I think this is something that is nearly impossible to define so rather than trying to define it, I am going to tell a story of one of my experiences.

A few years ago, ok more like fifteen, I went to go see Phish up at Nassau NY. There were two first on this journey, seeing Phish and going to a show by myself. This show was going to have more symbolic meaning than any other event up to that point in my life. There were paths to be decided about, and a journey that would open my heart to people that opened theirs to mine.

After driving four hours, I was finally there, where I was suppose to be. I immediately walked around the lot, needing a ticket and a buzz. Things were not going all that great that week for me and I was going to lose reality for awhile. I just broke up with my girlfriend of 4 years and still had no sense of identity. I now know that was a bad idea, but heck we got to learn somehow. I scored a ticket and a 1/4 of some bruisers and headed into the show.

After grabbing a cold beer, I attempted to find my seat. This was proving to be a much harder job than I was up for at the time. I stumbled down the rows nearly losing my life and my whole beer. I eventually just sat in the next open seat I could find and decided to sit and wait for the music to start. These eyes began to open from every nook and cranny, peering down on me. A caught a few laughs that were directed at me as I was unable to hold my beer up straight. I was beginning to lose it, and fast.

I had enough, I needed to get out of there, I needed to be relieved of the eyes and negative feelings I was catching in the show. As I exited the gates , there appeared two visions on opposing sides. To the left of me, there was a bright white light and to the right of me a dark red and black image. I could hear the chaos emerging as these two polar extremes shuffled through my ears. Who are they? What do they want? Then out of the white light a shadow formed and quite whisper of tranquility overcame me. I then felt the warm embrace of a hug, the tears that were running down my face began to subside. I felt warm, I felt safe.

She hugged me and explained I was where I was suppose to be. She immediately showed me the door to the bus, free from below zero temperatures and the harsh winds of winter. I was offered a seat on the couch of the 25 foot psychedelic painted bus. The gentleman next to me offered me a warm bowl of homemade stir fry and a cup of coffee. We shared experiences and stories over the next few hours into the wee hours of the morning. They offered for me to stay on the bus and head back to California with them to their farm. I ultimately decided to head back home and share this kindness with as many people as I could.

This is what it was about. A brother helping another man, a sister helping another man. People taking care of one another, without expectation of the same. This to me is what the community is about. Yes, we have the common like in good music, yes most of party and use substances to heighten our awareness, but most importantly most of us are willing to help another man in trouble. Most of us are there to spread the positive energy we have to share with the rest of the community. This is what the Jamband community is to me, a loving caring group of people that collectively provide more to the world than themselves individually.

Peace & Blessings,

Doctortrip