What enlightenments did you get this year?

Professor Tawdry · Post by **Professor Tawdry** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 3:03 pm

A sense of proportion?
My largest realization this year was about proportion and size. How we relate to each other in BRC because we are physically so close to each other, and our openness is large enough to be personally close to each other.

Hope you had as good a time as I!

burning tent · Post by **burning tent** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 3:29 pm

I learned ...

--Burning Man big, burning tent small.

--Chicken does NOT go in the potty. Never ever ... EVER!

--We're all nekkid in one way or another.

--Beer good, water better. (I might have this backward.)

--Chocolate can be more useful than money.

--It might sound like a train but that doesn't mean it is a train.

--No matter how enlightened you might be you can still get run over in the dark.

regynalonglank · Post by **regynalonglank** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 3:47 pm

I learned that it is possible to love someone enough to want them to be free...maybe someday someone will be me!

kimityme · Post by **kimityme** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 5:29 pm

~ attempting to recreate leads to devastation ~

vividvortex · Post by **vividvortex** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 8:45 pm

the feeling of being so in sync and connected to everyone around me...I would be staring at someone and then they would turn around and smile at me or I think to myself "man, I should've brought a hat..." ten seconds later someone comes up and says "can i give you a hat?" (true story) ...it's amazing, so natural, and fantastic....

namascar!

schnoidl · Post by **schnoidl** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 11:50 pm

actually what i learned is coincidentally just about what Tom Robbins said at the end of the post about the hat. Ecstasy supposedly taught me that, but it's hard to implement or even remember what you learned on drugs, such as X and BMan. I want to learn to enjoy life, regardless of external circumstances, or even internal circumstances, like whether or not my back hurts, or whether or not the emptiness in my gut is making a big thing, or whether I'm having fun, or even whether or not I currently seem to have the universe's favor.

it's a start i guess.

what i learned my first year: the wick and the flame need each other.
burn everything you can. fire is really fucking cool.

sherbet · Post by **sherbet** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 12:28 am

i was reminded of how good it feels to move. burning man is the place that i feel most comfortable, and this year (my second) as i took yoga and tantra classes, as i found the music that most moved me, and found people that i connected with so easily, my mind and body were reawakend. yes, we all had our bad experiences there, but never have the expectation that bm isn't a challenge. things get stirred up at bm, that is why we all love it. and for all the veterans that are unhappy with how it has changed over the years, do something about it. and remind others why we are all there.

love to you all
even the creepy guy at critical tits that said we could hide our faces if we weren't comfortable with him taking a full picture of us

sherbet

SED · Post by **SED** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 1:08 am

I learned that the penalties for some offenses outweigh the original insult. Specifically, I was one of the many hecklers who harrassed some of those people who refused to sit down at the burn. I ended up feeling worse about spending my energy heckling and spreading the bad vibe amongst the crowd than I did about the jerk who wouldn't do the right thing.

I learned that techno really is an art form, not just mindless sound. Still hate most of it, but thanks to the good folk at Sol System, I got past myself and danced for hours.

I saw thousands of beautiful women and they only made me miss my wife. I had my clothes off quite often but I never felt naked until I took off my wedding ring, which I promptly put back on. Mainly I felt like someone's dad who really should have been home with his babies.

Ironically, I discovered that my sister in law has a deeply kind and warm heart--an incredible body.

I had dinner with the Man crew and learned about how the Man is built and burned.

I reflected on the odd truth that somewhere out on the playa was the woman whose heart I had broken at the last burn.

I found that X had little effect on my now that I'm on antidepressants.

I found the simple act of picking up garbage and offering to take other's trash home can turn you into a saint, sometimes. But I don't want to be a saint.

I rediscovered the simple childlike joy of riding my bike across the playa at night, toward distant lights on the horizon.

mars · Post by **mars** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 5:28 am

This year:
I learned that just because you/I feel rejected, it doesn't mean we are and just because you/I feel loved, it doesn't mean we are. And worrying about someone doesn't mean they're not okay, and thinking people are okay doesn't mean they actually are.

