Although this was my first burn, I’m not new to the Burning Man community. Growing up in New York since the 90s left it’s mark on my growing up through all the raves and outlaws. Through many ups and downs, Burning Man nurtured a loving community with a creative outlet that allows people to be as free as they want. Many newbies have a misconception that this is just another music festival in the desert. In my experience, it was a lot more than that.

Here are Ten Burning Man principles and the life lessons it brings to everyone’s magical journey on the Playa.

Welcome Home!

1. Radical Inclusion

One of the only places on earth where your ethnicity, beliefs, and political views will not exclude you or make you feel weird. The idea of bringing a diverse crowd to truly be themselves regardless of what you were brought up to believe.

The lesson - Accept everyone for who they are, treat everyone with love and respect, and realize, we are all in this together.

2. Gifting

Money rule the world, except in Black Rock City. Sounds too good to be true? After a week in a desert, you quickly realize the importance to look out for one another. If you need something, just ask. Gifting is just a way to express gratitude and appreciation towards each other. It feels great to give and our world needs more of this.

The lesson - The more you give, the more love you radiate and happier you feel.

3. Decommodification

Unlike any festival or large event gathering, you will not find any banners or logos of sponsors anywhere on Playa.

The lesson - in order to put an end to corporatism and monopolies, focus on human experience and enhancing our cultural growth. People will always appreciate the quality vs what is popular.

4. Radical Self-reliance

Let’s be honest, spending a week in the desert is not something we are trained to do. However, if you follow the Survival Guide, you will be somewhat prepared physically. Mentally though is a whole other topic. Things will go wrong, you will forget some stuff and lose some.

The lesson - Your attitude to how you handle situations is just as important as the things you have to get you by.

5. Radical Self-expression

This is where everyone gets to be as creative as your imagination will take you. Everyone is unique and encouraged to express themselves without any judgments.

The lesson - Be true to yourself and express your creativity at all times.

6. Communal Effort

Most of the BRC is full of camps which allow people to create a space with a theme. Your participation is one of the most important experiences. The rewards of being in contribution are priceless.

The Lesson - By respecting the space and the people you create with, we start to appreciate what others create.

7. Civic Responsibility

What you seek is seeking you. You will find what you’re into, guaranteed. Event organizers have to be mindful of their participants by creating a fun and safe environment to experience their attraction.

The lesson - Visualize and plan ahead. If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.

8. Leaving No Trace

This week made everyone mindful of all the packaging and trash that comes with all the stuff we buy. In order to keep our planet clean, we all have to play our part.

The lesson - We are all responsible to keep our planet clean.

9. Participation

In the real world, it is easy to get in the back seat and just cruise through life. Being a spectator at Burning Man is not an option. You’ll never know what will happen from minute to minute and who will approach you next.

The lesson - Everything you want is out of your comfort zone. Get involved and experience life.

10. Immediacy

Put your ego aside and experience your true self. Being authentic is everything.

The lesson - be grounded and present. Every moment is an opportunity to learn a new life lesson.

See you in the dust next year. Happy Burn!!