Second hello, and a question...

[luminist]

Hello dear Souls.

This will be my second year on the playa.

Last year was out of this world, but also I felt isolated. I'm experiencing shaman sickness, which is what I absolutely know I'm going through, and I was wondering what I could do about it on the playa. Are there people I could connect or reach out to, out there? Any shamans I could see? I'm painfully socially reticent, but trying to come out of the "shell".

Wish I had a better "intro".

[BBadger]

I'm not entirely sure what "shaman sickness" is, but yes, it can be relatively lonely and isolating even in a big welcoming party environment like Burning Man.

I don't know about seeing a shaman but what helps with breaking out of your shell is forcing yourself to go to events where there are other people for a longer duration. It doesn't matter if you have any interaction, and you'll probably have some, but it gets you used to being comfortable in a social setting where you can slowly expand your confidence and interactions in preparation for the next event. Plus attending for an "event" can provide a "shared object of interest" to converse about.

And maybe you'll meet your shaman, in some form or another, or at least be able to ask people where to find one.

You might also try attending some of the regionals that might go on before Burning Man. They're far more intimate than Burning Man and you'll see more of the same people frequently.

[burner von braun]

Welcome to eplaya luminist. In addition to BBadger's good advice, you may also find the "tips for shy people" thread helpful.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=45094

[Savannah]

Hi Luminist!

The link Burner Von Braun gave you is a very good one--there are lots of Shy Cats in Burner land, even though it can seem like everyone is an extrovert. It's not the case.

I have known Burners who sought healing via HeeBeeGeeBee Healers while on the playa:
http://www.heebeegeebeehealers.org/

Regional stuff is here . . . try events and mailing lists in your city, and maybe ones near it.
http://regionals.burningman.org

You can also come meet ePlayans at the annual Meet & Greet on-playa on Wednesday of the event, 6pm, at Barbie Death Camp and Wine Bistro. Address: "4:00 and Eulogy stretching to Genuflect." Bring food, ice or a bottle to share. Everyone's pretty darned nice.

Coming out of your shell is definitely a process, but it can definitely be worked on.

[some seeing eye]

You might stop by Camp Soft Landing and Zendo when you first arrive and see if what they are up to could be useful to you later in the week. They are both 24x7. Zendo may suggest other camps to know. HeeBeeGeeBee is always chill, they are more body than mind and a day time camp with long waits. But body work is always a good thing.

Ask for assistance whenever you think you might need it. If you are in a crisis, which you probably won't be, just ask a ranger, or ask someone to find a ranger.

Have a great experience! You are an experienced burner now, so you know you will!

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to ePlaya!