And we’re still riding those happy vibes! So many thoughts and emotions swirled around us this weekend and still so many things to sort out and post. I don’t know where to start!
I think the first thing that stood out to Justin and me was the internal theme the weekend seemed to have for us. Last year at Live and Learn our internal focus was clearly planted in being the best parents we could be. But this year we both agreed our focus was more towards being the best people possible. For to be passionate, inspired, interested people is to be loving, inspiring, interesting parents.
So while Zeb met new friends, played new games, swam in the pool or at the beach and generally had a blast, Justin and I were listening, thinking, talking, learning, exploring and opening ourselves up to all the weekend had to offer us this year. We all came away different people – jovial, excited, kinder – but Justin and I came away with a few new decisions and a definitive sense of peace about life unfolding.
Living in the unschooling bubble for seven entire days was unlike anything. The joyfulness evident in every face, the acceptance emanating from every body, the confidence and openness and friendliness in the kids, the common thread between the adults – that although none of us are perfect, our first priority is still peace, respect and love. For one brief week the world felt perfect and hopeful.
It’s hard to assimilate back into “normal” life after an experience like this. It may have only been seven days away but it was a culture shock nonetheless to rewitness demeaning parenting or unhappy children again or move immediately into the groove of overtime and repeated justification of our lifestyle. I felt so wrapped up in the possibilities of LIFE within such an atmosphere of genuine acceptance and individual appreciation that it was a slap in the face to realize just how far “the real world” is from sharing in the same experiences.
I feel as if I’m still there with 500+ friends of all ages. My heart is filled with the words, the kindness, the smiles and hugs we shared. I’m still overflowing with the uplifting presence that creates in me the kind of mother person I feel is authentic. I’m bursting at the seams with ideas and thoughts I’m ready to share with anyone willing to lend me an open ear and a few seconds. My heart is swollen.
Let me hold onto this awhile longer. Let me wrap myself up in the slice of world we’ve created and take in the warmth it radiates. Let me float away on my belief the whole world is feeling the way I am right now. Just a little bit longer…
Life is so good.
We went to Rethinking Education, it ended a few days before Good Vibrations began, and we considered doing both- LIVING surrounded by peace, love and freedom would be heaven but alas, we must just bring it into the world. The contrast is startling, isn’t it. Thanks so much for sharing:)
it sounds incredible. i can’t wait to hear more. and i’m really glad you got to have that experience.
Keep that “bubble” floating for as long as possible! And don’t answer the door to anyone sporting large pins! And know that you are not alone in combating the negativity being injected by others as you strive for peace.
That sounds wonderful! I feel that we miss so much being in the midwest…all of the big good unschooling conferences are VERRRRRY far away from us (physically and culturally). Hope when my boys get a bit older they will be OK with travel that takes more than 1.5 hours, and we can visit conferences. I can imagine how amazing it must be to be surrounded by people who actually have an idea who you are and what your life is like.
Amen, Sista’!
I am happy to be home though. Too many days away from my little paradise is tougher than dealing with the non-unschooling world. There is nothing like coming home to eggs in the nest boxes and cool fresh air flowing through the bedroom all night!
It was awesome getting to see you guys and we look forward to hosting your RV in the near future!!!
Yay! I’m so happy you had a good time! It sounds wonderful.
Hi Tara! It was so nice to finally meet you. But, I can’t believe the whole weekend went by and we never had a chance to really sit down and talk. Hopefully next time we will….
I’m so excited for you. Glad you had such an eye-opening, mind-expanding time. How do we hold on to that when we return to our “normal” lives? How do we pull that with us and learn to weave it into our current lives? If you find any answers on that one, please let me know – there must be a way!
In the meantime, enjoy. Marinate!
This sounds wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing with all of us who couldn’t experience it.
what a beautiful reflection — and oh my! those photos are just gorgeous!
we’re heading out tomorrow for a homeschool family camp. SO excited!!!
~erin