A Day for Inner Exploration in Amsterdam's Artistic Haven
The cultural free-haven of Ruigoord, a village known for its artistic community and counter-culture roots just outside Amsterdam, will host the 'Natural High Festival' on Ascension Day. The event offers a full day of workshops, ceremonies, and concerts centered around themes of self-love, connection, and mindfulness.
Organizers state the goal is to provide a space for 'inner work,' encouraging participants to connect with themselves and each other. The program is designed to appeal to those seeking alternatives to mainstream entertainment, with a focus on embodiment, sound, and meditative practices.
A Diverse Program of Workshops
The day is structured around three main time slots for workshops, allowing attendees to curate their own experience. The offerings can be broadly categorized into several streams:
Movement and Embodiment
For those looking to connect through physical practice, options include Yoga with live music, a 'Tender Tantric Dance' workshop from the Selflove Academy, and a 'Shake the Dust' movement session. Later in the day, participants can join an Ecstatic Dance & Soundjourney or a Somatic Healing Workshop focused on body awareness.
Sound, Voice, and Breath
A significant portion of the program is dedicated to sound and breath. Highlights include a workshop on Tuvan Throat Singing with Frodi Fransman, a 'SoulSong Activation' session exploring light language, and a combined Breathwork and Gong Soundhealing. The evening will also feature a Kirtan session with Bhakti Groove, a form of call-and-response chanting.
Introspection and Connection
Workshops with a focus on emotional and mental well-being are also prominent. These include a 'Love Yourself' workshop, an Osho Heart workshop, and a session on the Wim Hof Method, which combines breathing techniques and cold exposure with an optional ice bath. For those interested in interpersonal connection, there is also an 'Embodied Dating Club' session.
Evening Community Gathering
As the workshops conclude, the festival transitions into a communal evening. An organic, two-course Ayurvedic meal will be available (reservations recommended). The church terrace will host a series of intimate musical performances from artists including Frodi Fransman (Siberian Throat Singing), Immy Angel, Azuni El’aena Raphael, and Valhanna.
The night culminates with two main events: a Cacao Ceremony inside the church, a practice intended to foster heart-opening and connection, and a live performance by the Dragonfly Ecstatic Dance band on the terrace.
Full Program Overview
12:30 - 14:00
- Yoga with live music
- SoulSong Activation – The Healing Power of Light Language
- Workshop 'Love Yourself'
- 'Shake the Dust'
- Live from your inner wisdom
- Embodied Dating Club
14:30 - 16:00
- Tender Tantric Dance
- Thai Yoga Massage
- 'In the Heart'
- Psoas Release & Sound Bath
- Workshop Tuvan Throat Singing
- Somatic Healing Workshop
- Space of Love
16:30 - 18:00
- Wim Hof Method Ice Bath
- Ecstatic Dance & Soundjourney
- Osho Heart workshops
- Northern Elemental Ceremony
- Breathwork & (Gong) Soundhealing
- Improvisation Theater Workshop
18:00 - 20:00 - Dinner & Performances
Two-course organic Ayurvedic meal (€13.50, reservation required). Live music on the church terrace.
20:30 - 23:00 - Evening Ceremonies
- Church: Cacao Ceremony
- Salon: Kirtan with Bhakti Groove
- Church Terrace: Dragonfly Ecstatic Dance band
Tickets and more information are available via the Ruigoord website.
