A few weeks into quarantine, my healer asked me what I was currently doing to nurture my inner child. When I told her not much, she met me with kindness and compassion, as she always does. Then she offered a suggestion - find an activity that is incredibly fun for him.
In asking myself how I could bring fun to my inner child, the answer was simple – MUSIC. The thought of doing a DJ livestream popped up almost immediately. And just like that, the Good Vibrations Day Rave, a weekly (now monthly) dance party that brings healing and joy into the world, was born!
Below are the elements and core values that have developed from that initial spark and become the vision of the Good Vibrations Day Rave.
Microphone
I knew I needed a microphone. I was going to toast, give shout outs, and preach. I was putting myself out there, and I knew I needed to do it BIG. While the music was the root of the healing, I wanted to bring in the motivating power of the human voice to increase connection and take this experience deeper.
Music
The music had to be completely positive. I wanted it to bring healing and joy to the world. When I set that as my intention and guide I could musically go wherever I wanted.
Value #1 – authenticity
I needed to show up as my most authentic self. I was really going to go for it out there, and to do that meant dropping the stories of how ridiculous I would look or sound. When the stories came up (and they still do!) I had to say, “Oh brain, that was a nice story, now let’s get back to raving, shall we?”
Value #2 - personal development
Anytime I push myself to start a new project I acquire skills, both practical and emotional, which develop me into a stronger and more loving person. I have to keep jumping into the stream of life – I cannot stand to be stagnant!
Value #3 - community.
Playing music was only half of the recipe – less than half, actually! I needed YOU. I needed a community of people that was bigger than me and the music. I've been repeatedly shown the strength and value of community; I learned it at an early age in the rave scene, where I felt like I belonged for the first time in my life. That openness and wild acceptance is what I am bringing into the Good Vibrations Day Rave. Everyone is loved; everyone is welcomed.
Value #4 - creativity / self-expression
Playing music, telling stories, and public speaking are where I feel most creative, in my full power, and in my flow. As a result, this is also where I am most impactful. It’s imperative that I keep these elements in my life to feed my soul and live up to my life’s purpose.
Value #5 - enacting change / enriching lives
I strongly believe that if we all make small changes in our lives and bring joy into the world, that we can have a global impact and move into greater harmony. (I’m a raver, what can I say?!)
Value #6 - accountability and commitment
I knew had to DJ each week until there was some logical stopping point. Making the commitment would allow me to step into the zone, feel the vibe and not overanalyze my efforts.
Value #7 - connection to self and others
When I play music I feel it running through my body, with goosebumps all over my skin. There are a few other places in the world where I feel that grounded and connected to myself.
Maintaining this connection to myself is as important as the connection with the people around me. I knew that the Good Vibrations Day Rave could connect me with my friends and loved ones, from far and wide. And more so, it would connect you. Whether that be friends you can't see at the moment, friends you haven't thought about in years, or friends you haven’t met yet!
One Love,
Rob Tygett
