Arkansas Natural Healing Arts Festival
@belindayhughes (1096)
United States
January 6, 2013 2:48pm CST
I once attended the AR Womyn's Natural Healing Arts Fest. They had well-known instructors from around the world, who led workshops in Crystal Bowls, Drumming, Yoga and Facial Masques. I took part in one of the Sweat Lodges. It was especially great when a mountain lioness stopped by outside and paused to commune with us before continuing on her way. They offered a vegetarian menu, including chai and green tea, which was great in the cool mountain mornings. On the night of the Full Moon, there were several different celebrations taking place. The one I chose was drumming to the sound of a mother's heartbeat as heard from an infant in the womb, taped. We did this as the full moon rose behind the trees in front of us. The moment we finished, the moon was just above the treetops, a perfect picture. On the final night of the festival, there was a party, featuring live music from world-renowned drummers and spontaneous nature dancing. The next morning, the fest was closed with a prayer circle. It was a beautiful, most memorable experience.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@WakeUpKitty (8691)
• Netherlands
7 Jan 13
That sounds great. You really described it great. I love the drumming too (although every mother her heartbeat is different and that is exactly why a new born can recognize it's mother). Thanks for sharing I really appreciate it.
1 person likes this
@belindayhughes (1096)
• United States
7 Jan 13
Hey there, Kitty, and thanks for the response and compliment. The mother's heartbeat tape was just a go-by sample, so we could get into the mood. It's something I'd never thought of before, and it worked out quite well. More to come!
@maximax8 (31042)
• United Kingdom
7 Jan 13
I very much like the sound of the Arkansas Natural Healing Arts Festival. I like colorful crystals, vegan food and natural healing. I have tried a foot massage called reflexology and a relaxing massage on my body. The drumming sounds like fun. The full moon must have given an amazing atmosphere. The party with the live music must have been delightful.
Years ago there was an event called Vegan Bristol. I loved going to that. Now it is the Veggie Festival and I forgot to go to it last year. I would like to attend a natural healing festival.
1 person likes this
@belindayhughes (1096)
• United States
7 Jan 13
I'm not sure if this festival still exists or not. The founder passed away a few years ago, but it's entirely possible her fans have kept it up. Her husband wrote a bible on sprouting back in the 70s, with a Peter Maxx cover. There was also a Zeneral Store for things attendees may have run out of, forgotten, or were unable to bring through airports. You would have truly enjoyed it, I think. Veggie Festival sounds like a great time, too. Have you heard of Veggie Fest Chicago? They might be related somehow.
@Arieles (2473)
• United States
7 Jan 13
Wow! Belinda, that sounds like a lot of fun. I would love to participate in something like that. It sounds so relaxing. While you were there did you sleep in cabins or tents? And what is a sweat lodge? I think I would like the vegetarian menu as well.
1 person likes this
@belindayhughes (1096)
• United States
7 Jan 13
It was very relaxing! With no men around, we could really let our hair down. Most of us slept in tents. One night I even growled like a bear and made shadows to scare a friend. I'll go into more detail about sweat lodges in another post. For now, I'll say that it's a Native American ritual for cleansing spiritually and physically. The vegetarian menu was amazing! It was the first time I ever ate aloe vera. And sprouts were popular around the clock. I can't remember the rest right now. I just remember that it was delicious, and I felt full of energy, strong and happy.
