Burning Man I May 2017
For those seeking a more mind-expanding expe-
rience, there were more than 100 workshops and
talks on topics like organic food (“Seitan for the
Masses”), plant medicine (“Reishi Mushroom &
Spiritual Consciousness”), gender studies (“The
Art of Healthy Feminine Leadership”) and sex
(“Tantric Lap Dance Workshop”).
Among the first-timers was Alicia Henry, 27, a
model and actress from Los Angeles. She was ly-
ing under a tree on what is called Meditation Moun-
tain, wearing a flower crown, a bindi, velvet olive
floral fringe kimono and Minnetonka boots.
Accompanied by a group of friends from Venice,
Calif., she had prepared for the festival by repeating
her mantra, “Heart open, mind open.” She came to
Lightning in a Bottle in search of a “magical, sacred
experience,” she said.
That language of neo-spirituality and personal
growth is common.
“This is a safe space — a space free of judg-
ment, criticism, punishment,” said the effervescent
Dream Rockwell, a festival founder, who was
standing backstage while a man played a didger-
idoo, an ancient Australian instrument. “Creativity
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.isms I May 2017
is accepted in all forms. ‘No shirt, no shoes, no ser-
vice’ obviously does not apply here.”
These festivals, after all, are billed as more than
just a dance party in the woods.
“People are transformed almost every year,”
said Jesse Flemming, another founder. “Their
minds are completely blown by how nice people
are to each other. They think, ‘If 15,000 people can
be like this here, why can’t we be like this at home,
instead of being mean.’ ” It may sound hippie, Mr.
Flemming said, “but the world needs a little more of
that,” adding, “Maybe with a little less tie-dye and
patchouli.” He declined to further comment.
.isms I May 2017
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