Sharing My Story and Life Lessons...

Recently, I have talked a lot about my experiences at Burning Man in 2009-2011. I have begun to share with you the 10 Principles of Burning Man. Burning Man co-founder Larry Harvey wrote the 10 Principles in 2004 as guidelines for the newly-formed Regional Network. They were crafted not as a dictate of how people should be and act, but as a reflection of the community’s ethos and culture as it had organically developed since the event’s inception. I urge everyone to LIVE the 10 Principles every day. Here, I want to share with you the introductive text of the book I am working on titled "Life Lessons I Learned on the Playa." In this, I do my best to describe this transformative experience and place. It is my hope that you will more fully understand some of my thoughts and emotions going forward. Enjoy!!

THIS PLACE, THIS EXPERIENCE...

For one week each year, tens of thousands gather on a windswept, dry and dusty desert plain high in the Black Rock Mountains of Nevada, one hundred miles from anywhere. These determined and dedicated souls come from all over to build a city in celebration of the possible, the individual, and of community. This place, the playa as it is called, openly and without question embraces its new inhabitants and for each of them, and for just a few days, becomes the place they call home. It is a place that is at once harsh, but comfortable. The brilliant white expanse of hard gypsum dirt stretches infinitely to the blue horizon. It is an environment that challenges, tests your ability to survive, yet at the same time, provides a canvas of opportunity to bring any dream possible to reality. This is Burning Man. 

 

It was to this place where I came to seek some sort of meaning in my life. After many years of emotional upheaval and drifting, addiction, and denial of truths, I wanted to find meaning for my existence. I wanted to find meaning for all of those challenges that had presented themselves to me. I wanted to find meaning for my thoughts and my values. I had heard that Burning Man was nothing more than a weeklong, drug-filled, crazy party. Just a plain crazy event in the overwhelming heat of the high desert. But what I found from the first moment I stepped onto the playa was nothing less than an incredible, unexpected state of mind. I found a way of life and being that I could not have previously imagined, much less thought even existed. It was into this place where I set forth on a journey of personal discovery, self-appreciation, self-reliance, and acceptance of the real beauty of the world and people around me. While I may not have known it in those first few moments, my participation in this place and my embrace of this state of mind would profoundly transform my life.

 

Like many of us who are “Burners”, I have difficulty explaining what home on the playa is like. After all, how do you adequately describe a “state of mind” to someone unless they have experienced it themselves? In a wholly inadequate way, here is my attempt at relating the place, the people and the ideal for you. 

 

This is a place where anyone can go and free themselves mentally and emotionally (and even physically) from whatever binds them to what we call the “default” world. We gather as individuals to be part of an interwoven community that celebrates cooperation, participation and communal caring of one another. As hostile and forbidding as the playa and its surroundings may seem, it's in this desolation and harshness where I found a beauty that is inviting and comfortable. There is a feeling that this IS home, and it surrounds me every moment I am there. I know I am home as the sun begins its brilliant orange rise from behind the mountain each morning and then crosses the brilliant sky to set in a blaze of pink, red and purple each evening. I know I am home as I stare up into a deep night sky filled with an infinity of stars and then look out on a dark-backed plain punctuated by an equally infinite circus of neon colors and flames. I know I am home when I am immediately greeted upon my arrival by strangers who become immediate friends, sharing the spirit of this place and embrace me openly without any preconception or judgment. In this vast emptiness, all of us become free to create a personal experience limited only by those boundaries we have set for ourselves. Transformation comes to those who can transcend those boundaries. I am forever awed by how perfectly the surreal beauty of this place seamlessly intersects with the astounding creativity and limitless imagination of humanity. This joining of the human spirit with the raw beauty of the playa is as paint to canvas, creating a harmonious community – a city – that rises like a mirage from its parched, dust swept surface. Burning Man is, at its core, a unique expression of thousands of unique individuals who have a singular focus – to create a community in celebration of the possible, and live in that community joyously, each participating, learning, and growing as part of a personal journey of self.

 

I will be sharing more of my transformative experience in the hope that you also can find new perspectives in your own life from my, and others, stories. For more information about Burning Man, I encourage you to visit www.burningman.org.

-Text taken from "Life Lessons I Learned on the Playa" by Larry Eiring, copyright 2013, 2023. Reference to Larry Harvey and the 10 Principles taken from "The 10 Principles" on the Burning Man Project website at https://burningman.org/about/10-principles/. Copyright by The Burning Man Project, 1989-2023.

