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Yoga Event Bali Spirit Festiv tival <strong>2009</strong> - Gathering of the tribe Bobsy The tribe slowly gathered under the hot balmy Bali sun. They came from all over the world, from all races, creeds and colours to gather in a lush and green corner on the outskirts of Ubud. They came for the 2 nd annual Bali Spirit Festival of Dance & Music held from 28 th April until 3 rd May picturesque Purnati Space for the Arts. They gathered under the banner of yoga and culture. Yogis and yoginis, musicians and performers, teachers and students, parents and children all came to live the spirit of our times, uniting for a greater purpose aligned to the healing of the planet. The spirit of Unity in Diversity was very much alive in the air and could be sensed throughout those five magical days. A sea of dreadlocks and funky people with beaming smiles, flowers in hair, long flowing dresses mixed with yoga tank-tops and tights, laughing children running free on the grassy lawns, friends new and old sitting under the palm trees enjoying their raw lunches, sipping coconuts or downing fresh connect and recognize their common joy in Yoga, at the food juices as they this gathering. We nod and smile as we pass each other in a way that only Kindred souls can do. We recognize our commonality and the greater purpose in coming to this festival. Mesmerizing and charming traditional Balinese dance troops with their detailed costumes and their exotic moves added a strong element of culture to this festival. World class musicians like Rocky Dawuni from Ghana and Tom Freund from the USA, Daphne Tse and Yeshe from, well, the world, amongst many rocked the massive stage every night well into the late hours. As the tribe sat on the grass lawn opposite, under the clear starry nights sipping cold beers or dancing to the happy sounds, you could feel people’s joy permeate the balmy Bali nights. Well-kept and clean portable loos, recycling bins galore, an efficient media centre, a large fresh water swimming pool, clean showers, a first aid centre and helpful staff everywhere all helped to make this gathering such a pleasure to be part of and such a success for one and all. I salute the organizers for their efforts and their foresight and above all for their passion and commitment to leading the way in this beautiful land. The Bali Spirit Festival can proudly take its place amongst the many wonderful music and cultural festivals happening all over the world today and certainly claim its unique spot amongst the top yoga happenings globally. We will be back next year in larger numbers, for the word has spread, the tribe is ready, the time is right and our planet needs us more than ever. Until such time, Namaste. Bali Spirit Festival will take place 1 st – 5 th April 2010, for more information visit www.balispiritfestival.com Social entrepreneur, Bobsy is the owner of Bookworm Cafe on Lamma Island and Life Cafe in Central, Hong Kong. Floating around the grassy lawns, enjoying the lush tropical gardens full of laughing colourful flowers set to the background sound of the Gamalan musicians with their soothing tunes, the scene feels quite surreal. A plethora of Yoga, music and cultural workshops, African dance, Balinese dance, Hip Hop and poi classes to chose from, fresh yummy healthy food and market stalls all seamlessly blend into one big happy scene where the days rich in quality fly by and blend into one big festive experience not to be forgotten soon. 15