Ajahn Chah; Dhr. Seven; Seth Auberon, Pat Macpherson, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
First Peace then Investigation
Inside Glasto's mosh pit wars (BBC Music) |
Into the Pit
Long ago at a punk rock show in the Valley, I remember diving into the pit and going all -- what can only be described as -- ninja or kung fu.
My arms flew to meet and block incoming blows before they were initiated. I deflected elbows and fists with my forearms without seeing the strikes coming. On some level, I knew where they would be before they were there. I was stunned.
It was just like that level of martial arts training when a blindfold is worn and one has to block an attack by someone without a blindfold.
Skanking Mario shirt: Ska (reddit.com) |
It was anarchy, and I didn't get hurt in what was a very scary and dangerous situation. I loved it, the rush of adrenaline, overcoming fear, the KAOS of the chaotic spin, which always included at least one antisocial nonconformist going counter to the circle.
A slam or "mosh" pit spins in one direction determined by the zeitgeist or an influencer and friends, which always seems to be counterclockwise. But someone is sure to start going clockwise at some point and crashing into everyone.
Another will slam into the three rows up people staying near the front closest to the stage. Another will climb up heads and "crowd surf" or swim toward the stage. Someone else is bound to get into a fight,.
The hidden dangers of music festivals (outdoormedicalsolutions.co.uk) |
Pin de Jordan Salcido em punk rock (desenhos, criatividade, moodboard (pinterest.com) |
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Elbows are everywhere, as is the sweat, the sound (too many decibels), and the contained-mayhem. It's not really as dangerous as it looks...until it is.A lot of people get hurt, but it isn't mostly the avid slammers so much as the gawking onlookers, people trying to film the madness, and anyone who -- like a stiff old branch in a windstorm -- just won't go with the flow and bend with the wind. Look alive. Stay alert. Remain ready, steadfast. Follow your intuition. CONTINUED IN PART 2
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