 

The FIRST Life Lesson from the Playa - Inclusion

Well, it is a special time of year for me and millions of others. It is PRIDE month!! This brings to mind something that is high in the news lately....the scope of inclusion. OK, so as many of you know, I'm a true believer in the Principles of Burning Man. In fact, the book I've been working on is tentatively titled "Life Lessons I Learned on the Playa" in which I am attempting to show that application of the 10 Principles of Burning Man is relatable, and desirable, to our everyday life. OK, so what is this principle? Well, the FIRST Principle of Burning Man is....

Radical Inclusion

Anyone may be a part of Burning Man. We welcome and respect the stranger. No prerequisites exist for participation in our community.

Let's now change the text slightly to: Anyone may be a part of our Community. That's pretty simple..and logical, right?  As I've said many times in the past, the strength of community exists with the collective strength of it's individuals. A strong community is built upon the input and perspectives of many, and varied, viewpoints. So, the INCLUSION of the many serves to strengthen the outcome of the community...or society, right??? Logical, clear, sensical! 

Now, I'd like to think that the First Principle isn't all that radical. In fact, it just makes sense. Period. Think about how wonderful...and strong...our communities are (and would be) if we ALL embraced the principle of inclusion. Not a radical principle at all, huh? 

No matter what you think, or believe, there is no denying that the power of many voices, the power of including many thoughts and perspectives, can and does create incredible results. 

So, in this time of deepening division and exclusion, I encourage everyone to think about the benefits of INCLUSION. Think about how much more you and your friends can learn about, just by listening and maybe even accepting other perspectives. It really works. After all, this is how the desert in Nevada turns into an incredible, functioning and welcoming community of over 80,000 individuals each August. Radical inclusion isn't all that radical after all. 

#burningman #blackrockcity

So...What Now?

So, what now? Is that a question you ask yourself often? I guess I have had that experience in the past few days or weeks. Last week, I had a complicated ear surgery, which the outcome is still in doubt. Will I hear again in my ear? Will I look different with my ear sewn on? So..what now?

Well, when I take a moment to reflect, the answer is clear. You just get up and move onward. Life deals all of us with a lot of challenges. Big and small and everything in between comes at us each day. Many challenges we just take on without thinking about, while others are so large as to weigh us down and push us over. 

The secret to moving on is to look for every possible opportunity within the challenge. Think about it. If someone has been told they a have life-threatening disease, the challenge is immense, yet they can look at the opportunities to connect deeper with family, take on something they thought they could never do, or embark on a spiritual journey. The opportunities are really endless. For me, well...so what if I look a little different, I can embrace my new-found look, laugh about it and know that it helps make me even more unique than I am. As for my hearing, well, I can always hear from one side, and I can always take the opportunity to see what technology is available to give me more hearing ability with what I have. Point is that nothing is lost, and all can be gained. How about that I can use the challenge to refocus my senses and talents on my other senses, visual and creative. I can move away from self-doubt and move into self-discovery. How exciting is that!!

Late today, an amazing friend of mine, Jim Bowers, sent me the following message that is timely and relevant in so many ways. Jim and I are artists, creators. He is also a dreamer, inspirational and authentic. We are both "perfectly imperfect", as he says. Here's what he had to say:

“Every single human being on this planet (NO EXCEPTIONS) has something BRILLIANT to offer mankind, whether they know it, believe it, or not. It may be obvious, or it may be hidden, deep within an insecurity. Self-doubt renders that BRILLIANT YOU undiscovered, unrecognized, and unappreciated. 

Given time, trust, and commitment, I WILL discover, reveal and then include that uniquely BRILLIANT contribution as an equally integral part of my/our Art. 

Above all else, this is what brings me true joy and my greatest sense of genuine accomplishment.” 

- Jim Bowers, Artist

These are words to live by. So, look at the brilliant YOU and discover your own Art, and say, "What now?"  I think you'll know the answer!!!

Comments please!!

Coming Back Is Possible

Many times in our lives we can feel lost. Lost to ourselves, Lost to others, Lost even in the places where we are. Yet, the reality is that we don't have to stay lost. We have the power within ourselves to "find" all that we need. Each of us holds so much more value than we recognize, so much more power of life and hope than we realize. What it takes is courage and having the dignity of risk to honestly look inward. It's not that difficult really. The key action is honesty. To be able to have the courage to find your own value means that you must be 100% honest with yourself first. You must discover and accept the good, the bad, and the uglies about yourself and realize that all of that is who you are. And then, take the risk - with dignity and grace - to find who you are and chart an exciting course forward. Once you start moving forward, you will not be lost. You have a direction and will be on a journey of value and light.

