Imagine a weekend filled with live music; African, Aztec and Native American drum and dance classes, performances and ceremonies; workshops; yoga and qi gong; sacred song and story circles around the fire; cool vendors, healthy food and community while surrounded by nature. This is the journey of discovery you will find on September 17-19, at The Emerging Self Festival, held at Eagle’s Landing Day Camp in North Brunswick. 

Presented by Touch Mother Earth, a 501c3 non-profit, this outdoor festival invites attendees to emerge from the cocoon of limitation and expand into the butterfly of new self…and Self…awareness. This is a prime opportunity to explore the mind, body, spirit, and Earth connection while safely mingling in a open-minded community. The transformative experience of the festival draws from a collection of organizations, workshop leaders, musicians, dance instructors, herbalists, yogi, education specialists and others, working together to allow one to open the inner door to:

Express joy through music and dance, art and nature, and friendship,

Improve the self with workshops, yoga, circles, ceremonies, diet and practice

Give back to the community, build trust, and volunteerism.

The festival is perfect for all ages. Children can explore nature, write songs, make shakers, and more. Plus, Day Sanchez will lead a program for kids called Turning Fear into Safe Action. Jacqueline Hyacinth will be signing her new children’s book Celebrate the Magic.

SOMETHING FOR EVERY AWAKENING

From 3 p.m. on Friday to 4 p.m. on Sunday, come for the day (doors open 10 a.m.) or share a weekend of community in a large open space with live music and performances, workshops, hiking on marked trails, camping, healthy food, classes, circles, kid-friendly activities, vendors, ceremonies and more.

FRIDAY ACTIVITIES

Aztec Ceremony of the Elements with Qigong and Water Blessing led by Cheryl Glover and Leticia Gutievaz 

Dave Miller of EarthMovers Drum Collective leads a public drum circle

Faye Adinda leads as we get quiet around the fire, sharing songs and stories. Bring acoustic percussion, guitar, and/or flute.

Come early afternoon and tune up your djembe with Jim 

On Stage Friday

Gypsy Funk Squad performs with Ana belly dancing + night of hooping + flow toys

SATURDAY ACTIVITIES

Breathe in the morning with a Kundalini Lymph-Stimulating BreathWalk with Bharati Carla or dance to Zumba with Rosalba Mendoza

Join Reiki Healing for You & The Planet with Rayki Love from RAYKI School 

Go on a Wild Food and Herb Walk with Stephen Hoog

Take African drum and dance classes with Yahya Kamate, Karen Miles, Jim Dav

Enjoy Native American Dance and Culture with Delwin Fiddler—Native American Ambassador/Cultural Artist

Take Partner Yoga with Lynne Christopher

Assist Tree Planting and Blessing: Why Do We Plant Trees? with Joseph Resch and Antinanco

Learn Buddhism 101: An introduction by Jeff Eisenberg

Join the Sound healing chant and Fireside Heart Share with Faye Adinda Music

On Stage Saturday

The Mystical Music of Mirabai Moon

Music with Faye Adinda and Robert Aum

Jeff Eisenberg and the Rock & Ram Kirtan Band

JourneyDance and Sound Sirens Ecstatic Dance with Joy Okoye & Serenity Entity

Dalien 13 Hands an evening of Sound Healing, Chant, and Song

SUNDAY ACTIVITIES

Start off with Sound Journey with Lois Harrison

Join the Silent Bikram Yoga with Jaimie L. Adkins 

Take the Medicinal Plant Walk with Jim Furey of Integrative Herbalism

Aikido Demonstration and Class with Renseikan /Aikido of Raritan Valley & Integrative

Belly Dance Performance and Class with Anadonis ‘Ana’ Nephilim & Luis Manuel

Learn about the Mayan Calendar as Synchronicity Engine with Jason Berube

Relax with The Emerging Self Moving Meditation with Inna Shapiro

On Stage Sunday

Jason Berube’s Medicine Show with singer/writer 

Dennis Mc DoNoUgh (aka) of JUNG WOMBATS!

Triune Entity, a tribute to Barry Blues Holmes with some R & B, Funk, Soul

CLOSING CEREMONY

Led by Nganga Akinyele Onishigun Karade and Tom Vasile

Special Notes:  To avoid allergies, the grounds are nut-free. Do not bring or sell anything containing peanuts or any other nuts. You may bring food or purchase from our food vendors. All materials brought in must be removed from the premises—we are a leave no trace event. Only certified service dogs are allowed (no pets). Smoking is in a designated portion of the parking area. No smoking on the main grounds. 

Location:  74 Davidson’s Mill Rd, North Brunswick Township. For information and tickets, visit TouchMotherEarth.com. See ad, page 9.