FOREST CEREMONY
My heart beats slow and at ease as I feel back into this ceremonial day in the forest last March. It was one of deep connection and communion - to the Earth, her Elements and to these four beautiful souls. Bailey, Johnny, Wild and Steven, please know how truly I cherish this day with you all. Raw and spontaneous, it marked the beginning of a year of surrender and re-birth to come. As we cycle and spiral back into March once more, we’re a new, yet our through line to Source the same. So grateful for each of your unique wisdom, kindness, and delicious hearts offerings. Thank you.
Below are words from Bailey River on this ceremonial day in the forest last March.
“At the beginning of lockdown, one year ago, I was asked to craft a floral installation for a live streamed concert to support local musicians. My plan was to gather flowers and greenery from the community in a drive-by-yard-foraging-style and create a collective piece of art to represent our resiliency when we come together, unite with nature and share abundance!
Days before the event I was informed that they had to shut it down. At this point I had already gathered a few buckets of flowers from the community and desired to honor the intention of creating something with them. I called in my dear friends, Steven and Wild, who craft ceremonies through their love child, Rume Studio. Together, we made our way into the forest for a sweet ceremony, with the intention of live-streaming it for the community.
Once again, the intention wasn’t fulfilled due to internet issues. It spoke to the energy of that moment - all plans cancelled and our lives thrown into the unknown. At some point I gave up on my expectations. I settled into the moment, adorning the trees in flowers as Steven and Wild serenaded the air with harmonium and doused our hearts in words of poetry.
It seems that moment was a foreshadowing for what was to come. One year later, I had to let go of my floral design business, Forest + Field, due to the lockdown. But what has risen in its place is a creation I never expected. I am now offering Elemental Communion; a forest experience for connection, grounding, nurturing, emotional release, expression and expansion.
This crumbling of the familiar has birthed my soul's calling. This moment in the forest with friends was a foreshadowing for what was to come. This year has dislocated so many of us. I have found myself and my place in the universe by communing with the elements, allowing them to tune my body back to it’s most potent song.
This ceremony initiated us. This whole year has initiated us into a new way of being.” -Bailey River