And in the end none of it really matters cuz it's all just experiences, which are what you make them.

Last year:
I learned that it's okay to accept my own enthusiasm, loudness, and bigness. I learned that other people love me even when I'm loud. I learned that I don't need everyone to love, or even like, me. I made a decision to stop trying to curb my enthusiasm--and I haven't done it since.

saint_al · Post by **saint_al** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 6:51 am

Never again w/o a bicycle.
Never again on a Green Tortoise bus (though the food was tops).
" " w/o a radio- I missed lots of good music at times when I needed it.

Thinking positive: Attend that regional burn I was invited to. Too bad I didn't know it existed until 2 weeks before the Real burn. Cash was an issue that late...
Find or create that nonboozing, non12-step camp ahead of sched. -but one that won't have a shitfit if you light up.
Bring more playa gifts, mebbe a giant mist bottle as well.

Lesson learned: work and create around the jerks, undermining or ignoring them when possible. DON'T GIVE UP.
Thank you everyone who still cares about the event...

Kitte · Post by **Kitte** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 9:06 am

mars wrote: Last year:
I learned that it's okay to accept my own enthusiasm, loudness, and bigness. I learned that other people love me even when I'm loud. I learned that I don't need everyone to love, or even like, me. I made a decision to stop trying to curb my enthusiasm--and I haven't done it since.

This was my HUGE lesson from my first burn (5 burns ago) and one that has made the biggest impact on my daily life since then. If people have a problem with my enthusiasm, that's their problem and theirs alone. I do not curb my love for life anymore for anybody.

naga brain · Post by **naga brain** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 10:09 am

-- I learned that I should not 'Go Big' on Friday Night. I could not get it together on Saturday after the Burn. Neither could the rest of my camp.

-- Smaller goups when going out are best. You wait too long for everyone. I think 6 people is about the best unless you have a highly motivated leader who does stand up comedy (Thank you Marmalade Sky!)

jbelson · Post by **jbelson** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 11:48 am

I learned that the more you provide for yourself, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, the less you will need or want from other people. That way whatever you do get from them (emotionally, physically, and even partnership wise) you can appreciate it more because you have less of a requirement of that person to either say the right things, accompany you on whatever journey, or be the person you want them to be instead of them being the person that they are.

stuart · Post by **stuart** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 12:34 pm

I learned thinking that I had found the path to success last year was not true. I learned it may not be a static thing. I learned that having that false knowledge is painfull. Still, I will try again as there are many ways to ride the burning man ride.

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 12:49 pm

So far on this thread seems no one went looking for shortcuts to enlightenment.

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 12:49 pm

Oh yeah I forgaot........Arrrrr.

Matthew James · Post by **Matthew James** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 1:15 pm

- to be honest with myself (which includes being over critical)
- nekked is better - clothing only hides your strongest emotions (this is not meant to be sexual by any means)
- humans are only separated from our animal peers via art, not intelligence. Art is the basis for the human condition.
- not to fear rejection (this is something I had to relearn)
- I am ultimately who I want to be not just who I am.

blyslv · Post by **blyslv** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 2:38 pm

Effort is key.

DangerMouse · Post by **DangerMouse** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 2:59 pm

I managed to kick a piece of moop on the playa one night. I turned out to be one of those blinky bell lights (powered off). I strapped it to my belt, flipped it on, and felt enlightened.

Then there was the tour I did with the Lamplighters on Tuesday night. It was great to bring enlightenment to those around center camp.

warrior queen · Post by **warrior queen** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 3:07 pm

-That where we are is where we are supposed to be and to stop worrying if what you intended didn't work out as planned.
-That everything happens for a reason, even if not apparent at the time.
-That we are all connected by the same energy, it just takes a little practice to get in tune with each other and to read this energy and learn how to use it.
-We are all in transformation.
-The most important thing I was reminded of, was to open my heart and let the world in. Not only did I get what I needed (even if you didn't realize it at the time), I met some great people

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 3:30 pm

1) Keep moving, but rest a lot. Taking care of yourself comes first.
2) Don't let the hecklers get ya down. They don't know shit.
3) Begging for help is ok. Just be nice about it.
4) Crawling into Sanctuary isn't defeat, it's a start.
5) No amount of worrying is going to change the outcome of something you have no control of whatsoever.
6) Hold your playa friends close when they're with you, and let them go when they're not.
7) No one can ever take your art away from you, nor diminish it's value.

