Woodstock 69 – An amazing moment in history
This day, 40 years ago, marks the last day of one of the momentous occasions in our modern history. An occasion that saw the largest gathering of human beings in one place. Approximately 500,000 people descended upon a small farm in New York State in 1969, to hang with friends and listen to some tunes. We could ponder whether they knew they were collectively contributing to a new beginning for humanity. I like to think that deep down they knew the magnitude of their triumph.
By today’s standards, Woodstock 69 was organised by four kids – their average age just 25 years old. They expected 60,000 to attend and got half a million. Despite having little of the resources to cope with the city that unexpectedly sprung forth, somehow they managed to steer the concert through the Three Day Peace and Music Festival. The place was declared a natural disaster zone, with emergency food helicoptered in and local charities making it their mission to feed the masses. It rained heavily, and there was one porta-loo (that’s portable toilet for all those that aren’t Aussies!) for every 833 festival goer. All of this, and only 3 people died…none of which were the direct actions of another being. They proved to the world that it was possible for that many people to co-exist in harmony no matter what circumstances they were faced with. Collectively, they supported, loved, hugged and danced their way through the experience.
I wonder how they might be feeling these days, as they watch the very foundation of all that they were rebelling against, start to crumble. It’s been a long road, but four decades down the track, they are witnessing the revolution in our world that I am sure their hearts were crying out for back then. Corporate and political systems of greed and intolerance and inequity are buckling under the weight of their own irrepressible injustice. Economic, environmental, social systems are all under pressure. Things are shifting in our world. The old unsustainable ways are breaking down, to make room for new ways to emerge. New ways of doing, being and relating with one another that have mutual respect and love at their core. The same mutual respect and love that this unique group of special individuals displayed to the whole world back in the infamous year of 1969.
At the depth of my being I am filled with an immense gratitude for this moment in time, for all that it represents as we continue to create a world of love and peace.
