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| ~ Karina Noriega ~ Representing Hamilton ~ |
The Unknown
A few months ago I was challenged to create a workshop centered around Keeping Promises to Yourself based on my own initiative here at ThirteenSquared. I was to present the one hour workshop at the inaugural Manifesting Magic Forest Festival.
Being that it was to be my first festival of this type I had absolutely no idea what to expect. The pressure of creating something that was not only interesting to an unknown population but that had actual value and impact was immense. I worked exceptionally hard to break down my own lessons to first understand what it is that has helped me be successful in this undertaking. Next, I designed the framework for the creation of a S.M.A.R.T. resolution. Finally, I empowered participants to set their own goals in motion with a new system of support and accountability.
A brief synopsis of the workshop can be found here: http://thirteensquared13.blogspot.ca/2013/05/thirteensquared-joins-manifesting-magic.html
The Magic
The Manifesting Magic Forest Festival is described as a three day “music, arts and healing” festival. But it wasn’t until I was inside of this living and breathing alternative space that I even realized how other-worldly this experience would be. There is an entire culture that propagates itself inside of this safe space. I even learned a whole new concept: Transformational Festivals. Beyond promoting art for all the senses and a strong sense of community, love, acceptance and self-expression, transformational festivals encourage mental and physical healing. Sacred spaces have become a staple for inspiration and personal growth.
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| Wind Stage |
At Manifesting Magic, the “Wind Area” became the stage for many workshops such as meditation, yoga and my own workshop as well.
The “Fire Stage” with its electro-glow backdrop was lit up with non-stop house, techno, and psytrance as well as performers and talented participants spinning fire and hula hoops like you’ve never experienced before.
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| FM HI LO |
The “Live Stage” brought out major international talent including a couple new favorites for me: FM Hi Lo and Inword, both from Montreal.
The stage elevated performers beyond their music with an exceptionally interesting array of costumes and performances including aerial silks and the screening of Bloom.
(Check out the documentary Web-series http://youtu.be/iF7bH1wQ_d4 to learn more about transformational festivals.)
The Workshop
The screen created by this online blog has always kept writer and reader separate, but here I would be lowering all the walls of self-preservation to be vulnerable in the face-to-face scenario of my workshop. I cannot emphasize how much this venue and this culture played a part in the exceptional success I experienced. The healing festival attracted the spirit of growth and openness in everyone.
I spent the first day of the festival getting to know my fellow presenters, performers and revelers alike. It was hard not to given the welcoming and trusting nature of everyone I crossed paths with. April and I did some verbal promoting and she even made a little log sign which I loved.
When the time came, I took my place in the sacred space of the Wind Area located right on the beach. I slowly became overwhelmed and overjoyed to see people start forming the circle I had envisioned for my ‘conversation’. The treats where an excellent icebreaker (special thanks to Bree for those unbelievable coconut-doo-dads, they were a huge hit)! It was only a few minutes into one of my most feared challenges that I realized that I was really doing this. My fear dissipated and I didn’t even need the notes I so stressed over. Not only was I sharing my life struggles and personal experiences with this fantastic group of people but they were actively participating and contributing to the workshop. More than a dozen people attended (as some came and went) and at the close of the hour I held 10 promises created by them; inspired by me. For the next 6 months I will helping to motivate and assist everyone who attended to make this single promise a real change in their lives.
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| Gathered in the Sacred Space for workshop: Keeping Promises |
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| Even got a few overflow folks :) |
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| Everyone participating!!! |
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| and conversating! |
This workshop was an unequivocal opportunity to elevate myself, ThirteenSquared and my desire to continue to push the boundaries of my comfort zone. Most importantly, it was a chance to give back the support I’ve so kindly received and to inspire and motivate others. I could not be more grateful to everyone who attended and supported me.
*To the gentlemen of FM Hi Lo and Borza, I am so happy to have met you immensely talented bunch. Thank you for not getting tired of pushing me forward and actually coming out to support me.
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| Bryan, Alain and Frase of FM Hi Lo Check out their talent @ http://fmhilow.com |
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| Borza and April chilling on the comfy couches @ gazebo space |
*I really want to thank Dean Shivji and for dreaming up this festival and believing in my capability to make a positive impact here. To the rest of the organizers, artists and volunteers: thank for making Manifesting Magic happen and producing such a transcending experience.
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| Dean Shivji |
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| {Not my Pic!} Photograph by: Jean Levac, Ottawa Citizen/Postmedia News |
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| Mineta |
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| W/ Kola Pappas and the Happy Funky Family |
*If you could see me wildly cheering right now, it’s for you April. You’ve been an absolute hero in my life and an unwavering support to ThirteenSquared and this workshop. I can’t wait to see your own creative magic on this very screen soon as you produce your Manifesting Magic film clips.
In conclusion...
This challenge has stood head and heels above the rest in terms of the effort, risk beyond comfort zone, time commitment, and most definitely the reward and lessons gained. And speaking of time and energy commitments, just as soon as I’ve concluded this entry I shall begin creating the forum and support system I have offered all of my participants for the next 6 months.
Special note
*Ashton, if you read this, please remember that there is always someone will listen. It’s not about finding the place or group that you belong to. It’s about carving your own spot in the world. People are drawn to those who have the courage to be true to themselves. Growth comes along slowly. It’s a process. You don’t have know everything already. Just keeps moving forward. Every stage of our lives, especially that hard ones when we are most alone and confused, shape us to be stronger . . .
Artists mentioned:
*** Adham Shaikh (Nelson, B.C.) ***https://soundcloud.com/ adhamshaikh
http:// www.sonicturtle.com/
*** Desert Dwellers (Southern California) ***
https://soundcloud.com/ desertdwellers
http://www.myspace.com/ desertdwellers
*** FM Hi LOW (Montreal) ***
https://soundcloud.com/ fm-hi-low
*** Inword (Montreal) ***
http://www.myspace.com/ inword/music
~* Don't forget to like, share and subscribe to ThirteenSquared for all future adventures and creations. Also check out KN Extraordinary Life Channel one YouTube for all films! *~
One woman. One year. 79 down. 90 to go.
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