I raved in the 90’s, when I was in my 20’s. Now I’m approaching 50 and I’m raving again. Some people ask me why I rave. Others, more often, ask me how I can do it “at my age.” Almost always the (mildly insulting) question is meant as a compliment. Often, the statement is, “I don’t know how you do it! Wait. How do you do it?” I’ve been asked about this enough that I figured I’d compose my thoughts here.

Age is a state of mind

We’ve all heard the adage, “age is a state if mind,” and I’ve always appreciated this. But until a few years ago, I didn’t truly embrace it. Sure, since I started cycling almost a decade ago I’ve felt younger. But MAMILs (Middle Aged Men In Lycra) like me on road bikes are hardly the exception these days. And most of my contemporaries exercise regularly.

Halloween 2016 was my re-introduction to raving and it’s been a big part of my life ever since. Raving in the 90’s was different on a number of levels, not the least being that I don’t think the term “rave” was even used till the aughts. Not sure why I stopped! Maybe I just didn’t recall the true euphoria of the music, dancing, and people. Maybe I forgot what it’s like feeling so alive by partying all night while others slept. Or, perhaps, my faded and fractured memories are warped from the drugs. I wasn’t a heavy user, but Ecstasy (then, now Molly or MDMA) and LSD played a notable role.

How I Rave (into my older years)

I’m going to start with the HOW, as this is the question I’m most asked. Read my 2016 story and/or below (short version) for the WHY. I recently met a woman who, in the group I met, goes by #RaveMomma because she’s among the oldest in the group. She’s seven(ish) years younger than me and still about a decade older than most in the crowd. Maybe they’ll start calling me #RavePappa – who knows. The following points are practically required for me, but might be helpful for nearly any age.

1. Prepare. I have a pre-rave ritual that includes carbs (not excessive, but a little more for the overnight fuel), hydration, and rest. I almost always squeeze in a “Disco Nap” (as #RaveMamma calls it) the evening of a rave. It goes a long way to recharge me and to reset my clock.
2. Set Intentions. There is a lot of energy in the universe. Tapping into that energy is as simple as putting your intentions out there. “I intend to dance till dawn!” This is a simple intention, and when stated to the universe, you can tap into that energy. And the universe will provide!
3. Be Positive (inside and out). It’s inevitable that most dance parties will invite large crowds and you will likely get bumped around throughout the night. Despite the intention of the person bumping you, embrace that energy and dance it out. Instead of getting annoyed, just go with it. Keeping this attitude makes every evening that much more enjoyable. And when you are enjoying yourself, the energy is limitless.
4. Substances. Avoid or limit drugs and alcohol. Or at least align usage of substances with your intentions. For me, if I intend to “dance till dawn” I cannot tolerate much, if any, alcohol. It slows me down and dulls my senses – at precisely the time I want my senses heightened! I personally take some cannabis edibles in 1/4 doses to take any edge off and also relax my muscles for dancing all night. Your mileage may vary. And no judgment from me if you are on something.
5. Music *IS* My Drug. Taking the above statement further, and perhaps because I’ve used other drugs in the past, I feel like now the music is my drug. When I tap into the music, the visuals, the energy of the dancing all around me — I’m transported to a euphoric state and I’m very much in the moment. And there is nothing more energizing than truly being in the moment. As anyone that has danced with me can attest – they often think I’m on Molly cause I’m grinning like an alley cat and just plain giddy all night long.
6. Keep Dancing. Seriously, other than the occasional bathroom break or an escape outdoors for some air (when applicable) I try to keep dancing or at least keep moving all night. Rarely will you feel tired/exhausted/sore/bored when in motion. Don’t stand still and don’t sit down. Keep dancing!

Why I rave

People ask me why I rave. And if I’m tired afterwards. Here’s the simple answer:

I dance out all the negative energy that I’ve taken in from the world, and take in all the positive energy of the dance community.

When I’m done, I’m done. I’m physically spent. But I’m totally recharged, too. The world feels good again. I want to be with people instead of fleeing them. It’s an incredible after-effect and I need it like a drug. (See? Music is my drug!)

Out on the dance floor, there’s a sense of community and inclusion that isn’t prevalent in our world today. Nowhere is this more obvious than an Above & Beyond show where the Anjunafamily is so welcoming of everyone. I’ve joked that we’re basically Hippies with more bass in our music. And the sense of love and inclusion is one I’d like to see spreading throughout the world.

Here are a couple of great examples, via music and text, that highlight our Anjunafamily:

I hope you can appreciate all (or at least some) of what I’ve said here. And I can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!