I had the pleasure of returning to my favorite festival this year while working ground control with Insomniac. I was lucky enough to get to stay in the beautiful alternate universe that is Electric Forest for two whole weeks! My mind and arms were open, my heart was full, and by the end of the second weekend, my feet and legs were extremely sore.
I have gone to countless festivals in this lifetime. You can search far and wide, but I promise you—the vibes, sense of community, and love that radiates from the forest are unlike anything you will ever find.
The Magic of Electric Forest
There is something magical about this place. It’s almost a spiritual thing. Electric Forest has a way of helping people find themselves. It can change your perspective on something you thought you were so sure of. It can make you realize what you are capable of when you didn’t even know you had the strength within you. It can make you remember that love and hope always exist in the darkest of times, that life will always go on, and that things will get better.
People truly love and respect this place for what it has given them. With that comes almost a second nature reciprocation of that love back to others at Electric Forest. It spreads like fire. This warm fuzzy glow of happiness, appreciation, love for life, and self-awareness engulfs your body and soul. Everyone cares for one another, for they know how special this experience is for them as well.
A letter from a stranger
On the day of the storm, the line to get back into the festival was brutal. People were in agony, standing like sardines, hardly moving for hours. I was stationed around the entrance for a few shifts. I tried my best to boost morale by handing out high fives and sharing words of encouragement. As I was doing this, a random stranger within the line handed me a note. I was able to read it later while on a break, and it brought me to tears.
I felt like I was destined to receive this letter because the message was exactly what I needed to hear. I am on my own path, doing what makes me happy, but the uncertainty of the future and the fear of failure are always lurking around every corner. This letter was a reminder that even though some moments in life might not feel so perfect or beautiful, that’s okay. I am still exactly where I am supposed to be, and things will get better. These words of support and encouragement from a complete stranger will stick with me forever.
Gone but not forgotten
Eight days in the forest was long, but when the final hour rolled by, I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. I didn’t want to go back to real life. I wanted to stay in this beautiful place, with its beautiful people, where every second I felt appreciated, inspired, and loved.
It was a moment of frustration, knowing that so many people can come together at Electric Forest and live this way, yet out in the real world, it’s not the same case. Why can’t we always boost each other up and spread love?
I think Electric Forest is a reminder to those who attend. We get so self-absorbed and caught up in silly things and forget to remember what is truly important in life. It’s a break from reality to show us how things could be if we could take a step back and be more conscious and caring towards the people around us.
It starts with us, Forest Fam.
We leave Electric Forest with new attitudes, refreshed minds, and the love for life and one another burning in our hearts. Just because we have left the Forest, it shouldn’t stop there. We have the power to make a difference and make this love spread. The forest is proof. A small act of kindness, an encouraging word, or a hug can go so far. Love and care for one another daily. You can change or even save someone’s life.
Happy Forest,
Casey
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