During the summer of 2012, I attended the 11^th Floyd Fest Music Festival in Floyd, Virginia. Being my first time, I had no idea what to expect upon arrival. It was a steaming hot day as my girlfriend as well another friend and I dragged our heavy camping gear across the festival grounds to pitch tent. After a sweaty hour we had finally set up our campsite and were content with the layout. The two girls left to go explore and walk around the grounds before the rain came from over mountains. Meanwhile, I stayed at camp, starting the charcoal to cook everyone hotdogs when they came back. Ironically, right as the grill was at full burn, the rain swept in and doused the fire. After quickly cleaning up, I noticed across the way three college kids caught in the rain, attempting to set up camp as rapid as possible to avoid the pouring rain. I ran over and offered an accepted gesture of help, and began helping them set up. We swiftly assembled their tent and overhang, keeping most of their belongings dry in the process. The group was very thankful for my help, knowing it saved them a lot of set up time, and promised they would do me a favor in return sometime later in the weekend.

            Completely forgetting about their promise I spent the next two days having a blast listening to great music from all over the nation. The second night, I was especially excited for Matisyahu and went early to the stage to get a good spot near the stage. Luckily enough, the neighbors whom I had helped earlier that week had been saving room at the front for the past hour and invited my friend and I down right in front of the stage. Matisyahu played an amazing show and came back for a second encore, in which he played his famous “One Love” that the crowd went wild for. All of the sudden, Matisyahu starts grabbing my hand that I had reached out and pulled me up on stage. In front of thousands of people I sang “One Love” with my arm around Matisyahu while more and more people came on stage. It was surreal as he sang lyrics of peace and love, pouring his energy into the song.

            After the song, I looked over at my camping neighbors who had made this all possible and thanked them so much. Such a small deed such as helping someone in the rain set up his or her tent paid off in a larger way than I had ever imagined. The combination of the realization of the effects of good Karma and Matisyahu’s song of coming together as a people allowed me to have a great understanding in the moment on stage. I now had a clear vision of what peace and harmony really stood for and the effects of small kind acts that make life so great. Encouraged by this, I made a mental note to start making as many small acts of kindness as were presented to me, in order to spread my newfound peace. This event carries so much influence even today, as I still am a kinder person, always searching for my balance in good and bad. Luckily now, I try to do as much good as I can, so it can come back around to me, just when I need it and I’m down. I find it simply amazing how love for others and music can change a life in such a simple way.