Family Rainbow have just come back from spending a few days at the WA Rainbow Gathering and wow, what a challenge, an inspiration, a heart warming experience.
This was our first Rainbow Gathering and we were so excited and also a bit anxious as to know what to expect. So, we packed everything. (Well almost everything, I forgot to pack my drums!) 🙁
The 5 hour journey down south was an adventure in itself, with three little birds in the back seat, tired and hungry by the time we made it to the dirt track towards Rainbow. With only coordinates and a few directions on how to get there, this was a crazy journey through the bush in the dark. Mother Earth however, kept our spirits high and smiles on our faces with suprises like bats and kangaroos everywhere.
We finally arrived after about an hour through the wilderness to a rainbow flagged tree and a circle around the fire, drumming, singing and dancing.
Then hugs all round with new friends and the warm calls of “Welcome Home!”
As we unpacked, in the dark cold, with the help of people we'd only just met and a hungry, tired family, I started to wonder if this was the right place for us to be. Was this the right thing to do? I can't believe we arrived so late and confused and tired. Where were we? Who are these people and what is expected of us?
All I really knew of a Rainbow Gathering was different people of a similar mind, coming together to share some time reconnecting with nature. It seemed perfect for us. So why was I feeling like this? I decided to sleep it off and as we awoke amongst the trees to absolute stillness and clean air, I knew that what I was experiencing was the city conditioning showing itself amongst the confusion. As the sun brightened the day, these layers started to peel away.
Once we had regathered in the morning, watching everyone working together to make breakfast, people bathing in the river, people waking from the teepee and hugs a plenty. My 10 year old daughter, knitting with a new friend, my little tree fae of 2 in her element, no shoes, running wild. My son, chopping wood for the fire under the supervision of my husband and a swedish yurt builder. It was then I knew exactly where I was.
We were home.
The call for our first Food Circle was when my last conditioned skin had been shed. Chanting in a circle whilst we all shared our food, stories and the passing of the talking stick. The Magic Hat came around so we could contribute to the purchase of food for the group. We then spent the day creating with nature, henna art, knitting and crocheting, hair wrapping, exploring, making faerie houses, mandalas, yoga, swimming in the clean, still lake, journaling, singing with new friends while others played guitars, cooking, massages, tantra workshops, my little ones learning new skills, roasting chestnuts, circus skills, communicating, growing, breathing and loving.
Rainbow really is a magical place to have your heart opened, to share and to be one with nature and find your tribe.
Our time was too short and we teared up as we went on our way but Rainbow is in our hearts now and we have bought a little bit of Rainbow back with us to our hollow, along with much gratitude and inspiration.
How can only a few days change my life forever?
Thank you Rainbow Gathering.
