The Crown Jewel of Appalachia: Coming Home in Mindfulness

Through this series with Townsend Draft Goods, Betsy shares simple, meaningful
ways to bring mindfulness and meditation into everyday life.

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In a way, returning to the mountains, either physically or in memory, is a practice in mindfulness. It invites us to pause, breathe, and reflect on our journey.

Each year, the Treasure Mountain Festival brings our community together in a way that only our mountains can.

Now celebrating its 57th year, the festival themed “The Crown Jewel of Appalachia” is more than just a celebration of local culture; it’s a homecoming. It’s a reminder of where we come from, the experiences that shaped us, and the shared threads that connect us no matter where life has taken us.

For many of us who grew up in this part of West Virginia, returning for the festival stirs a sense of belonging, familiarity, and joy. Even for those of us living in different corners of the country, the pull of our roots reminds us of the enduring presence of our hometown, the landscapes, and the people who nurtured us.

Mindfulness is about noticing the present moment, appreciating it fully, and understanding our connection to the world around us.

In a way, returning to the mountains, either physically or in memory, is a practice in mindfulness. It invites us to pause, breathe, and reflect on our journey. We notice the sights, the smells, the music, the laughter of old friends, and the rhythm of a place that feels like home. It’s in these moments that we recognize how much we have in common, regardless of where life has led us.

Though I won’t be attending this year, Treasure Mountain Festival reminds me that mindfulness doesn’t require us to be physically present. We can reconnect with our
roots, our community, and ourselves through memory, reflection, and gratitude.

Whether it’s the mountains of our childhood, the stories shared by neighbors, or the simple pleasure of listening to the local music and aromas of festival foods, we can carry that feeling of home wherever we go.

This festival isn’t just a celebration of place - it’s a celebration of connection.

And mindfulness helps us realize that connection exists not just in festivals or hometowns, but in every breath, every moment, and every interaction. So, this year, as Treasure Mountain Festival shines as the Crown Jewel of Appalachia, may we all take a moment to return home in heart, in memory, and in mindful presence.

About the Author

Betsy is a certified meditation teacher and career coach based in Southern
California. She’s been practicing meditation since 2018 and became certified
through the davidji Master of Wisdom & Meditation Teacher Training Academy in
2024. With over 20 years of experience in career development, she also serves as
an adjunct professor in the California State University system and is the co-founder
of a veteran service organization.