I was recently reminded of Burning Man. This actually happens quite often in my world. I won't try to describe the event or even go into details of my trips there. I will not discuss the common misconceptions regarding the event. I will simply state that the event and its attendants are amazing. Thousands of people expressing joy.
What I was reminded of is slightly abstract. Simply put, it is freedom. To be overly simplistic, it is the place where I feel the illusion of safety has been dispelled. With that illusion dispelled, many people let themselves feel and let themselves be. If you choose to attempt something, it is very unlikely that anyone is going to attempt to stop you. Words of warning are rare. Without these, your mistakes, your ideas, your desires, your breakthroughs are your own.
Many people have no interest in such an environment. Without the Leviathan of Hobbs, new systems form. I am in no way saying that the resulting event is sustainable. The environment makes it impossible for extended stays. However, knowing that you can survive under such circumstances is empowering.
The event does not exist in a vacuum and the United States of America and the state of Nevada have jurisdiction over the event attendees. But the location and size of the event limit the effect that the society as a whole has on its attendees. Many of the systems that allow for our way of life simply do not exist on they playa. Other systems have developed to allow the event to take place year after year. Common agreement has led to several conventions. The event participants are all there voluntarily and the organizers have encouraged both a volunteer society and a barter economy. The result is a beautiful testament to cooperation and adaptability and I am glad I got a chance to witness it.
I don't know if I will return to the playa in the future. It has now been a number of years since my last visit. The experience has remained vivid in my memory. Those memories are a source of strength. They remind me how amazing humans can be. They remind me of how fortunate I am. They remind me of the beauty of freedom.
