So many of us seem hesitant to attend events where we are unsure as to what is really going to take place there. Just imagine being invited to an event...the invitation says, "Come as you are". If you happen to decide not to attend because you can't figure out what that means, how many people might you miss meeting. We seem to want to know what is going to happen before it happens! Doesn't this go against the basic rules of life? Of what interest would life be if you always knew what was to happen? It is said that even the most enlightened people, if they are working for the good, will not use any understanding they might have for the future to change the course of events, but instead will meet every moment anew. All these questions arise in looking forward to the summer and festival.forum as an event. To me, the most important thing is that each person that attends is of significance. This is an event where individuals working with the good of the world at heart can meet each other and especially where young people can present themselves in this context. I hope that the title festival.forum will be self-evident in that it denotes two directions of attention. The first is evident in the word festival, in which one can see a streaming out into the world, an opening movement and joy. The second word forum brings with it a gesture of looking inward and a focus. This event will be an opportunity to bring these two words into a balance; a serious celebration of individuals.

While filling up the Website it occurs to me over and over, that these are real people, bringing their real interests to our conference. I have been thinking about organising conferences for a while now. Wondering if it is really what I want to do. Sometimes it feels very created, very put on, very un-natural and then I get the feeling that I might be wasting my time. But looking at all our contributors, looking at all of you wonderful faces with such interesting things to give to the festival.forum and to the world, I am convinced, that this is something good!!! Genuine people, their biographies, the questions and thoughts they bring. Imagine all the points of preparation around the world, that are already now connected to the festival.forum, although the festival.forum doesnt even really exist yet...But through all the preparation around the world it is coming into existance.
It is becoming so real at times that I can actually glimpse the atmosphere, the vibrant tension, that will fill the air, the people walking around the Goetheanum with purpose in their hearts, with smiles on their faces, with thoughts running quickly, words being spilled out everywhere, excitement about being here, inspiration through encounter and deep realization of being young and important for this world, simply because we are. Being who we are will be strong at the festival.forum, I am very sure! Being tired and doubtful, asking questions and working through thoughts, in order to learn from each other. Being alone and being with others. Being loud, being impulsive, being happy, being thoughtful and searching. All of that I can see happening when I look at who is coming to contribute. I hope the participants will be just as diverse and wonderful!