In our lives we mix with all sorts of people. Some are interesting, some less so.  If we get the chance to be in a group of creative, intelligent people I think we should grab that opportunity and run with it.

I had the good fortune to experience living in a communal yurt under the White Horse of Uffington in Oxfordshire, England, and being in the company of some exceptionally talented and creative individuals.

The communal yurt housed men, women, children and dogs.  Everyone had their own sleeping bag and there was a wood fired heater in the middle of the yurt to ensure that we didn’t get too cold. We all had a job to do and I chose to assist in meal preparation which was quite easy. The meals were vegetarian, wholesome and plentiful. During the day there were workshops to attend or activities in which to participate.

But it was during the evening that everyone gave full expression to their creativity and talents. There were fire jugglers, musicians, storytellers, singers and even a harp player. Sitting around the campfire and watching such talented and creative individuals relate stories from the past or entertain with their creative genius, I felt as if a part of me that had been hungry all my life, was suddenly receiving sustenance. Everyone gave of their talents freely, without comparison, without judgement. It was a wonderful experience.

Our ancestors sat around campfires and told stories. In the beginning they were probably about the day’s hunt, but as we evolved so too did the stories. The stories we tell today are often told in the passive medium of film or television, but let’s never forget how dynamic and satisfying it is to actually participate in theatrical interpretation or in simply creating a new story on the spot for a rapt audience.

Against All Odds, England’s Massive Chalk Horse Has Survived 3,000 Years