For those who have done work in the realms of emotional intelligence and/or spiritual growth, I think that it is fairly well understood that the aspects of another person’s character that we most strongly react to serve as a mirror to one’s own weaknesses or character flaws. Put another way, those things that most irritate us in others, act as a reminder of either the person we don’t ever want to be, or that any strength overdone can be a weakness.

There are all kinds of reasons why individuals choose to volunteer – to enhance their resume, for free access to an event (or to gain something), to support an organization that they believe in, to feel important, to exert some sense of control over a thing (because they don’t feel like they have control in their day-to-day life), to feel a sense of belonging, or in the case of a music festival . . . because they simply love music.

One can only imagine that mixing a group of relative strangers with different personalities, life experiences, levels of education, belief systems, values and motivations is likely to present a multitude of “mirror moments” over the course of a four day festival.

As I reflect on the 2025 Ness Creek Music Festival, I am so grateful for every “mirror moment” that I experienced. I had an opportunity to reconnect with some extraordinary individuals, meet some new ones, hear some amazing music and groups, and photograph the fascinating “camps” and accommodations that festival goers called “home” for the weekend.

I continue to make progress on my 55 in 55 list (albeit that progress has slowed these last several months) . . . I have started a number of conversations with strangers (no. 10), stayed in bed one Sunday morning to read (no. 42), lit and sat around a campfire (no. 43), spent a night stargazing (no. 49), and spent 20+ hours volunteering over this past weekend (no. 18).