hello everyone, this is my first post in the hipforums and its kind of a big one. I dont really know how to say this question so im just gonna spit it out :drool: My girlfriend and I are both very open minded and kind people but we are both pretty shy. We have been going to a few festivals here and there and never seem to be able to meet people. We have been thinking of getting involved with the rainbow family but we are both a intimidated and nervous about it. We are both aware that everyone is welcome but we cant seem to get over this. I was wondering if anyone has any advice for us and what do you think we should expect. Thanks for anyone comments. my name is justin btw
it sounds like u guys have got the same problem as me... and the more people running around being extraverted makes me become more intraverted...i think ule b very comfortable at a gathering, ide say do like i did, and find a camp that u enjoy and with people u can talk to and ule b fine...i hung out at the reading rainbow library my entire time my first gathering...the people who initially set up the library came in a bus from new hampshire and picked me up in boulder, co...i spent three weeks with them, 11 days at the site and the rest riding around on the bus... also, if ure doing work, u dont have to be social for shit...feeling lonesome? dig a shitter, and the people will flock to u
my best friend in the world besides my wife is someone who ive known for 20 yrs,and i met at a gathering and we been setting up camp together ever since. you will meet the coolest people ever and feel right at home, camp close to a kitchen and help out a little, your sure to have a good time and meet lots of good peoples.. ps. stop by camp burntout say hello !
u gotta go forsure, theres nothing like it in the world. its the greatest lovin vibe, just bring urself and kind vibes. love u all
Don't let the gathering intimidate you, definitely go. Whether you know anyone or not is irrelevant, as we are all part of one human family and people at Rainbow are more outgoing, approachable, and easy to talk to than any other group I've ever encountered. People will probably come to you, so even if you're not the outgoing type you can't help but meet people. Be prepared to get hugs from strangers, everyone is very open. The vibe is awesome and everyone is smiling (just wear a smile & you'll fit right in). As others suggested, a great way to meet people is to offer to help out at kitchens. You can even do water runs for various kitchens until you find one that you really fit in with. Everyone appreciates a helping hand and you can make quick friends by simply being open & helpful. Hope to see you at the next gathering!
First things first, get past the parking lot. The vibe there is much different at times. Little more rowdy you might say. but not all the time... inside the gathering is a much differnt world. I hung at instant soup kitchen for 2006, the night time guitar sessions were great, not to rowdy and not to quiet. And I found a home for most of my hot sauce there (love to bring many many bottles and pass them out) you gotta love a spicy soup.... but just go, the trail will lead you where you need to be...
eh, i've always been a shy introverted type but have still managed to make lots of friends at gatherings and such. I've lived on the road for quite some time and that helps, people living the same lifestyle as you become family...
The advice about getting past the parking lot is good advice.. I've been to several gatherings but the people I went with hadn't. We were caravaning, and some A-campers stopped us and kept telling us THIS is the gathering, we can't go any further, blah blah blah, and luckily I knew better... but our friends behind us were convinced and believed them, and we had to go back and get them... and THAT was scary. But yeah, I'm super super shy and have had no problems at gatherings. That said, Colorado was the first gathering I felt I really "got" as in I let go of my insecurities and went with it, but even before that, I loved it.
thanks everyone for the good advice. My girlfriend and I have decided to give it a shot. We are gonna make the drive from michigan as long as work will allow. The only thing im worried about is that i might only get to go down there for 4 days. Do you think that is enough? Thanks again everyone for there support. -justin
Jastin ! for me not enough four life times to be at rainbow gatherings !!!! cuz each day at RG is perfect and each rainbow is not similar to another. There is a (danger)to throw away all Babylon attachments and fears if you go ones ! rainbow has changed my life so much for good!! thank you family that you are !!!!!!!!! In other case will be too dark and boring in this rude society !:sunny:
Enough??? No way... and of course. i prefer to have a week at a gathering to have Time to get to know the people i'm hangin out with better. Any Time at the gathering is worth being there, though. 4 days is a good amount of Time for a 1st Timer mebbe??? More than that might get u culture shocked, lol. Have fun gathering. i bet you'll love it.
I remember the first gathering that I "planned" to attend. Iwas just going to stay for a few days. Three months later I was at a Co. regional, over 1000 miles from home. I loved every minute of it. I go now to as many gatherings as I can. I have 2 kids now, and they like going home as much as I do.
