Hello Empowered Humans!
I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend Burning Man, and I wanted to share some reflections on my experience. For those of you unfamiliar with it, Burning Man is an event that’s often described as part festival, part art installation, part radical self-expression. But as with anything so vast and multifaceted, everyone’s “burn” is different, and mine was certainly unique.
As we ventured into the playa, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the virtual world of “Second Life.” It felt like a place where people move around, sometimes interacting, sometimes not, with vast installations and camps spread out like little universes unto themselves. The spaces were often quiet and empty, and there was an air of uncertainty about which areas were welcoming and which were private sanctuaries. It was a fascinating and sometimes surreal experience—just like stepping into a new world where the usual rules don’t apply.
For us, Burning Man wasn’t about the all-night parties or the wild abandon that many associate with the event. Instead, it was about spending time together as a family, exploring the art, and embracing the experiences and interactions that the burn environment provides. It felt more like off-grid camping to me, but with a twist—an added layer of creativity, community, and unexpected encounters.
We enjoyed the simple pleasures of being together in this extraordinary setting. We wandered through the art installations, took in the creativity all around us, and appreciated the hospitality and gifts we received from fellow burners. We found friends, shared stories, and participated in the gifting culture, which was truly heartwarming. And while others might have been up until dawn, we found ourselves winding down and heading to bed by midnight most nights—content and fulfilled by the day’s adventures.
We also had the joy of celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary out there on August 31st. It was such a special way to mark the occasion—surrounded by art, community, and the vast desert sky. It made the experience even more memorable, blending our personal milestones with the unique energy of Burning Man. Here’s to many more adventures together, both on and off the playa!
One thing that stood out to me was how we managed to stay active and healthy despite the challenging environment. I did a couple of TRX workouts off our Jeep, and we biked everywhere, which was both practical and fun. We fueled ourselves with Trifecta meals, and thanks to our well-prepped cooler, we enjoyed healthy, delicious food throughout the burn. It was a reminder of how important it is to be prepared, especially in an environment where resources are limited.
There were moments when the desert heat became almost oppressive—those four hours in the middle of the day when the sun was at its peak, and all you could do was lounge around camp and wait for it to pass. But even then, I found it manageable. Being dirty? Well, that was a choice at the end of the day. There are plenty of ways to cleanse yourself out there if you’re resourceful, and my experience with showerless gym days definitely came in handy!
For those who are used to creature comforts, I can see how Burning Man might feel harsh. But for me, someone who routinely pushes comfort zones, lives in an inhospitable place, and is no stranger to hard work and getting dirty, it didn’t feel too wild. It was just another challenge, another environment to navigate.
As I reflect on the burn, I realize that much of what I experienced felt like an extension of my everyday life. In the “default world,” I strive to contribute, create, gift, play, leave no trace, and hold space for community. Burning Man was a different canvas, but the values and actions were the same. It was a place where I could continue to live those principles, just with more biking and a bit more dancing.
I’m grateful for the experience, the art, the community, and the lessons learned. It’s an adventure that will stay with me, not just as a memory but as a reminder of what’s possible when we step outside our comfort zones and embrace the unknown.
This experience has definitely got me thinking about how to make the things I offer in the default world more accessible and inviting. There’s something about the simplicity and openness at Burning Man that I want to bring into my work. I’ve got some big projects cooking—exciting stuff that I can’t quite share just yet, but stay tuned! There’s a lot more coming your way, and I can’t wait to make it all happen.
Until the next adventure,
Coach Christine
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