Fresh from Burning Man, an experiment in deconstructing social constructs. I found the experience to be transformative, psychedelic and magical. Attending the latest incarnation of this annual event in the Nevada desert was physically challenging following massive dust storms. The main structure at our camp collapsed a few days in and was never rebuilt. Depriving us of a significant source of shade in scorching heat. But perseverance, resilience and friendship drove us forward.
All of the workshops I attended were fascinating, including one that allowed women to express their collective anxiety, fear and rage against patriarchy as men stood in solidarity with them. I was also part of a bachelor party where the future groom sat in a circle of men who showered him with praise. In addition, I did something called laughter meditation, which was about the unity of spirit in one’s body that manifests itself in laughter. Another powerful moment was when I was able to release grief in a sacred place where people were able to hang pictures or mementos of loved ones and pets who are no longer with us.
When it all burned down at the end of our gathering, a message of love was communicated to the departed whose spirits rose. I honored my nephew who died a few years ago of an overdose. A really touching part of that experience was I was next to a man from Texas who had just lost his grandfather. And a woman from Israel who had just lost her father a few weeks prior. I made new best friends from Oregon, Denver, Poland, Toronto and South America. We were all from different walks of life who came together, hugged and spoke about our loved ones – sharing what they meant to us. We all cried for each other and really bonded in a very special way.
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