At the end of this month an unparalleled social experiment called Burning Man will occur once again in the hostile playa of the Black Rock Desert. If approached right it can be a mind-altering, transformational experience; leaving the participant more charitable, accepting, and humanistic for months or years to come. Although I'm no expert, I've constructed this post from advice received and lessons learned. Want to enhance your experience? Have a gander at this list and feel free to give feedback.
The 2015 burn was one of the most memorable and life-altering experiences of my life. It felt like a collective experiment to see how nice we could be to each other. Or as if we were all informed a meteor was definitively going to destroy the earth in a month... no more value would be placed on hoarding stuff or wearing a social mask. May as well share what you got, love fearlessly, and celebrate life. This is the burn. Looking forward to seeing you on the playa. Swing by Center4RnD at 5:15 and G and say hello. If you've got BM advice to share please comment below. Notes: ** This year I plan to arrive early to shoot a small section of video and then be finished with electronics throughout the burn. If you do elect to photograph always ask permission; however, keep in mind it will never look as good through the lens as it does in real life. *** Write the address of your camp on your bike with a Sharpie. This may help if someone accidentally grabs your wheels in the middle of the night and could also guide you home if lost.
10 Comments
Joshua
8/6/2016 11:38:19 am
Sage advice Jonathan. Well done. Only thing I would add is Go Find the Art. There are dozens upon dozens of incredible exhibits that simply will never be seen in the default world. Find them. Touch them (if designed to be) and revel in their creation. Talk to the artists. And be respectful of their work. Thank them! And think about what YOU could contribute to our community. )'(
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Jonathan
8/6/2016 02:29:15 pm
Good points Joshua. Find the art, appreciate and show appreciation, and consider how you can enhance the experience for others. Absolutely beneficial intentions. Thanks for sharing.
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Gumby
8/6/2016 10:38:17 pm
Solid advise! I agree is Joshua, find the art. Last year was my first burn. I did not think the art would have such a profound effect on me. Amazing pieces!! I would add, experience the Temple for all that it is. It was the most overwhelming experience I have ever had and I didn't put anything in it. The emotion felt as you walked through or as it burned down was undesirable!!
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Jonathan
8/7/2016 02:51:10 pm
You are right Gumby.. powerful energy in the temple. I plan on writing down a few negative though patterns and placing them in there this year.
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Knot-O
8/7/2016 05:15:40 am
Enhance your experience further by volunteering with one of the many groups that volunteer the gift of time to other Burners. Temple Guardians, Greeters, Black Rock Rangers, Center Camp, and many more, all have unique opportunities to gift your time and meet, and interact with fellow Burners. It's an awesome experience.
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Jonathan
8/7/2016 02:48:54 pm
Well said Knot-O. Are you going to be part of one of those groups this year? How would someone go about getting involved like that?
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Knot-O
8/8/2016 05:26:50 am
I have been both a Temple Guardian and a Greeter. This year, I'm volunteering a significant amount of time as a Greeter. It's super fun to be the ambassador that welcomes people Home.
Jonathan
2/7/2019 03:11:37 pm
Right on Rohm. Glad it resonates. See you on the playa.
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