In the process of analyzing the shortcomings of Burningman on "Year 2012" tribe, I struck upon a concept that seems everybit as viable as the hugely successful B/M, which, itself, started from very small origins. It is referential to "Burningman" because it seems there are some creative qualities that we admire about B/M which we hope to incorporate into Learningman. But there are many who feel the foundations of B/M are unsound in many ways, and there is no way to reform that venue...except by creating a new one that eliminates all the shortcomings.
So it is that I seek to facilitate the creation of Learningman. First I must define it. It will be a year-round place, a community devoted to art and creative expression, along with all appropriate manner of healing and spirituality. In conceptualizing the ground rules, I am looking at how to define this as a raw foods community without requiring that people who show up for the Learningman seasonal Festivals have a primary interest in being raw. In other words...Art & Creativity are the primary purpose of L/M. But in order to achieve the transformative goals of Learningman, only raw vegan foods will be allowed to be openly served up for general consumption. The rhetoric might go like this: "You are free to bring cooked foods for your private consumption, but no open distribution of anything but Raw Vegan foods will be permissible. Also, no alcohol consumption. While you are here, we encourage you to experience the effects of raw vegan diet, as it has been of the greatest benefit to our full-time residents. "
So...ideas? The biggest obstacle is the need for at least 400-500 acres of land. New Mexico, where I live, happens to have relatively affordable land...lots of desirable land for $1000 an acre or less. This with trees and interesting terrain. Also, within an hour's drive or so of Albuquerque. This is our opportunity to put together a raw community that has a steady flow of money from the festivals, along with lots of creative labor showing up to help build the necessary structures. If you know of anyone who possesses the resources and the vision needed to help get this concept rolling, please don't hesitate to join in the facilitation.
So it is that I seek to facilitate the creation of Learningman. First I must define it. It will be a year-round place, a community devoted to art and creative expression, along with all appropriate manner of healing and spirituality. In conceptualizing the ground rules, I am looking at how to define this as a raw foods community without requiring that people who show up for the Learningman seasonal Festivals have a primary interest in being raw. In other words...Art & Creativity are the primary purpose of L/M. But in order to achieve the transformative goals of Learningman, only raw vegan foods will be allowed to be openly served up for general consumption. The rhetoric might go like this: "You are free to bring cooked foods for your private consumption, but no open distribution of anything but Raw Vegan foods will be permissible. Also, no alcohol consumption. While you are here, we encourage you to experience the effects of raw vegan diet, as it has been of the greatest benefit to our full-time residents. "
So...ideas? The biggest obstacle is the need for at least 400-500 acres of land. New Mexico, where I live, happens to have relatively affordable land...lots of desirable land for $1000 an acre or less. This with trees and interesting terrain. Also, within an hour's drive or so of Albuquerque. This is our opportunity to put together a raw community that has a steady flow of money from the festivals, along with lots of creative labor showing up to help build the necessary structures. If you know of anyone who possesses the resources and the vision needed to help get this concept rolling, please don't hesitate to join in the facilitation.
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Albuquerque
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Mon, September 11, 2006 - 8:41 AMYou might want to think about changing the name. It's such a great idea it deserves a name separate from Burning Man. Just a thought... -
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Mon, September 11, 2006 - 9:18 AMCertainly there are other possibilities if we can get some raw folk with big resources to produce the money for the land. I'm just thinking this name and concept is a way to get people from the larger pool of humanity to bring their resources and interest into making it happen. It's a tough balancing act in which I have to try and meet the interests of those wanting only a raw community (my personal preference) and talk rather differently to non-raw people about how we raw & non-raw can work together and how that would be possible. I feel that if I can't see some manifestation by next summer (a full year's cycle of thought and effort) then I'll definitely be shifting my focus, as time is of the essence, given what I know about the potentialities of 2012. -
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Wed, September 13, 2006 - 10:51 PMI think your ideas sound great, Leslie.
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Mon, October 30, 2006 - 10:47 PMSounds like a big project, Leslie. Definitely a big idea. I've had some ideas about hosting festivals when i get the chance to be part of a community or something, and I'm sure lots of people have that inclination. Festivals can be such a experiencial gateway to meeting and sharing and having fun. I think I prefer smaller festivals myself, so I've never considered big projects like yours before. I'd like to make a couple of suggestions though, and perhaps start to break the project down into smaller and smaller parts that are individually more managable.