Doing your best might feel short of the goal, but it's your best nonetheless.

Rob the Wop · Post by **Rob the Wop** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 3:33 pm

1) Apply lots of sunscreen the first day. Rule of thumb: spend 5 minutes rubbing over body, 25 minutes rubbing over penis. Can't be too careful y'know. For some reason I always end up with extra sunscreen.

hageymon · Post by **hageymon** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 6:26 pm

I learned how dysfunctional I can become when my heart has been broken.

samtzu · Post by **samtzu** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 6:45 pm

I learned that solitude is the best teacher; that the universe still speaks quietly in the midst of 34,000 noisy souls; that shades structures must be battened down tight; that I am in the middle of some incredibly talented people and I like that; that the red bottle means you fall down, the green bottle means you wander off...; that humanity still has a ways to go, but it is headed in the right direction... at least in BRC.

PetsUntilEaten · Post by **PetsUntilEaten** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 8:23 pm

This year - I learned how to wander & remove myself from being roped into obligations that wouldn't be satisfying. It paid off.

Also - I really really really like people who can claim what they want (without whining).

Last year - I realized that when I weigh how much I learn each year at Burning Man by how hard it is its an easy choice to go back. When I weigh how much fun I have at Burning Man by how hard it is - its a much closer call. That was huge.

Other years - I realized that I cannot take care of everyone. Like on the airplane - put your own oxygen mask on first then help others. And trying to care for everyone is my love/burden not anyone else's.

Its good to express my anger - especially if I can use it to make people laugh.

I love having colored hair & I don't have to wear wigs on special occasions - my hair can be pink all the time. I don't have to fear bringing attention to myself.

When trying to deal/con/convince nieghbors to fix/change something/do my bidding its best to tap into my most charming self first.

PetsUntilEaten · Post by **PetsUntilEaten** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 8:25 pm

oh yeah - my camp rules:

1 - DO GOOD

2 - MAKE MAGIC

3 - TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Lydia Love · Post by **Lydia Love** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 8:46 pm

I learned that honesty may have become one of the most important things to me... but I don't yet always know as of yet when it's is or isn't being given to me.

I learned boys still like me. I've started to like myself better, but hadn't expected to be flirted with.

I learned that I can be my flawed self and my friends will still like me too.

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 8:50 pm

Lydia Love wrote: I learned boys still like me. I've started to like myself better, but hadn't expected to be flirted with.

that goes both ways.....

Oh wait a minute.........I did'nt go this year.

diane o'thirst · Post by **diane o'thirst** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 9:37 pm

I learnt that taking a lot of scatterable things can really suck if you don't use 'em all. Silk flowers being one thing I'll leave at home next year, loose beads another.

I also found out soup works much better than bringing the separate ingredients: leave the meats and veggies at home, just bring more soup. Soup and dried fruits are your friends.

I also underwent another spiritual renaissance. I used to practice Egyptian paganism but got away from it for awhile. I drifted. This year, when I was suiting up to play my Anubis role in the Opera, Eye of the Celestial Falcon, I asked Anpw to come into me and guide my actions so I would present a remarkable performance.

He did

He's still hanging around

And He's helping me to remember my dreams so I'll have some divine source material to work from on next year's art project.

Splashy · Post by **Splashy** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 10:31 pm

I learned that I am not living my "real" life with nearly enough creativity, honesty, and caring. I'm going to change that, or go crazy trying.

What enlightenments did you get this year?

What enlightenments did you get this year?

I hear ya.

so glad you asked!

manual joy

i was reminded of the power within my body

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Burn

I learned....

personal enlightenment