving pioneers.
But what really matters: What Symbiosis underlined in a beautiful display for me, was the sum total of all of us; that the event was made for us, by us. From the food, to the clothing, to the art, to the music, to the infrastructure itself (aside from the cabins and Nature Herself) we forged it with our collective loving, conscious infusing, hands –and it was good, real good.
This is a powerful observation for me. One that seemed to be really unmistakable, though it’s been brewing for years. We are so close to being a 100% home grown experience. This presence, this display, is a powerful beginning for a culture that may eventually live its lifestyle permanently and sustainably off of the grid of the big machine; if that is indeed the goal or not. Either way, hats off to everyone who attended and participated, even if it was to take a deep breath in and say, “Ah, this is good!”
Special thanks to all the warriors who opened gates, spread smiles, and kept their hearts raw and ever communicating –you are my heros. Keep kickin’ up the dust and I look forward till when we can do it again!
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