 Martina Cederqvist |
in swedish
I don´t know how many times I’ve been at Ängsbacka, but it´s many. I came here the first time in 2009 as a volunteer, serving food at a festival called The after-party. Since then I have returned as cleaning volunteer, joined the Ängsbacka leadership training as a cleaning coordinator, and the last few times I´ve been a part of Ängsbacka´s marketing team, taking care of the blog. But this time it was time to treat myself with being a participant for the first time.
The Tantra Festival was one of the most splendid festivals I’ve been at here, with amazing workshops and instructors from all over the world. I could take care of all my thoughts and feelings that aroused in me and go with the flow.
As a participant, I had time between workshops to mingle and dive into the inspiring conversations, rest if I was tired, hang out on the lawn, etc. etc.. It was very big difference from being a volunteer but both have their appeal. Among the volunteers there is a feeling of being part of a community and you have the opportunity to get to know many new friends. Although the volunteers are of mixed ages, they are often younger than the participants. I would guess the average age is 25. The accommodation is very simple in a dormitory. Participants have the opportunity to book a nicer room.
As a volunteer, you pay less than the participants and do working meditation for four to six hours a day, depending on when you’re here. If you apply in time, you often have the opportunity to choose which group you want to help in. Kitchen, dish-washing, gardening, safety, handyman and healing circle (treatments for the volunteers) are some of the groups to join.
If you have only been here as a participant, I warmly recommend to come as a volunteer and contribute with your gifts to Ängsbacka. If you have only come here as a volunteer it is really worthwhile to indulge in a festival. For me, it was a real treat to give to myself after a busy summer as a reporter for an event- paper.
Martina Cederqvist
Freelance journalist
+46 734 351876
http://livinlovinsthlm.wordpress.com
http://livinlovinla.wordpress.com
http://whatsthebuzz.blogg.se