I'm not much familiar with Burning Man. I read a bit about it's origins just now, of which you earlier described as being 'very small origins'. I would suggest that your project start off small as well, in all of its parts. For instance, a small handfull of acres somewhere nice would be enough. (If it later becomes too restrictive or for whatever reason becomes less than ideal, you can always move, as Burning Man moved from sandy beach to desert.) Similarly, the creative events could start off being of small, specific range of activities. But at least maybe more indepth and helpful for people, especially if there are less people (smaller classrooms learn more).
Another suggestion I have is based on a futuristic idea I have regarding a network of raw communities (I will create a separate topic for it later as it may not be appropriate to what you have in mind with 'Learning Man'...). I would love to see a raw community network where every 2-5 years or so one of the raw communities hosts a festival. Similar event and activities and practicalities would take place as in "Learning Man" but the heart of it is about bringing raw communities and people closer together. (Perhaps even this migrating space could be the origins for a specific, or even several new, "Learning Man" venues and communites, if that becomes the ideal.)
Also on a small note, I agree with Joanna's post that it would be better to have a completely original name separate to Burning Man, although 'Learning Man' certainly helps induce a good conceptual beginning for your project... : ) -
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Wed, November 1, 2006 - 1:48 PMAs it sits now, it's an ambitious idea waiting for someone with money to step in... and since I've spent the better part of my life waiting for the money to manifest my creative visions (with limited results).... I am compelled to work on other concepts on a smaller scale. Happy Oasis' Raw Spirit Fest is one real success I'm centering my raw expectations on. She sees it growing to "BurningMan" proportions in a few short years as the raw foods movement grows in leaps and bounds. But the theme of "Raw Spirit" predominates...as well it should. Incorporating Raw Art & Creativity will happen to a great degree.... and perhaps raw festivals with more of a "LearningMan" theme will evolve once permanent venues, such as raw communities, are established. We do have a vibrant and evolving virtual Raw Community of independent individuals that is networking its way into endless possibilities.... as we embody the raw spirit of Nature that lives in us through our oneness with living foods.
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Fri, January 19, 2007 - 10:53 AMWow!~ Fantastic! As a "devotee" of BM for the past 7 years, and a raw foodist of only one year, I can honestly say that I, too, observe the necessity for this kind of change. This transition to raw foods is perhaps the most proactive step toward sustainability for the planet, and for body temples. The area around Jemez Springs, NM seems particularly interesting because of it's proximity to natural mineral springs, both hot and cold. Water is so important to humanity's cleansing and survival, and it is a key element missing on the playa. The property's agricultural productivity should be of interest as well. I know that there are many farms in New Mexico, which might surprise those thinking of it as only a desert environment. David Wolfe, Happy Oasis, and Kerry Butterfly might be some individuals worth approaching on this front, as they are at the front of the raw food retreat movements in the desert with such places as Eden Hot Springs.
It aleady exists! it is manifested!
Mahalo for channelling this vision!
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Wed, February 14, 2007 - 4:15 PMI hope this isn't too far afield to mention here, Leslie. I'm wondering if anyone here would be interested in camping raw at Burning Man this year. -
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Wed, February 14, 2007 - 4:37 PMI'd be in favor and persuing it myself if I thought I might be able to afford to go. I've heard word of some raw folk getting organized... check the Burningman tribes. Learningman has not progressed into anything thusfar, but virtual community is growing fro me. -
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Mon, February 19, 2007 - 7:32 PMa lot of people i know will be camped at Blazin Raisin, and I've heard that there was lots of raw food around last year -- so maybe I'll join them there. -
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Mon, February 19, 2007 - 7:50 PMThe amazin' Blazin' Raisins, eh? If I get a free ticket somehow (very unlikely) you'll see me there. -
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Thu, March 1, 2007 - 8:56 AMWell, now I've had a mishap. I ordered my ticket early and something went wrong and the order never went through... But anyway, please let me know if you're going.
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Sun, April 8, 2007 - 4:37 PMI'd definitely be interested! -
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Fri, April 20, 2007 - 6:45 PMI'm not even a raw foodist and that sounds like a great idea, Leslie :) -
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Re: Learningman 2007?(raw alternative)
Fri, April 20, 2007 - 7:31 PMThanks. It might not happen exactly as envisioned, but things seem to be moving in that general direction... alternatives to Burningman are cropping up with creative themes and healthy learning/living alternatives are coming into play. The totally raw lifestyle is gaining credibility, and we are learning how to turn it into a fully viable culture that is truly an attractive thing for more than just health reasons.
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