In 2017, I wrote several poems about being lost myself, desperate in a dark place, and looking for someone, something, in my own life. This is one of those poems.

Back Where I Belong

These days are getting so much longer
Longer than I could ever imagine
The closer I get to there now
It seems like I'll never figure out
All of the ways I can get back
I've not always been the best man
And not the best friend for you
But it's been you and your love
That's helped me make it through
You always gave me another chance
To be the person I could be
Now all I want is to get back
To that place where I belong
Now all I want is to know
There's someone like you out there
Waiting with a smile on their face
To say to me, "Welcome back"
Back to where I belong
I was always running from my life
Running from all those places
From all the pain I once made
I wrapped it around me so tight
Turned all my days into night
But now I am running to the light
This is my hope bold and bright
Right now I want it all
Right now I want to see me
Right now I want to see you
Right now I want to come back
To the place where I belong.

"Back Where I Belong"   Copyright, Larry Eiring, 2017

Are you still running? Are you still looking for yourself? Are you still missing a friend or a loved one? Know this: With honesty, courage, dignity, and hope....you will get back to the place you belong.

As always, I'd love your comments and thoughts!

What Did You Do Today...?

Ok, here's the question: What did you do today to create value?  

Think about that for a moment. Are you wondering what I mean? Are you asking, "what value?" OK, fair enough. Let me make this a little clearer. First, think about what you did today to create value in yourself. Did you look in the mirror and smile at yourself, thinking "I am going to make this a great day?" or did you create something positive for yourself? In creating and building a value-driven life, it is important to take some time each day for yourself. This means that you can do a positive activity, like working out at the gym, or writing something, or even do something artistic. These positive activities - things you want and like to do - will help you build your self-value. The more your build your own self-value, the better you will feel about yourself and your ability to meet the challenges that you will face each day.

Now, how about sharing some of your value with others! Maybe you simply opened a door for someone in the store. Maybe you thanked someone for their help, or maybe you called a friend and listened to them as they related an issue to you. By sharing your value, you are giving of yourself and helping to build someone's own value-driven life. And, just as importantly, you are helping to build your own self-value. 

See! Simple things you do today mean a lot to you and someone else. Each day, by doing something to create value, you are continuing to build on your own life of value. So, the question is...what are you going to do today...and tomorrow??

Please share what you do (and have done) to create value for yourself and others. You just may help someone on their journey towards a value-driven life!!  Comments???

Yesterday? That's so yesterday!!

Today, I was reminded of something that I learned a few years ago. I had someone say to me today that they wish they could go back and fix all of the stupid things they did, and maybe they would not have ended up in the situation they are in now. Really!!?? We can wish all we want. We can lament what we did or didn't do. We can say and think all of the "should haves, would haves, could haves" we want. But there is a reality: It's simple really. No matter how hard we try, we can't relive or redo what happened in the past. So why spend time and energy dwelling on it? What will spending all of that energy get us? Nothing but more aggravation and self-doubt. In fact, when we spend time lamenting our yesterday, we are giving away our own value. And that ends up causing us to spend even more negative energy...or worse. So how about this: Think about today. Think about the good, positive things you can do today, right now. Think about how wonderful your life is now. What?!? You say it's not wonderful? Think about this...you are alive. You have opportunities to be who you want to be. Take the time, even a few minutes to lift yourself up. Smile at yourself. Laugh at your own silliness (I do that every day!). Remember that no matter what, you have today. Make it your day. And...in this today, you will have tomorrow. So, stop dwelling on yesterday and start celebrating today. After all, as my leadership mentor John C. Maxwell says....today matters!!! In fact, it's all we really have.

What do you think? We've all been there. Share your thoughts and how you deal with "yesterday"! 

So....What is the VALUE in you? BTW...Happy Holidays!

 Well, here we are. It's Christmas 2022. Do you feel like you are of value? Do you wonder if anyone cares? Well, first of all, YOU should care. Yes, no matter what you think - you are valuable. I remember ten years ago. Yes, that's right in 2012...I felt like no one cared. But the reality is that I didn't care about myself. Wow...how three-O stupid that was, huh? So, I want everyone to know this.... YOU are valuable. YOU are loved, by someone. And maybe that someone is YOU!! I don't care if you think this is BS, look deep inside of yourself. You KNOW you are worth something. I have worked with a lot of people...and when pressed, they DO find value in themselves. And so will you. Let's walk on this journey together. I promise you; you will find your own value...and a life of hope and dignity!!! Enjoy! 2023 will be OUR year!!

