My Journey of Self-Discovery at a Festival in Medellín, Colombia

Destination: Medellín, Colombia. But this wasn’t just a trip. It transformed into a powerful soul journey, one that peeled back layers I didn’t even know existed.

Relaxing in a hammock surrounded by stunning mountain views after an adventurous day of waterfalls and ziplining. Life is good.

🌄 Into the Wild

The adventure began with nature. Endless walks through lush forests meant breathing in fresh mountain air. I felt small beside majestic waterfalls. I traveled with my brother, one of the most positive and encouraging people I know. He challenges me to go further, both physically and mentally. However, in quieter moments—like in the bathroom or in the middle of the night—I’d let myself feel.

Emotions welled up: sadness, release, and gratitude. Each step forward felt like reclaiming a piece of myself that I had lost.

Sitting on the rock and inhaling my surroundings

💧 Facing My Fears (That Weren't Really Fears)

We zip-lined, climbed waterfalls, and jumped into rivers. Initially, I was hesitant. But when the second opportunity arrived, which was much higher, I decided to take the leap of faith. I’ve always claimed to have a fear of heights. Yet, something shifted as I resurfaced from the water. I realized that it wasn’t the heights I feared; it was the falling.

This fear goes beyond the physical. It includes emotional falling: falling in love and into vulnerability. It’s frightening to fall without knowing who will catch you. But Colombia taught me something important: I don’t need anyone to catch me.

🎶 The Festival That Broke and Rebuilt Me

We arrived at Core Festival as early birds, soaking in every detail. Our first stop was the food tents. While we grabbed our meals, we sat across from two vibrant festival newcomers. They were open and curious—wondering about these two energetic Arubians at the festival.

We made it our mission to help them have the best first experience. The music carried us all night, but one moment stood out: A light glove dance during Paul Kalkbrenner’s set, with “Breathe” by Camelphat.

CORE Festival

Pure energy. Pure presence. We started early again the next day, visiting the food tent, eating, connecting, and gearing up to dance. This time we met one of the most beautiful rave girls at the festival. When my friend asked her why she looked sad, her face instantly transformed into a smile. She became part of our crew and knew exactly what to do and when to do it.

The rain started pouring, but it didn’t stop us. We danced harder, all wet and fully alive. The track that deeply affected me was:

MGMT - Kids (Anna Remix) - Vintage Culture.

This song seemed to bring my inner child back to life. Listen to its message when you have a chance.

🔊 The Alan Watts Moment

As the night came to a close and the last track played, we all thought it was over. But wait… another track surprised me. This is the closest version I could find: Interstellar - Pontifexx remix, layered with Alan Watts' voice:

"The ultimate reality of the universe is the self. What you do is what the whole universe is doing at the place you call here and now. You are something that the whole universe is doing, in the same way that a wave is something that the whole ocean is doing. You separate from life, but life dominates you. The real you, deep down, is the whole universe. And it's expressing it as a singer sings a song." ~ Alan Watts

In that moment, I didn’t just feel; I remembered who I am. But the journey didn't end there...

🧠 The Song That Took Me Back

CORE festival

Then it happened: Innerbloom by RÜFÜS DU SOL. The last time I heard that song was during a retreat I planned for someone I loved deeply. In the middle of a sacred ritual, she walked out. When she returned, she revealed that her retreat had shown her she needed to leave and live abroad.

Can you imagine the impact of that song while I was already bracing for the emotional weight of her news? That was the last time I played Innerbloom, as it broke something inside me. But this time at Core Festival, surrounded by strangers turned soul family, soaked in rain and music, the song transformed. It became a release, a healing, and a FreequenSee for me. It shifted my memory from pain to presence.

🌀 The Message

As I watched my newfound friend process her emotions, I realized something profound: We all have different stories, yet the feelings are the same. I’ve made a vow to myself, and this I will keep close to my heart.

That was what freedom really felt like.

💭 And Now, I Ask You...

Have you ever truly asked yourself—Who am I, really? Not the version others expect. Not the one you wear in public. But the deep, raw, real you, buried inside? If you’ve felt something while reading this, if you’ve cried to Innerbloom, or if Alan Watts' words stirred your soul, please reach out. We might be part of the same tribe. You are not alone. You never were. You never will be.

With love and music,

Moorebida