Thank You for Givers, Takers, and the Rainbow Gathering

 

If you want to experiment with social systems and non-systems, try a Rainbow Gathering sometime. The Rainbow Gathering started in San Francisco in the late 60’s and has been an annual celebration, moving from place to place, inviting peaceful beings to participate from all over the world.

I went to a couple rainbow gatherings in my youth.

The brothers and sisters of the Rainbow family create a sort of tribal city where ever they go and welcome anyone and everyone to participate in communal living and sharing in a nomadic fashion with much respect encouraged toward nature.

To me, the Rainbow Gathering represents one microcosm of the world at large and it’s potentials. 

There are circles — drumming circles, meditation circles, craft circles, dance circles, barter and trading circles— a place where happiness runs in a circular motion… The Circle of Life

There are no leaders and no followers, few structures and freedom from some structures— just respect the planet and others.

Though some see the Rainbow people as fringe, or social rebels defying conformity, I see them as a social refuge, offering acceptance and socialization for some who may have missed out on developing social skills and individual responsibility in nature and humanity.

This can have it’s challenges ( just like any community) when confronted with takers who don’t know the rule about giving yet.

The rainbow gathering does have it’s challenges, pitfalls, and stigmas to contend with, but it really does a fine job at demonstrating the power of cooperation among humans—albeit with an idealism that can be scrutinized by skeptics and folks addicted to indoor plumbing. 

There is much reference to Native American ideologies and principles and the “tribe” gathers in forests and beautiful natural settings to appreciate the earth while honoring and promoting human responsibility toward the planet and it’s inhabitants.

This is not a venue for the Woo Woo adverse or those of hierarchal mentality and a preference toward Hyatt Regency vacations but it’s a great place to observe societal challenges and potentials.

Of course there’s going to be those who eat all the oatmeal and don’t bring anything to share but again, it’s a good place to experiment with social responsibility and examine one’s place in the bigger world.

Hey, here’s a video that  gives you an idea about the ideal.

~ by leakelley on March 12, 2009.