Burning Man

[openscarf]

Hi Friends, I also posted this on fortysomething, since long ago I asked them for advice. Sorry for the redundancy.

At least as many words have been written as alkali particles riding the wind; as many photos taken as total playa residents, times 10,000, yet I want to add my words because it’s just that special to me.

In the last couple of weeks I’ve watched so many Burning Man videos with urgency, excitement and a permanent smile stretching my facial muscles. Now I find myself backing away from others’ experiences - I believe it now, I was there and want to look at and think about my own.

I’m attempting my wrap-up piece, although the much repeated and very sensible three week mark hasn’t passed yet. And I in no way believe this is the end of what I’ll write, it’s just for now. I want to preserve both my fleeting and lasting impressions and like a prehistoric short-lived dragonfly, retain my perceptions, of now, in ancient amber.

By this time, you probably know about the dust angels, ringing the bell, fire and the surreal dark streets that become so familiar you ache for them when it’s over. You know men wear skirts and women wear pasties or more and less. You know you need a lot of water and ride your bike everywhere. You know how gorgeous and other worldly the Black Rock Desert is.

By now you know there are never ending street performances, dances, art structures, surreal vehicles, parties, new people to meet and meditations. You know the day is fantastic and the nights are magical. There is time with friends and time alone, music, connections, glances, greetings, sharing, hugs, kisses, laughter and tears. Hours both race by and linger on the tongue like pear vodka.

 

You know about the art that emerges from minds so open and free of borders, that to see the pieces, in this arid, humbling and bewitching place is to feel your own boundaries moving back if not completely dissolving. And that evanescing of perimeters seems to make possessing, permissions and judgments actions of somewhere long ago and far away; replaced with giving, receiving, acceptance, support, joy, love, power and release. That’s what my first Burning Man was for me.

At first I was anxious to live with campmates, would I fit in and do it right? Would I be overly cautious about being vulnerable? A wise friend said I chose to be vulnerable there, in what was a safe place for me which helped me heal, since that choice was taken from me, before. I felt I grew as expansive as the playa, in no way reaching a limit to possibilities and opportunities.

Sunday morning I wrote fragments in my journal, sitting in a small temple with my three camp amigas. Two had just become engaged at the larger temple. The wind was rushing across the playa, the air was white with dust; it was beautiful, and quieter as many people had all ready left.

I wrote words to the effect that I wanted the wind to drive everything constricting and negative from me and I saw my bones white and clean. The wind makes every structure a musical instrument and I imagined myself as one.

I wrote “I choose” several times. All week, the words sensuality, empowerment, receiving and love appeared on the pages.

Outward signs of freedom like sexy costumes, sexy clothes, few or no clothes, art designed for people to touch, write on, climb and sit with; music, music, music; then nature - desert sun, gusting wind and stinging sand; the triumphant dust you grow to love; heat, cold, fire, stars and rainbows; the city - so much to see and do you never see it all; you can’t meet everyone; you sleep little yet the perfect amount of time - it all brews into an unmitigated glamour you wear like skin that rewires your brain and swells your heart.

Virgin no more and looking forward with joy to next year.

 

Comments

[sharpchick.livejournal.com]

I just bet you have come away from the experience with the ability to go back to it any time you want...

[openscarf.livejournal.com]

C'est vrai, ;-)

absolutely lovely.

[michimusic.livejournal.com]

I have felt that I was "choosing to be vulnerable" at many events - especially Kerrville-music.com, where I camped out for 18 days in the West Texas hills. The line about the bones and the musical instruments makes me think of zen meditation days...where the teacher will not answer a question until the sound of the bell has completely permeated.
Anyway, in some way I feel I can relate to your experience without having been there. Thanks for being vulnerable enough to have significant experiences and brave enough to share.
And by the way I love this line:
" Hours both race by and linger on the tongue like pear vodka."

Re: absolutely lovely.

[openscarf.livejournal.com]

Thank you. 18 days is like a lifetime there I bet. How cool. I appreciate your comments.

Re: absolutely lovely.

[michimusic.livejournal.com]

yeah, it felt that way. kerrville has its "kerrverts" like burning man has its burners. Each has its cultures, and norms, and things that people tell each other...like "somewhere around day 6 you're gonna want to go home. Stick through it, it's worth the experience."
and that is true. Around day 6 for me, we got washed out meaning no one could go to/from town - we literally had to share supplies and suddenly entertainment was more of a need than a luxury (to keep people sane).

[dadadadio.livejournal.com]

Are you saying one burning man wasn't enough to sate your appetite? ;) You'll be the veteran burner next year dragging newbies in your wake.

[openscarf.livejournal.com]

that's what I'm sayin'... ;-)

[dadadadio.livejournal.com]

I've been to the BM website several times, before, during and after the event. I use the search feature for art and photography.

The Bliss Dance you posted is my favorite. I love that she was illuminated in different colors at night. I also like the Heart Tree and Minaret pieces. Futures Past is another I appreciate. I browsed all 197 images, many of Bliss.

[openscarf.livejournal.com]

Bliss Dance was definitely the favorite of many. I was lucky enough to hear several artist speak about their projects a few months ago and Marco Cochrane blew me away with his thoughts and ideas about women. I wrote about it in my BM blog, I was all ready in love with her. He also has a great website.

Careful now, you may start designing your art car and shade structure for 2011. ;-)