Bonnaroo 2010 – Lessons on Love

By DeZengo

This year was my “coming out” and re-acclimating back into humanity and what better way than to volunteer at Bonnaroo, which is held in Manchester TN.

(for the full article and multimedia experience, click here:  OM-Times July 2010 Edition)

Having no expectations, experience with camping out or friends to accompany me, I headed out on an adventure that was full of possibilities and beautiful people. As I packed my car and prepared the days prior, it was emotionally charged. I realized I had never done anything on my own which was could be attributed to a co-dependent state of mind. Yet, I found the courage to push beyond my boundaries and fears to provide myself with the opportunity to grow and experience a different facet of life-personal independence and self-love.

Needing & Accepting Help

The first act of kindness I received came from my tent camping neighbors. As I mentioned, I am not the great wilderness survival woman, but I did have a tent and a willingness to learn.

My neighbors assisted me in putting up a borrowed tent as a severe lightning storm hit while checking in. My fears were already beginning to subside just knowing that there were random acts of kindness going on right there where I needed them. In that case it was putting up a tent without proper equipment and later in the week, when the tent collapsed those same neighbors worked on my tent as I worked my volunteer shift. How does one thank another for kindness and humanity when a “thank you “does not seem adequate? My offer for monetary compensation was rejected, so I choose to write about the positive experiences and people I met on my first adventure.

Planet-ROO : A Look at Sustainability

Bonnaroo is known for the great music and food, but there was a growing number of people hanging out in what they call “Planet-Roo” which was dedicated to finding ways to help sustain life and bring awareness for local and global issues. The description is as follows: “Heighten your global consciousness at Planet Roo. In this area you will find a variety of nonprofit organizations committed to protecting the resources of the world, promoting healthy lifestyles and making the world a better place. Learn about issues that are affecting the earth, from global warming to water protection to human rights issues. Learn how you can make a difference by reducing your carbon footprint or by supporting alternative energy sources. Our Friends at HeadCount will be onsite to play “HeadCount Reality Check,” a trivia tournament that will test your knowledge of music, politics and everything in between. Also, don’t forget to bring your old cell phone to the Rock the Earth station to be recycled. In Planet Roo you will find a variety of organic foods, a sit down restaurant, yoga classes, art and theatre, ongoing documentaries, and of course the ever popular Solar Stage. Planet Roo also features our eco friendly partner Jansport.”