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Musings from a Burning Man Virgin Learning to ride a bike. High school graduation. Losing my virginity. These were all events—landmarks really—that I looked forward to with great anticipation and trepidation. These were all events that I felt would change my life forever—benchmarks to measure my personal growth against. This is how I view Burning Man. I first heard about Burning Man about a year ago on a local radio station. I was new to San Francisco and was being bombarded with tons of cool and interesting-sounding events. Burning Man was one of them. A three-day festival where thousands of people from all walks of life come to stake out a patch of earth in the desert—to socialize, dance, swim, think, do drugs, make art—and at the end, burn down a giant wooden structure of a man. That alone was enough to convince me that I wanted to go. Then, as I made friends in the city, I began to discover that there was far more to Burning Man than camping and a big bonfire. I started hearing other stories. Stories of new insights into life goals and careers. Long-term couples breaking up. Others renewing commitments. Changes in philosophies. And all in a fun-in-the-sun type of environment. It really sounded too good to be true. What is it about this event that draws artists, ravers, philosophers and probably a few pyromaniacs? Maybe there's magic in that desert sand? Or maybe it's the combination of dehydration and drugs. Whatever it is—and it's probably different for everyone—I can't wait to experience it for myself. I've even packed my sensible black flats to burn in effigy. I'm looking forward to Burning Man to help me find a stronger sense of self, to clarify my career goals, and maybe even to come closer to finding the meaning of life. At the very least, I know I'll get a good tan. |
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