Burning Man....3 Years Later

Burning Man is happening right now in the heart of the Nevada desert as I write this article. It's been 3 years since my Burning Man experience and it's an opportune time to look back and take stock of the things that have happened. One thing for sure, life is never the same. When I left Burning Man, I knew I was bringing some changes with me but it wasn't evident then what those changes were, until they unfolded one at a time, revealing the almost infinite horizon that lay ahead.

		To live in harmony with the dynamic Universe, it is essential to accept the reality of change and impermanence. The wise person therefore travels lightly, with a minimum of clutter, maintaining the proverbial "open mind" in all situations, for he knows that tomorrow's reality will not be the same as today's. He or she will also have learned the divine art of letting go - which means not being attached to people and possessions and situations, but rather, when the time for parting comes, allowing that to happen graciously. -- John Snelling, Elements of Buddhism

A Global Village
Nothing was the same anymore. The world was calling and a series of events made it clear in no uncertain terms that I should pack up. The energies of the universe at that point conspired to clear a path for me...it was in my face...I couldn't have missed it. Instead of wrestling against fate, I let go and surrendered to this unseen hand to take me wherever it takes me. I left my 9-5 in Toronto, left Canada altogether, and I set out on an adventure travel that has taken me to the manicured surroundings of Switzerland, promenading along Genoa's boardwalk in Italy, hooking up with fellow Burners in France, rummaging in Thailand, and savouring noodle soup in Hong Kong.

Sagada
With a burning passion to live life in its full-color spectrum, I recently moved out of Manila, Philippines, to realize a long-cherished aspiration of living in Sagada, a remote mountain village half-way around the world, where just decades before, head-hunting was part of the cultural landscape. It's not exactly clear to me why I choose to live in this enchanted place. All I know is that it called out. I still wonder what awaits me.

Then and Now
From the confines of my office cubicle in Canada then, in full compliance to the norms of the corporate world, I was a hamster on a wheel. The future dictated my present (read: security, nest egg, RRSP, loan repayment, etc). Having been to Burning Man, the future is now a thing of the past. My universe now lay in the here and now...simply staying present, simply staying real. Life doesn't have to be complicated. I live life one day at a time.

Lean and Nimble
I have shed-off almost all I own, except for a few essentials that fit into my backpack. Together with my laptop and my trustee old mountain bike, I have everything I need with me to survive in this new environment. With no money in the bank, no career, no permanent address, I've never felt richer. Wealth comes in having the freedom to do what I want to do, be what I want to be and go where I want to go.

Hurting for the Magic
I just browsed the article I wrote of Burning Man 3 years ago and I am left with a profound joy reading again, after a long while, what people I've met there have emailed me. Unexpectedly, I recently received an email from Amar, the chief spanker of the Rabbit Hole camp, with his invite for a get-together to this year's burn. For a brief while, I lived the magic of the burn all over again reminiscing the wonderful moments I've shared with the beautiful souls I had the good fortune to cross paths with. I miss them. I miss the magic. I hurt for the intense love and warmth of the collective tribe. I look out my window staring blankly into the night having a vain hope that I can once again be there in Black Rock City and kiss the hallowed ground of the open playa.

The Legacy
Burning Man gave me the vision of a reality where possibilities lay endless...that there is an expanse immensely broader than the visible horizon. That faith has served me well, taking me to places I just dreamed about and allowing me to meet magnificent people who live magnificent lives. I've become unafraid of the unknown, immersing myself in the unfamiliar, hoping that life will reveal more of her secrets. With Burning Man's legacy, every passing day is a moment to cherish and live by with openness and acceptance...an opportunity to celebrate life...and it shall remain so.

To all my beloved Burners celebrating Burning Man at the playa now, peace, love and joy be with you at all times.

--- TheLoneRider

Related Links:


• Official Burning Man site
• My Burning Man experience - 2003
• Google Map Burning Man

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Reader Comments:

Amy Westover
(Jan 7, 2007) Burningman is definitely on the radar! Tickets go on sale very soon actually. Jay and I went last year and had an amazing time there together! We hope to go and bring some close friends that have always said they wanted to go but haven't.

Andrew Tan

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