Burning Man 2023 - Silver Lining

Every year we build Black Rock City together, and together we survive it. High heat, high winds, unrelenting dust, and this year was no different: only intense rain was also on the menu. The media headlines focused on early protests, a tragic death, heavy rains and heavier mud, and even a pair of celebrities needing "rescue" from their ill advised stroll; but in my opinion, the most important headline of this year's burn was the triumph of the human spirit... As always, 70,000 like-minded individuals from all walks of life came together to overcome adversity as a community. Was it tough? Of course! Mentally, physically, and spiritually; but it was also beautiful... and that's what this video hopefully represents. The silver lining. The beauty. The Joy. The Fun. After all, if you want the rainbow, you have to deal with the rain. The reality of the situation was that life/nature happens even in black rock, as many have said "my vacation is your nightmare," and much of the struggles were off camera since I was busy living it... but it was still awesome, for as Larry once said: "You will not create community unless you face survival with other people; community isn't about sentiment, it's not about kumbaya. It's not about loving other people per say; it's about struggling with them... Because only when you struggle together, for survival with other people, do you begin to see their soul. That's how it's done." I'll tell you firsthand, the struggle this year was real, and the 10 principles were truly put to the test, however, despite being isolated from the outside world and trapped in our own city, we truly came together as a community to not only survive, but thrive! And I'm proud to have been a part of a burn that will be talked about for years to come, but not just because of the elements, but because I saw more 'souls' this burn than ever before, and it was perfect... the silver lining. We thrive surviving! Thank you ‪@cellodancer‬ for the man burn footage! #burningman #burningman2023 #blackrockcity #rainingman