The first Space of Love gathering in South Africa took place early February this year. This was a wholly co-created event inspired by Anastasia and the Ringing Cedar series. The intentions were to create a safe, harmonious space in which people of all colours and creeds could come together in unity and celebration of life. An experiment in temporary community, in order to taste a way of life that is lived in close communion with nature and one another as true brothers and sisters.

The gathering took place over a weekend and was hosted by the Blue Hippo Tipi Village in Greyton. This is the home of many an ancient Oak, majestic horses, a beautiful lake, an array of magical plant- and wildlife, as well as a handfull of ancient souls...two of these being the lovely ladies who seeded the event.

The gathering formed a weekend long outdoor festival, that was filled with wholesome activities and workshops with a focus on reconnecting to our hearts and our mother earth. Over the course of the weekend, a number of workshops were offered, ranging from permaculture gardening, worm farming, astrology, raw food education, ecovillage living, massage, sound healing journeys, to various meditation techniques as well as endless dancing. One could find oneself in a workshop, enjoying the surrounding wildlife, sharing in various talking circles, helping out in the kitchen or just having random fun. Trampolines, swings and jungle gyms were enjoyed by children of all ages..

Being a drug-free, non-commercial, vegetarian event created a harmonious, clear atmosphere, one in which children and adults could freely mingle and play to their heart's content. Getting in touch with the place of open minded fun and inspiration allowed joy & spontaneous bursts of kindness to spread throughout the gathering.

The Blue Hippo turned into a place where long held barriers were dissolved, and friendships and heart connections were nurtured and blooming. Meals were communally prepared by volunteers who's singing and laughter could be heard pouring out of the kitchen at regular intervals during the day, while blessings before the meals were sung holding hands in big circles under the open sky.

Sunset welcomed the coming of clear starlit nights, and the gathering of kindred souls around a sacred fire circle. Guitars, drums, tibetan singing bowls, chimes and jubilant voices came together, singing songs and sharing stories until only the whispers of the embers could be heard fading into the night.

Every sunrise was embraced with Agnihotra, an ancient vedic fire ceremony that has the effect of purifying the atmosphere, and set the tone for the emergence of each coming day.

During the course of the weekend, healing took place on many levels. People coming together in a safe space, where judgments & unhealthy indulgences were put asside created doorways in which heart sharings and personal revelations became possible. Seeing each other through our ancient eyes, through being connected to nature & our true selves, cleared up blockages and allowed past issues to come to the surface to be dissolved by the power of love.

Below are some experiences from participants :

"The space of Love gathering was the first of its kind for me. I experienced the space as one where I could just Be.
Be crazy, be reserved, be overwhelmed, be blissed out, be at peace and just be enveloped by the Love we all brought together.

When I look back at those couple of days on the farm, it was a time for personal transformation.
I overcame fears and went back to nature to feel her Love like a balm for my weary soul."

"One of my many magical moments was wandering around in the dark, feathers in my hair, under the moonshine while our brothers and sisters were gathered around the fire. I felt like I wandered back in time, when the land was safe and regarded sacred. The moonlight guiding my footsteps, nothing but the sounds of the night and singing by the fire." - antoinette

"A seed has been planted. And while i've been to gatherings before, come back with new inspiration, and then watched it slowly die down – this feels different. It feels as if my life no longer can move in a certain (city) way... a new Awareness is being processed, assimilated into my being. . And it leaves me feeling like there are doors wide open where there were once walls before." ~ haylee

This was truly a gathering of note, one that bursts with the inspir(itness)ation that sets the tone for each individual participant to embrace a more authentic way of living. One in which each of our journeys can be honored as unique and essential notes in the symphony of life. As have been said by so many great ones, the world needs originals...inspired individuals who are creating change by living their truth every day.

Space of Love was a kind of haven, where one could come and experience the dissolution of all worries, doubts & fears, and live, even if temporarily in the gift of the present moment, embracing every opportunity for the full potential it holds. A unique opportunity to explore our true selves, immersed in nature and community.

Change starts with the individual, and healing can only be without if it has happened within.

One Love. One Community. One Earth.
spaceoflove.co.za