2006 and 2009 were amazing Burns, and when I got back, I wrote mile-long blogs about my great experiences. My 2011 Burn was tough work, and when I got back, I didn’t want to say anything. But I didn’t want to waste the learning experiences, so I blogged this list of things I learned (or re-learned).

1. Shit happens. Good, bad, stuff that appears bad but is actually good – it all just happens. Sometimes there is no one to blame or to thank. The playa giveth and the playa taketh away. There may or may not be any reason or hidden message behind it. The trick is to roll with it and respond in such a way that you get where you need to go.

2. Work doesn’t do itself. When it’s 35C (95F) outside, and the plan is to get 6 more domes up before sundown, then get some water and electrolytes and grab a tool. Figure out what has to be done first and do that. Find out what has to be done next and do that. No sense in crying about it.

3. Take breaks. No sense in killing yourself over this stuff.

4. Put sunscreen everywhere. The sun is not very selective about where it shines. This includes parts that may dangle out of shorts while sitting cross-legged. (And ladies: parts that may dangle in loose-fitting shirts.)

5. When people gather from all over the world for a week of fun together, it’s best to appreciate the immediacy and impermanence of the experience. Enjoy it now. Love the people now, in this moment. You may never see them again. The playa giveth, and the playa taketh away. This happens in the Default World, too. Enjoy what you have right now – you never know how long you will have it.

6. When a pretty girl thinks you’re sexy and wants to make out with you, don’t argue. Moisten those lips and start smooching.

6a) When the unexpected happens, whether good or bad, our first instinct is to ask “why.” Why did my friend just take off and leave me stranded? Why did a stranger just hand me an ice cold beer and walk away? Why does this pretty girl think I’m sexy and want to make out with me? Sometimes we’ll never know why. The thing is, it happened, it is happening, and now all I can do is respond.

7. Sometimes when someone wants to argue, there’s no sense in trying to make peace. Saying something or not saying something, apologizing or defending, it makes no difference. They want to yell at you for something they’re feeling. Sometimes all you can do is let them vent until they’re done.

8. There is more than one way to get to Reno. Pick one and go. There is no perfect route.

9. If you don’t want to lose something, label it and lock it. You could be at the International Convention of Monks Against Theft. Lock it up anyway.

10. When aforementioned pretty girl finds another sexy man to spend time with, appreciate the gift of time already spent together, let go and move on. (See also points 5 and 6a above.)

11. The body changes in the desert. Don’t just eat and drink what you’re used to consuming. Eat and drink what the body is asking for right now. Sometimes that isn’t much of anything. Gatorade and beef jerky are great in the desert.

12. When you’re feeling really hot but not sweating, ask for help immediately. I was lucky to have 3 nurses and an icepack within reach. (Yes, we had icepacks in the middle of the desert. Chalk that up to foresight, a fridge and a solar panel.)

13. Throw all those petty grievances and resentments into the fire. You don’t need them any more. Burn it all. And then there is only gratitude and joy.

14. Who I’m choosing to be right now is more important than what’s happening to me. If I want to attract the right people and circumstances, I better get really focused on who I am and what I’m choosing.

15. Life is hard sometimes. It’s hard to make perfect choices. It seems like, no matter what you do, someone won’t like it. We’re all doing the best we can with what we got. We’re all trying. So, cut some slack. Recognize that people are doing their best, even if they aren’t doing what you think they should be doing. Recognize that you’re doing your best as well, even if you’re not getting all the results you want. Forgive and let live. Be gracious. Be compassionate. You deserve a break and so do others.

16. Everyone has love to give. Give them a chance to show it, and you will be surrounded by love.

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It was my first burn after wanting to go for about 10yrs.
I came back and quit my job, and changed the circles I was in. Now on an artistic path to follow my dreams – and I am so much happier.

Love you
Namaste

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This year I returned to Burning Man a different person. I found Burning Man to be as profound as ever. Profound in all of the many ways noted in these posts, plus one more. I enoyed serving as a playa vetran for Virgin Burners. Seeing Burning Man through the fresh eyes of lifelong friends at their first Burn was supremely gratifying.

It turns out that I didn’t need to walk away forever, but a break served me well. I will return. Probably not every year, maybe not even next year. But, for sure.

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this year was my first Burn, and I WAS Dorothy -thinking I knew so much and was so prepared, having spent months reading through this site and the ePlaya boards, grilling my veteran burner friends for insight. Thinking I had a pretty good idea what to expect, and what I couldn’t expect, I would just leave to an open mind. I counted the weeks and days to departure, sooo anxious to get there, to leave home, and embark on the ultimate adventure, believing I knew all there was to know.

Wrong. And here is what I learned:

I tried too hard to be the “prepared virgin” that would blow everyone away, thus, I was not prepared enough.
I was not as smart as I thought
I’m not as tough as I bragged.
I panic easily.
I stressed out too much over costumes.
I hated that the toilets weren’t closer.
I hid away from my campmates when I had a breakdown, instead of confiding in them. (hiding in your tent crying in 90+ heat is NO way to spend your time at BRC!)
I occasionally had a hard time trusting strangers – it’s the Jersey in me.
I had to face things about myself that I did not like.
I was scared of being dirty.
I’m a big cry baby who needs to grow up just a little bit.
My live was going completely in the wrong direction, and I haven’t been doing the things I should be doing.
It was harder than I imagined.

I also learned that:

I had more strength than I realized.
I can make the best of a bad situation.
It doesn’t take much to have a good time.
My campmates always had my back
I can sit on an artcar and cuddle with strangers, and not be freaked out.
I am one tough cookie.
I can make people happy with the smallest gestures – whether it’s misting them on a hot day or giving them a hug.
Dancing on the Playa at night is just about the best thing in the whole fucking world.
I learned how to pee in a jug and not be grossed out.
Riding my bike in the open playa during the day, covered in dust and half naked, is a most liberating experience.
Anything hard is worth doing – and makes it all the more satisfying.

Every day was a lesson. I met some wonderful people. I saw incredible sights that I will never forget. I was also lucky to spend my first Burn with about 50 other people that I already knew, and could rely on, for anything. I was not alone.

It was an extraordinary journey, with many bumps in the road. I cried, I whined, I exhausted myself. On the day of Exodus, I wanted nothing more than to leave that desert. My traveling mate asked of me “What do you think – are you a Burner?” I wearily replied “I’m not sure, just get me the hell out of here first!” But I knew what I was. Once we were off the playa and onto the highway..all I wanted was to go back and do it over again.

I brought those lessons home with me..along with plenty of playa dust. I have not been the same. I am better.

Was it easy? No.
Will I go back? FUCK YEAH.

See you all in 2012.

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I am!!!!!

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