We had the good fortune of connecting with Bella Silberfein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bella, what are you inspired by?
I am most inspired by the people who both attend our festival and the rockstar team that helps put it together. Creating spaces for people to gather and practice together is a labor of love, but is also a powerful and impactful experience. We get to see people come together and create new friendships, connect to a spiritual practice, and momentarily escape from the chaos of our day to day lives. We always say prepare to come empty, leave full, and leave full, come empty. To us, this means to attend the festival without expectation, and allow it to fill your cup, while also releasing the stressors that so many of of us allow to control our minds. There is nothing more inspirational than watching people have that experience!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I think what sets our business apart from other festivals is the intention rooted behind what we do. Anyone who puts on a small event understands the financial challenges associated with it, and the time commitment behind it. It’s not an easy business to run. But throughout the years, we have realized that gathering sangha (meaning community in Sanskrit) is the most impactful way for us to be a part of the change we wish to see. It gives people to opportunity to collaborate and create ideas of a greener, more peaceful, and joyful future for us all. Change starts at a grassroots level, and that is the driving force behind creating these spaces of connection. We’ve continuously overcome challenges by learning how to lean on one another. Our team, the community, mentorship. Never feel ashamed to ask for help when you need it!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ooh. Joshua Tree is a hot spot these days! It is a vibrant place filled with some of the most creative, eccentric, incredible people you will have ever met. My favorite place to grab a bite to eat these days is the Snakebite Roadhouse. Delicious bites, fantastic ambience, and a great place to connect with friends. A close second is the Yucca Tree Eatery for a yummy breakfast or quick smoothie. Owned by local Tobi Guillian and her husband, who has become a big part of the Bhakti Fest community teaching classes at the festival with Sabrina Bennett. The two of them own my favorite yoga studio out here, Cedar and Sage, which is my favorite place to take a moment for myself, attend a class, and work in (not work out).

Not to state the obvious, but if you’re out in Joshua Tree for the week, you MUST take a visit to the national park. When I tell people that I live out here, the reaction is typically one of surprise. Followed by the question, why do you live out there? My response is always the deep connection to nature that you feel simply by being in the desert. The potent energy of this magic place radiates from every corner, and spending time in the park makes it easy to feel close to Pachamama herself.

A few other special experiences on the list would be visiting the Saturday Farmer’s Market (make sure to grab a vegan ice cream at Nice Cream Ices), checking out a show at Pappy and Harrietts, or checking out local artist galleries such as Furstwurld right near the JT entrance to the park.

And of course… check out Bhakti Fest, September 27-29th!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My whole team! My co-producers, Jud and Mark Abadi, my rockstar social media extraordinaire Arie Miranda, my artist relations mastermind Nancy Montes, and so many other amazing people that pour so much love into making the festivals and retreats happen.

Website: https://www.bhaktifest.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhakti_fest/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bhaktifest/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/bhaktifestofficial

Image Credits
Eric Allen, Harrison Weinberg

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