Hillside 2012

Well, I think I’ve finally settled from the elation of Hillside Festival last weekend. This was my 5th year workshopping Nia at this 3 day music festival in Guelph. I didn’t get to stay super long this year as I headed out after my workshop on Sunday to travel to my sister’s cottage in Bancroft.

Each year that I’ve been at Hillside, I’ve discovered new things about myself and made some really solid observations about life. Blog posts about my previous experiences at Hillside are here.

What I consistently enjoy most about Hillside is the freedom. Usually, I’m on my own, wandering around, following my instinct. In the span of an afternoon, I teach my Nia class, and meander. It’s a bit of an adventure as I often don’t have much of a plan. Instead of scheduling music to watch or workshops to attend, I let myself wander. The remarkably incredible thing is that I end up meeting just the right people, discovering just the right music, and being part of just the right workshop. It’s just phenomenal how, because I have zero expectations, I get just what I need.

And this is exactly how I got to meet Trish Klein of The Be Good Tanyas.  As I was sitting in the volunteer area eating my lunch, I overheard a young woman asking Judy, whom I had just met,  if her friends could text Judy when they arrived to pick up the guest passes the young woman had for them.  Judy explained that her cell phone battery was about to die and she had no way to charge it.

I piped up and explained that she could leave the tickets at the main gate for her friends.  The young woman said she couldn’t leave the area, so not having anything planned, I offered to take the passes to the gate for her. When she left to put the passes in an envelop, I asked Judy who she was… you guessed it – Trish Klein! Given that I discovered The Be Good Tanya’s on my first trip to India, and that I use some of their music in Nia class, I was excited! (Have a listen to my favourite song here).

When I looked over at Trish next, I noticed she was talking to Allison Russell of Po’ Girl and Birds of Chicago. Wow! Necessarily, I inserted myself in between them for a photo op.

Wandering also allowed me to meet sKY:: and slaDE~ of YogaFLIGHT.  slaDE~ was actually flat on his back balancing a man on top of his arms and legs. He was doing a combination of partner yoga and Thai Yoga Massage with this gentleman. It was quite a sight to see both the strength and tenderness that slaDE~ offered.  Have a look here for yourself.

I always leave Hillside feeling so very inspired to continue to practice living fully. This next video really captures the spirit of Hillside for me — the music, the DANCING, and the simple pleasure of being in the moment.

(for the record, Some of my favourite performances: Canailles, Elliott Brood & the Mickey Hart Band. Also, I heard some très talented spoken word artists: Mary Pinkoski, Brandon Wint and Tom Budday. Each one unique, entertaining & poetic.)