Ohhh Burning Man, that time of year where your social media is inundated with photos and videos spreading FOMO all over the internet of 70,000 who got wild in the desert.
That's why in this post I think it would be good to share my experiences and some misconceptions about this one event that I'm having a hard time even categorizing myself.
Ultimately, Burning Man is what you as a person make it
It could be an all-night raving drug-fest
It could be an belligerently drunk asshole-fest.
It could be an art gallery fest.
It could be a 1% mingle smooch fest.
It could be a dirty sandy sex orgy fest.
It could be an intense spiritual and mental life-changing event fest.
It could be a mini-property destruction revolt against the 1% fest.
It could ultimately be anything you want it to be.
Personally and honestly the type of person that I am, I mix it up with a lot of these activities because you can, and they only coexist at Burning Man. Can you guess which 5 out of the 7 activities that I took part in?
This year I was very lucky to be invited as a speaker to the Red Lightning community of healers, change makers, entrepreneurs, community builders and overall just amazing humans. The community I was part of focused more on building and creating global change than the usual partying that burning man has a reputation for. I was joined in the camp by people like Nassim Haramein, Sonya Sophia and so many more that it would take an entire book to write about them and their global accomplishments. The camp, just like the main burning man organization tries to do, focuses on radical self-reliance and community building. This means you got to get down and dirty and work no matter who you are. There were a couple 1%-ers in our camp and some embraced the group’s focus - while some just totally ignored it and their responsibilities in our temporary community. There was a minor sense of disdain by the people I talked to at Burning Man towards the few 1%-ers who avoided inclusion, had servants and every comfort available to not deal with the harsh conditions of the desert. That's why I think there was a mini revolt against the 1% camps at Burning Man this year, with some people raiding them and destroying them.
Now even though you are surrounded by 70,000 people at their best and freest, willing to give you anything they have to make you feel better at the drop of a hat, Burning Man can also be an isolating place. A place for self-reflection and isolation which I find incredibly important. People are so gracious that the behavior could actually have the opposite effect on some people. Oh and yeah, there are also a small number of douchebags, bros, and validation-seeking low vibration energy assholes too who will steal from you or do things intentionally to ruin your experience, but I personally never ran into any of these people during my burn.
Some nights I spent in total isolation contemplating how I hold myself back spiritually, mentally and physically. How my own thought patterns aren’t always as pure or good as I want them to be. How to rip off those annoying glued on deep psychological band aids in your life so your fully heal from past traumas. How I sometimes objectify women as trophies and keys to my personal validation. Really deep and psychic thoughts that can be a burden to deal with, but ultimately need to be addressed by individuals to be the best version of yourself. This of course was helped by being at my camp, being able to be honest with people I never met before and meeting with a lot of mediation groups all around me.
Yes, there is a lot of hypocrisy around Burning Man, yes it’s as bad as some of the people say it is, but overall I'm very happy that I went, and I hope you do too one year. So get rid of the FOMO, the angry keyboard pounding, and if you are on a budget like me, volunteer to get a free ticket, get a tent, find a good camp to cohesively work with and share resources with, and you can go no matter what your budget is. So fuck your FOMO and your anger – it’s not just a 1% event, it is what it is and ultimately it’s what you want it to be.
The open-mindedness of your posting is refreshing and encouraging as well, Thank you for this, great pictures too, namaste :)
Couldn't agree more!!
Fuck yea Brother!
What an EPIC time. I don't go every year but I always say its a true life experience and really worth going atleast once. There is nothing else like it!
I made this post from my adventure to Burning Man.
Check it out the photos are awesome!
https://steemit.com/photography/@quinneaker/infinity-infinity-burning-man-part-1-an-introduction-to-this-world-renowned-festival-with-my-first-hand-experience-and-epic
The dirty sandy sex Orgy got me intrigued lol to old for that but an interesting read and fab pictures... Nice 6 pack too
Great article, awesome photos. Looks like a fun time.
Luke u are crushing it lately! Soo surprised to see you reporting from a rainbow gathering this year, and now not even surprised to see you documenting bman 2016!
as a fellow burner, let me say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your revolutionary coverage of what is undoubtedly one of tbe most important annual events in current human experience.
Viva la revolution!
/ anarchy / sustainable villages / emancipation / anarcho-capitalism / burning man fly ranch launch 2017
Luke is the dude!
Lets get you to more great festies asap brother! I happen to know a few, and the ppl behind them... Look up "Envision Costa Rica"
It takes place right after Anarchopulco, and with my contacts i guarantee i could get you a speaker spot ++ more. ;)
Its essentially a smaller scale burning man with most of the same types, only set in tropical paradise rather than barren desert wasteland... ;)
https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=L3cK5pf4wyc
Keep up your ground breakimg work my fellow, its only just begun.
Hi Luke, are you using a Ricoh Theta S for your 360 photos? Thats what I use and I love it.
This is what Bilderberg should be like. ;)
I always wondered about this. Thank you for clarifying it and thanks for the beautiful pictures.
Luke since I've found we are change I wait on you guys for your information like a kid waiting for a present! I'm always greatful for the truth. Kinda weird having a role model that's younger than me. Thanks again.
very cool party.
Wow amazin
Wow man there is some crazy shizzle going down in da dessert.
Have seen a lot of info on this lately.. very curious about what this would be like .. thanks for the report Luke - Kelly Ann
Glad I stumbled upon your post about burning man! That was a good read. I'm going to follow you for sure on here. I'm planning on going back to burning man next year.
Stoked to finally come across a positive post about the Burn on Steemit! Definitely agree that the event becomes whatever you consciously create within in it. Looks like you had an awesome time. 👍