I just came back from spending a week at Beglika Festival in Bulgaria, where we volunteered and shared about our community, and I’m still processing everything. Beglika isn’t just any festival – it’s set in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by tall pine trees, fresh air with no pollution, and a beautiful lake where people swim freely, even in the nude. It’s a place where you feel nature holding you every step of the way.
Workshops & Activities
The program was packed with all kinds of workshops and activities. Every day you could join yoga and meditation sessions, explore movement and ecstatic dance, learn about gentle parenting, discover art and circus therapies, or take part in holistic circles like goddess embodiment workshops. On top of that, there were delicious vegan food stalls, the Hare Krishna stand with their famous meals, and even ceremonial cacao.
The Inner Goddess Workshop
One of the experiences that stayed with me was a workshop about connecting with your inner goddess. It was all in Bulgarian, and we don’t speak Bulgarian, so at first we thought we should leave. But the facilitator insisted: “Stay, we are all women here. It’s energy – you’ll understand.”
And she was right. The energy carried us, even without words. At the end, one girl translated for us – and her voice was so soothing and almost cosmic, it added a whole other layer to the experience. The workshop ended with a little goddess graduation where each woman received a crown and everyone shared heartfelt compliments. It was emotional, uplifting, and one of the highlights of my week.
Fire, Sweat & River
Another unforgettable moment was seeing our boss, Rowena, perform fire poi after not performing for five years. Watching her spin flames with so much confidence and energy was inspiring for everyone.
We also joined a temazcal ceremony (sweat lodge). Inside the steaming hot space, we sang, released, and purified ourselves. Afterwards, the group ran down to the river, stripped off our clothes, and jumped into the freezing water together. The combination of fire, sweat, and cold river felt like a full-body reset – intense, liberating, and deeply bonding.
Sound Healing Journeys
We also took part in a sound healing journey. Between the gongs, bowls, and vibrations, it felt like being carried to another dimension. For me it was one of those experiences that’s hard to explain – at the same time grounding and completely out of this world.
A Community Away from Home
What struck me most at Beglika was how much it reminded me of Rising Soul community life. Even though we were far from home, the atmosphere was the same: people supporting each other, living intentionally, sharing meals, creating, healing, and celebrating together. It really felt like finding family in the middle of Bulgaria.
Final Thoughts
Beglika Festival was more than just music and workshops. It was about community, connection, and being reminded that there are people everywhere building a different way of living – one based on love, authenticity, and soul.I came back with a full heart, new friends, and a lot of inspiration. Festivals like Beglika show us that community life is possible not just at home, but anywhere we gather with the same values. And that’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time.
