One muddy morning at Burning Man, the day after the rain concluded and while many of our camp’s campmates were hanging out after having mostly sheltered in place, one campmate started clapping, cheering, and complimenting people who walked by.
“Looking great in that fur coat and top hat!”
“Rocking that outfit today—love the boots!”
“Amazing color combinations—woop woop!”
…Were the types of things I heard in the background as I engaged in conversation with others.
Not long thereafter, I got a piece of watercolor paper passed to me with a “10” written on it.
And not long after that, everybody had a piece of watercolor paper with a “10” written on it.
And just a few minutes after that, our camp would announce (over megaphone) each person who would walk by and each of our campmates would “score” them based on their outfits or demeanor or bike peddling strategy or whatever… and “10’s” would flash before their eyes and everybody would cheer and shout.
…Our camp must’ve “scored” over 100 people that morning.
And you should’ve seen how each person reacted with nothing short of pure joy and delight.
…And from what? Paper, a little ink, and some nice words?
This is one of my favorite lessons (and memories) from Burning Man: Don’t overestimate what it takes to make a difference in this oftentimes dark, cold, and mucky world. Doing good often requires far less than you think.
P.s. I kept my “10” and have it posted on the mirror in my bedroom—to remind me that “10s” are subjective and I can choose to be a “10” every day.