words by Noelle Mandolfo:
When I recap over my journey of 2013, there is one particular moment of vast transformation that stands out in mind – Envision Festival. Envision is a four-day gathering in late February, tucked away out in the Costa Rican rainforest. There, thousands of enchanted, curious nomads come together to collectively open their minds, spirits and hearts for the sake of art, music, Earth and communion. It was as if each person was the most inspiring, intriguing individual I had ever met. Deep in this forrest is where I found myself in the reflection of each and every beautiful soul coming to this place for the same reason I was: the search; and together we found it. We found our Truth, our compassion, our intentions, our vulnerability – together we blossomed into what we are now.
Mario Covic Photography
So how does Envision stand apart from the ever-evolving list of trendy music festivals that keep pouring into our daily newsfeeds? Well first, branding Envision merely as a music festival gyps recognition of all it’s equal counterparts. The Bloom Series coins Envision (and a few elite others: http://thebloomseries.com/featured/featuredfestivals/) as “transformative” with key defining qualities emphasizing: co-creation, sacred ceremony and ritual, conscious intention, sustainability, New Paradigm workshops, and community. Which means although the music line-up is exemplary, there is so much more productive, progressive activity to partake in that it becomes just the cherry-on-top to an already mind-altering, conscious-shifting experience. Spoken-word workshops, yoga and meditation practices, live painting with an array of Visionary Artists, and epic physical art installations surround the festival in a sacred shared space, creating a mythical playground of growth and inspiration. And that’s where the magic lies – in between muddy toes, clay-crusted laugh lines and unified deep breathes.
Although 10 months later, I still feel just as connected and affected as though I never left – Envision 2014 brings change for the better and a whole new journey for those still in awe. This year production has pulled an even more Nature luscious venue, Rancho La Merced, in Uvita just a few minutes North of last year’s location. Costa Rica in February tends to be humid and squelching in the high 80’s. Rancho La Merced promises bountiful palm trees and an abundance of natural shade for campgrounds and workshops unlike ever before. This year post-card worthy waterfalls, sink holes and beaches are all within walking distance, free of charge and full of adventure waiting to be had. Along with EDM emperors Dave Tipper (2 sets), The Polish Ambassador and Andrelien, this time around Envision immerses more live, soulful acts like Nahko and Medicine for the People, Rising Appalachia and CocoFunka. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg – Envision 2014 offers all different mediums of artistic expression: music, flow performance, installations and interactive designs, yoga and movement, fire dancers, and the most rounded Global collection of local, organic, hand made, fair trade treasures and food.
Justin Brothers, Envision Event Producer, is eager for this time around, “2014 is going to be an exceptional year for Envision as a whole. New venue, dialed team and more eclectic lineup than ever. The amount of experience and preparation that is going into this year is more than we’ve ever seen.” It’s words like these send butterflies swarming.
2014 Preview
Okay, so you’re convinced. Now what are the next steps that need to be taken to manifest this experience? The festival speaks for itself: “envision” opening your heart this spring and embark on a transformational journey of your own. For tickets, videos, volunteering, shuttle and tent-rental and anything else you would need to make this happen, check out the ENVISION WEBSITE.
PURA VIDA!
Bonus: DubEra edited together the 2013 Preview if you wanna check that out too!