Some unofficial guidance for 1st time burners
Hi 1st time burner reading this post. I thought I’d put together some hopefully helpful thoughts in the chance that maybe this reaches the right person at the right time. For background, I’ve done 11 burns and have been a ranger for several years.
In no particular order:
1- Please read the survival guide cover to cover. A lot of people work hard to put that together to help you, so I won’t repeat any of that info here. It’s also beautifully done.
2- Ask for help when you need it. Radical self reliance means that you’ve planned to take care of yourself to the best that you can. But things happen and maybe you need help. Ask. There are lots of burners out there who are trained to help you. When in doubt, ask for a black rock ranger.
3- Be open to serendipity. Maybe you’ve got BIG PLANS to see a particular DJ or make an event. Maybe the playa has different plans for you. That’s ok. Some of the moments you’ll remember forever occur when you least expect them. Be ready to let go and pivot with an open heart.
4- Don’t overthink gifting for your first burn. Gifting is how you show up for the community and there are a million possible ways that you can be a part of contributing. Finding an art project that needs help (check artery or playa info) or a department that can use some helping hands is a fun way to try new things. You’ll find your way over time. Don’t buy cheap plastic trinkets.
5- Check in with yourself regularly. Feeling off? Burning man has a way of making time fuzzy. Try a HALT check in. Ask yourself, am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired? What is resonating? Maybe you’re hungry and feeling short tempered, angry because you are triggered or frustrated by something you’re holding onto, lonely and needing someone to check in with, or tired and in need of a nap. Fix one thing at a time.
Hope that helps. Have fun!