Shambhala 2014 was a blast and a half. My first year I arrived starry eyed and doe-legged; I got turned upside down and backwards, and spit out at the other end. I made it out alive and hungry for more, so this year I planned ahead, got smart, and acted like I’d been around the block a few times before. This list is an account of what I learned:

Rule #1: Get Comfortable.

This goes for attire and location. The more comfortable you can make yourself the more likely you are to let yourself fully experience the festival. There are all manner of costumes at Shambhala. Finding out what works for you, and what is going to let you cut loose on the dance floor is imperative. Getting comfortable in where you are is equally important. I am not a crowd person, I have what you might call social claustrophobia. I need space, and with PKs new million dollar sound system installed in The Village, the music sounds just as good from the back of the crowd as it does from the front. Some people live for the mosh pit though and if that happens to be you, by all means get in there, rave, that’s kind of what it’s all about.

How to Break It:

Shambhala is a magical place full of new and exciting things to learn and discover. I don’t want to be too harsh but if you’re the guy standing at the back of the crowd in jeans and a t-shirt not talking to anyone because you’re afraid they’re going to steal your wallet, you are going to miss out. Try getting out of that comfort zone a bit – slowly if you have to – but at least try. I’m not a crowd person, but I can say some of my best experiences this year happened in the middle of a crowded dance floor. Stretching your boundaries is the only way to discover where your limits actually lie. You’re not alone either, if you get in too deep, or find yourself feeling overwhelmed there are places you can go for help. The Sanctuary is full of volunteers trained to help people who have delved too far out of their comfort zone and First Aid will patch you up (and even give you antibiotics if you truly need them).

Rule #2: Use the Buddy System.

Lots of people work in teams; cops have partners, doctors have nurses, and pilots have co-pilots. Likewise every good raver needs a partner in crime. Need someone to hold your stuff while you fill up your water bottle, walk you to First Aid, or remind you to put in your earplugs? This person is your buddy; they’re looking out for you and vice-versa. This person does not have to be your permanent festival buddy – you don’t even have to stick with them for a full night. It is a very real possibility that if you split up you may not find each other again, but pairing up with someone can make for a smoother festival experience.

How to Break It:

Again, I may be asking you to get outside your comfort zone, but again I’m telling you, it’ll be worth it. Flying solo is a great way to meet new people, as pre-established groups are more likely to allow lone wolves to join their ranks. It is also an excellent chance to find peace among a collective of almost 15,000 people. When you venture out on your own you are free to stop when you want to stop, see what you want to see, and stumble upon hidden gems that are too small for multiple people to climb, enter, or crawl under. It’s a chance to get lost in yourself, without the pressure of keeping up conversation, or having to explain that big stupid grin undoubtedly adorning your face.

Rule #3: Plan Ahead, and See What You Want to See.

I have this one buddy; he plans his festivals out to the minute. Which stages he wants to be at, when to be there, and where to meet. My biggest regret from this year’s festival was missing out on the one workshop I was most interested in attending. Led by Moby, “Music as Therapy” proved to be enthralling, informative, and hilarious. I wouldn’t know however and am only recanting accounts from people who did manage to make it in time – because I didn’t manage my time and missed the whole talk. Plan ahead and make a sincere effort to see those things that interest you, chances are it’s only going to happen once.

How to Break It:

Unlike my meticulous friend, I am not an adamant planner. It’s just not how I Shambhala. My first year I had zero time to prepare, and wasn’t even planning on going. I had no time to look over the line-up and there were many unfamiliar artists. I still had an amazing experience. One of the many signs present this year read “Follow Vibes, Not DJs” putting perfectly into words my Shambs strategy. I flailed around, and followed my ears. I discovered DJs I had never before heard of, genres I didn’t know existed, and ways of dancing my mind had never imagined. Expect the unexpected, and leave yourself open to new ideas.

Rule #4: Wear a Watch.

This rule ties into my last. Preparedness can be key, and there is nothing worse than missing something you absolutely wanted to see because you got there late, or completely lost track of time. Knowing the time also helps to budget it. On countless occasions I found myself needing to go to the bathroom, or desiring to get some fresh air and release from the depths of the dance floor, only to look at my watch and realize that the DJ set I was enjoying would only last another 10 min. Sticking it out till the end of a set is worth it, especially when you do leave and then find out the DJ threw a couple hundred handmade cardboard swords into the crowd after you left. (True story)

How to Break It:

Again this rule applies closely to the last. There is nothing worse than roaming through the festival with a feeling like the night will never end only to discover it’s actually 4am and the sun is about to come up. One of the beautiful things about Shambhala is how easy it is to become lost in the wonder, and nothing (I mean NOTHING) ruins the magic and brings you back to reality quicker than the realization that you haven’t slept in almost 20 hours.

Rule #5: Keep Your Eyes Open.

Mud, sticks, rocks, and hippie traps; There are a lot of obstacles to look out for in the dead of the night. When it’s happened to you, you know there is nothing worse than having someone stomp on your foot or trample/trip over your innocent back pack. You owe it to yourself and to your fellow festival-goers to watch where you’re going and keep your eyes peeled. Another benefit to keeping your eyes open is looking out for people themselves. It’s easy to miss individuals in a crowd, but if you see someone hunched over or curled up in a corner they might need help. Maybe they don’t, but if you don’t ask you won’t know, and if you don’t see them, you can’t ask.

How to Break It:

Sight is, in most cases, the weakest of all senses. Closing your eyes can allow you to focus more attention on other sensations. If there is lots to see at Shambhala I would argue that there is far more to hear, feel, smell and even taste. Taking a moment to rest your eyes from the – at times overwhelming – barrage of sights lets you meditate on the sound of the music, the vibrations of the bass, and the soft scent of incense (and sweat) drifting through the crowd.

Shambhala is for the most part a place free from the rules of reality. Arguably it’s a place free from rules all together (aside from a few necessary safety concerns). My rules come from experience, and include a built in appendix on how they can and should be ignored. Follow them – or don’t, it doesn’t matter to me – but I promise if you give them a try you’ll learn something about yourself, about Shambhala, and about festivals in general.