I think that being at camp allows us freedom to play, to try new things, to lose some of our inhibitions and be like children again, and that is in good part why we come out not only re-energized and invigorated, but full of creativity and plans to try new ideas. Society's rules haven't just changed for kids, but for all of us, and we let them constrict the way we live our lives and at camp we get to ignore the rules, stay up late, hang out with good friends, sing, laugh and cry until our stomachs ache. And so on. We can trust freely, give our hearts freely and know that they'll be handled gently and with care.
I wonder...can the sort of environment we have at camp be sustained for longer than that brief slice of time? Or is one of the reasons we all have such a hard time re-entering the world because we know, deep down, that it can't be? I wonder if the Nipomo crowd, or the Bellingham folks, or other groups that work together manage to keep it up all year? Sometimes I think yes, but then I wonder. And I know that there are families at camp who seem so very connected, but the rest of the world must invade there too...is it possible to keep it up? I think there must be something about being at camp, literally separated from the rest of the world that allows us to create what we need. I surely would love to create or find that in my own day to day life. I try to with Xander, and hope that it will continue. I look for it, and try to make it happen, but I work with such negative teachers, and I can't seem to influence or change their way of viewing the world, and then that negative atmosphere is so hard to exist in.
I am trying to find other places - my choir - imagine 300+ everyday people from all walks of life getting together to sing once, twice or even three times a week. Performing in concerts to raise significant amounts of money for the Power of Hope and for a small village in Mozambique. And then think that not only is it non-audition, but designed for those who we always told they coulnd't sing...that's what I have found thus far (and full credits must go to Julie M who challenged us to be bold and wild...my eternal gratitude!). But that's still a small enough thing, and while I've managed to be barefoot at choir most of the year, I can't reach out and connect with touch the same way I do at camp, which truly helps me connect...I'm kinesthetic and need movement and touch in my life...
Anyways...I don't think I'm going anywhere with these thoughts. I just wish it were okay in the big world to laugh as loud as you want, burst into tears, ask for a hug or backrub when you need it. Have someone right there willing and ready to talk about things, or brainstorm, or leap into a song or clapping game. Or just be willing to play for a while. Or sit in silence. To have the world encourage you to try something new, to risk making a fool of yourself and know that you WON'T be judged and found wanting. That unconditional love and acceptance that's found at camp...All those things. I am slowly getting used to the world around me again, and hope that all my fellow campers are too. And that you carry enough from camp to make your heart lighter and your days more joyful. Maybe if there enough of us, keeping in contact and sharing the wealth we recieve from camp each year, we an slowly affect the world around us.
That's all for now - peace to the world, namaste...
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