After The Dust Settles 🔥
Burning Man Reflections and Awakening to the Embers of Fall
As with anything, you get out what you put in.
This year marked my second annual visit to Burning Man, a creative experiment of our humanity guided by 10 core principles. For the second year in a row, I gave myself the time and space to fully immerse in the experience. I arrived early in Reno, spent almost a week helping build camp, and stayed through the full weeklong journey, including strike, exodus, and a few days of recuperation and grounding back in Reno.
Last year, Burning Man created a profound shift in my life. The lessons, opportunities, self-reflection, and freedom awakened a new path of deeper self-discovery, connection with others, and willingness to surrender to the unknown. It was during this time last year that I finally released my relationship with my ex-partner and former collaborator and gave myself permission to step fully into my own life.
Upon returning, it wasn’t until I attended Stephanie Redlener’s Lioness Unleashed that I truly landed back into my body and space.
I now see that while letting go of that person and relationship was the right decision, it was something I deeply resisted. I fought tooth and nail to hold on, trying to impose my own will. This resistance manifested as grief, depression, fear, and a disconnection from the joy and pleasure of life.
In finally accepting the release (which I chose!) and embracing the consequences—both good and bad—I found a new path to healing, recovery, and personal evolution. This process has carried forward to this day, deepening my growth and willingness to surrender to the magic and mystery of Life.
Looking back, I realize just how profound this past year has been in shaping my ability and willingness to show up fully in my life.
This year’s burn felt different. I no longer carried the weight of heavy baggage to leave behind.
Yes, there were challenges throughout the past year, and things I was ready to release through the collective grief ritual at the Temple of Together. But mostly, I felt grounded and centered in my body. Others even commented on how much more “solid” I seemed compared to last year, and how I was allowing myself to be seen more clearly.
In the growth and evolution of this last year, I have learned to trust myself and my ability to navigate any situation or challenge. I have moved through shame surrounding my work and my passions, and I now know at my core that I am deeply in service to both myself and those I have the pleasure of working with. I have decided that my life is my responsibility, and no one else’s.
The result of this alignment and clarity brought me gifts of “playa magic”— running into exactly the right people at exactly the right time, and receiving lessons and experiences that felt divinely guided just for me. I could spend days recounting the stories of magic and connection that filled my time there, but for now, they are for me and my own reflection.
I am deeply grateful for this experience. I feel grounded in my body, mind, and spirit, while remaining open and trusting in the great unknown. I’m following the deepest desires of my heart and setting boundaries that support my growth and evolution. I'm doing my best to bring the love, care, and magic of the Playa into all the worlds I’m fortunate enough to connect with.
As we move forward into September, I’m excited to carry this energy into the offerings and events that lie ahead. This month holds opportunities for deep connection, creativity, and transformation, and I’d love for you to join me as we continue this journey together. Join me for a virtual or in-person session, or at an upcoming event.
September Upcoming Events
Tea & Tease, A Trippy Nude Live Drawing Experience - Thursday, September 19th, 7 PM in Newburgh, NY.
Speed Dating (and Friending) for Singles 35 - 55ish - Friday, September 20th, 6 PM at Oceane Winery in Chester, NY.
Fall Equinox Virtual Reiki Healing Circle - Tuesday, September 24th, 8 AM
Kinky Speed Dating (and Friending) - Friday, September 27th, 7 PM in Poughkeepsie, NY
Erotic Couples Massage Workshop - Saturday, September 28th, 5 - 7 PM in Poughkeepsie, NY
Blessed - A Virtual Erotic Activation - Sunday, September 29th, 8 PM ET
Hope to see you soon!
Feel free to reply with any of your own thoughts of growth, evolution and release.
I read every note and try to respond! I am so grateful for you!
Much love and many blessings, Amanda // Rev.Rucifer
