Lama Glama Rama: A Woodford New Year 2017

If you believe numerology or astrology, this year is a good year for new beginnings. It is certainly true for my life. Out with the old, in with the new.

2016 began as a miserable year for me. But thankfully, the difficulties I faced have paved the way for travel in an entirely new direction. I have concentrated my time on changing my thoughts and behaviors to set goals, improve physical fitness and emotional resilience.

2017, therefore, will be a year for casting aside anything that hasn't worked well for me, and embracing anything that will enhance my future and fit with my new plans. I have a bucket list and I intend to start crossing off some experiences. This will be a year of firsts. For one thing, this is my first attempt at a blog. So, beware!

Most importantly, I made the decision to leave a job that was really getting me down: it's really unpleasant, to say the least, to go to work everyday and be surrounded by other chronically miserable people who also feel trapped in a demanding and unfulfilling role, so burned out that any leisure time is wasted just trying to catch a breath or drown some sorrows. It's not sustainable. I am releasing myself from a life that had become somewhat lifeless. I have contemplated work that might better suit my personality and lifestyle choices in the future. The future, by the way, is now! I've realized that I'm running out of sand in this hypothetical hourglass.

I've been fortunate to have time to think, plan for the new year and consider short-term and long-term goals. I need to feel alive again and work toward something that I feel passionate about, now that I remember what that is, including the determination to experience new adventures and challenges.

So, it seemed appropriate that, for new year's day, I head to the Woodford Folk Festival, something I've always wanted to do but have never made time for. It was a wonderfully cheerful, peaceful and reflective way to open this new year and new chapter. The heat was rather intense, but there were many opportunities to be sprayed with a mist of water from volunteers with spray bottles or to bask under the shade of trees or inside venues. The international lineup of artist incorporated folk, rock/pop, blues/roots, first nations music, as well as dance, circus, cabaret, and comedy performances, and many lectures and workshops covering topics including astrology, health, nutrition, personal development, community, traditions, art, science, environment, survival and sustainability. There were yoga and meditation sessions, and a children's festival and many wonderful stalls with great food, clothing, jewellery, crystals and tarot, as well as offerings of massage and other therapies. One day was just not long enough to really get immersed in all that was on offer. But the spirit of the day was one of unity, collaboration, friendship, support, peace and acceptance. And, rumor has it that it is one of the cleanest and most peaceful festivals that occur in Australia. I can't mention all of the acts that were part of the lineup because there were just too many and I saw only a few perform. But I would suggest checking the program out and getting to know a few of the acts.

My main goal was to see the lantern parade and fire event that welcomes in the new year on an annual basis. The lantern parade is followed by the main fire event, which, this year, was opened by an aboriginal in traditional costume, starting a fire in the traditional manner, with sticks, tinder and breath, not matches. The story progresses to one in which two individuals from different cultures find unity though there are hardships, obstacles and destruction to overcome, including a comet that crashes to the earth destroying the village of one of the characters. This is, apparently, a story that considers the refugee crisis and aims to encourage their acceptance into our more peaceful societies, a story of humanism and compassion. The event includes two giant puppets, circus and dance performers, a large community choir and orchestra. It culminates in the fiery destruction of a huge emblem shell, atop of which opens a lotus flower signifying peace and renewal.

It is a delight to witness such visual and musical magnificence, from a grassy hillside in the cool night air as one happy reveler among many in a mesmerized crowd. It is definitely worth the expense of the ticket. It's hard to experience moments that inspire us like this these days, as they are few and far between. We tend to get bombarded with Hollywood blockbusters and their over-the-top but somewhat run-of-the-mill special effects. But it is something more special to be a part of something that is created through the blood, sweat and tears of a community. I believe we must remember to include these moments into our hectic lives, to make a real effort to find joy, as well as contribute to our communities and to humanity as a whole. It is wonderful to feel a sense of unity and a belief that everything is okay, that good people still exist, that communities still offer comfort and support to it's members and those in need. It is encouraging to be a part of an event such as this, as it offers hope and optimism for a more peaceful world. This is what I hope to remember throughout 2017. I will consciously make an effort to remember that life is not just about making money and paying bills, whilst confusing stagnation for comfort. It is about belonging and being accepted, it's about taking care of each other, of inspiring goodness in others, even while the world seems to be going a little mad. TV doesn't say much to me, except what we I don't want to hear. So I hope to remain vigilant in ensuring that what I pay attention to is going to help make my life a little happier so that I can help to spread it around.

I hope to visit Woodford again every year in my future (version 2.0) and I'll make an effort to take part in the production each year, even if it's only to make a simple lantern to include in the parade, as every small element is a sparkling little gem in the festival as a whole. Bravo Woodford. Bravo day one 2017!!

Some of my videos of the performances are viewable below. Get a glimpse and get happy!

For more information about Woodford see the links below:

The official website: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com.au

Facebook groups including Woodford Folk Festival; Woodford Folk Festival Fire Event; Woodford Folk Festival Volunteers (includes some great photo and video footage)
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=woodford%20folk%20festival

The Sacred Labyrinth: