Insights Burning Man 2015

Photo Courtesy of Incredible Winemaker & Friend – Stuart Spoto

Insight comes in unusual places. In the middle of a desert, I suppose one would expect a few good insights. Jesus found and resisted temptation in a desert. In Paulo Coehelo’s “The Alchemist” the desert stood between the characters and their dreams, until they learned to embrace its offerings. Insights in the desert – I had some at a festival called, “Burning Man.”

I spent days preceding and the weekend of Labor Day on a salt flat in the desert, being reminded of things that really matter in life. It was a wholly unique and personal experience. Although there were over 70,000 other people with me. I have feeling for each person…Insights from Burning Man 2015

the insights revealed were uniquely their own.

Perhaps, some had no realizations at all. I’m always inviting wisdom into my life; whether or not I recognize it as it comes, is debatable. And, I still maintain those who claim wisdom are the very people it eludes (click to tweet).

Dragon backlit

For many days I breathed through a scarf because winds and dirt devils made it impossible to breathe and see clearly – the irony is not lost on me here. Days passed and I didn’t have the luxury of bathing…but, in the desert’s defense, it was a really, really dry dirt. It was impossible to drag a comb through my hair. Even a Really. Wide. Toothed. Comb.Insights from Burning Man 2015 It was all okay, because when the skies cleared or the sun set, I was treated to absolutely, incredible art, people in full expression of themselves and the reminder that although I had no creature comforts, no phone connections – I was experiencing the things that truly matter in this life….for me. I was reminded of the value of….

1. A sense of wonder and appreciation of the beauty that surrounds me – Beauty of this earth, one another and our divine and unique spirits.Insights from Burning Man

2. The reminder that you are okay, just the way you are….and I am okay, too. Although we may be vastly different, we are both entirely whole.

Dream

3. The knowledge that unselfishly sharing doesn’t create scarcity…it creates support, friends and a community that will embrace you when in need. That being said, it can be in the nature of man to take without reciprocation, at which point, the choice becomes that of the giver – who should never be judged for setting limits.

Insights from Burning Man 2015

4. Diversity is essential for the success of humankind – though accepting it can be challenging, it’s one of the most precious gifts we have.

Flamingo Man

5. Tolerance is easy as long as one’s self is not being damaged.

Photo Courtesy Talented Winemaker Friend - Stuart Spoto - Spoto Family Wines

Photo Courtesy Talented Winemaker Friend – Stuart Spoto – Spoto Family Wines

6. Moments are versatile. They not only tangle together to offer experiences…but, can also stand alone. (click to Tweet) It’s through moments that beautiful, whole lives are created. WE create those lives ourselves, our greatest work of art…painted with moments. Moments with people, moments alone, moments in contemplation, moments in gratitude and prayer.

Insights from Burning Man

I realize I’ve written this entire piece in first person. While there were many people sharing this experience, I can’t speak for them. I can’t even speak for the people I traveled with. We come into the world alone – the same way we leave it. While we are here, there are some common threads that connect us. In a desert, in harsh circumstances, with a simple set of agreements, we I felt them deeply and profoundly. Without the noise of agencies competing for my support, I heard them clearly.

All is well with the core of mankind. Have faith and reclaim it. One, by, one. (click to sweet Tweet)

Blessings for us all,

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Michelle Andres is a writer and artist. She writes this blog to share tips for a well-Insights from Burning Manlived life and a finely run art business…just for you!
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