It's Been A Long Time

 Hello!! Yes, it's been a very long time since I have been here. Well, I am back. And...I am better than ever. In fact, I have found the value inside of myself that was there all along. What? You are looking for your value too? Imagine that!! Over the last ten years, I have met so many people who thought they were not of value...to themselves, or anyone else. I thought that about myself, but you know what? I was wrong. And so were they. I found that if I figured out the "whys" in my life, I could...with a lot of willingness and determination, find out the value I have inside of myself. In doing so, I became transformed, evolved really, into the person I am today - valuable, honest, authentic, comfortable, and hopeful. You can get to this too!  In 2018, I developed a program called "A Value Driven Life." In summary, it's a mental wellness, self-help program that helps you figure out the "why's" in your life, so you can build a life of value - a true value-driven life of dignity, respect and hope.

Now that I'm back, I want to share this program, and so much more with everyone. So...hang with me, be patient and come along on an exciting journey of self-discovery, self-evolution, and hope!!

Want to Succeed? Try A New Formula

One of the keys to success and happiness in life is realizing that using the same formula for the way you live your life just might be failing. Whether it’s sticking with a not-so-happy situation just because it’s “comfortable”, hanging with friends who always get you in trouble because they "like me", or staying with an addiction because it “feels good”, haven't you noticed the end result is always the same? I'll bet you feel depressed and end up in a state of despair and discontentment. You probably have even asked yourself, “how do I get off this crazy roller coaster?”  Actually, the answer is quite simple. Take a hint from the process of self-evolution. Sit down and seriously question each situation. Don't let others influence you and don’t back down from what you see. Open your self to every new opportunity to all of the challenges you face. Allow yourself the opportunity to define these opportunities and look at them for how they will allow you to move forward in life. Remember, you don’t need anyone else’s permission or input to succeed other than your own. So go ahead, use a new life-formula, use the courage you know you have and give yourself permission to succeed and continue on your journey of self-evolution.

(with thanks to Michael Butler, Sr. for prompting this entry out of me!)

Don't Change - Self-Evolve!

How many times in your life have you been told you should ‘change’ something or another about you? Maybe it was the way you act or the way you work that you were told to change. Or maybe it was even the way you think that you should ‘change.’  Do you remember your reaction to this outside encroachment on your personal being? Did it make you change or did it make you merely alter the next action and your reaction to it? In the end, did anything really ‘change’ about you? I would bet it didn’t. But if you had approached the situation as an opportunity to review and alter your process of reacting, you would have opened the door to “self-evolution.”

Henry Ford once said, “One who fears failure limits his activities. Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again.” We should all see our failures, no matter how small or how large, as the challenges of life from which we can turn into great opportunities. The key to doing this lies in our ability to recognize every challenge, every failure, indeed every interaction in life as an opportunity for us to evolve our way of thinking, our way of acting and our way of being.  It is a natural human tendency to question everything. We do it every minute of every day with everything we see, hear, smell, touch and think. The answers we derive from these questions then direct how we react. We question the actions that come from our reactions and the cycle starts again.

Like you, I have encountered great challenges on the journey of my life. I question what is happening and then react. When my questioning has been focused on everything except the reasons why I let the challenge affect me directly, I ended up reacting in such a way that the challenge reappeared, often with dire consequences. In those instances, I had failed to question fully and failed to learn from the challenge. However, when I questioned much more deeply and focused on why the challenge affected me directly, I ended up questioning my initial actions and reactions. It was in this act of questioning my own way of questioning that I realized what I needed to know.  I stopped becoming a passive and reactive questioner and started becoming an active and proactive questioner of myself. 

None of us likes ‘change’ because it means that we may have to do something or become someone we inherently are not comfortable with. That’s a very natural reaction.  In fact, Morris Massey in his What You Are Is Where You Were When series very correctly shows that by age 21, our values are ‘locked-in’ and become very difficult to change. He goes on to say that only through a ‘significant emotional event’ can we alter our way of thinking and acting. Yet, I believe we can do this every minute of every day. I believe we can ‘self-evolve’ by making every challenge, every failure, every question presented to us as an opportunity to be a better, more content and happy person leading a fulfilling life. That’s what my blog, dedicated to my thoughts surrounding "Mastering the Art of Self-Evolution", is founded upon. This is my opportunity to share my experiences, actions, reactions and questions, both good and bad, to those challenges of life which have caused me to ‘self-evolve’ and ultimately seek out those opportunities which can lead to ultimate personal satisfaction and happiness.

I invite you to join me on this journey and share your own experiences. Let’s question each other and ourselves. In the end, I believe our own personal self-evolutions will collectively help lift the whole of society to a better future.