The afterburn is what someone who goes to Burningman experiences upon re-entry to “regular” society. Funny, when out on the desert with 45,000+ other costumed, dancing, frolicking people that feels completely normal. I mean, why wouldn’t we have art installations everywhere you turn? Why not have art cars inviting impromptu dance parties cruising the streets? Why not dress up in costumes to suit your mood? Because we have work to do! We have serious things to take care of! You can’t run around like that all the time!

Welllllll, psshhaawww! Now that I’m home, I can feel that my fun quotient and desires to celebrate life have increased quite significantly. Am I going to leave Project Simplify in the dust and go join a roving band of Burners? No! I will, however, bring more levity and joy to my clients. =)

If reading this blog for the first time, you may be wondering what in the world I’m talking about. In a nutshell, I just got back from Burningman, “the cultural phenomenon/event that becomes Nevada’s 6th largest city for one week around Labor Day weekend each year” (from newsletter issue #45). Jill Bauerle of The Union did a great job capturing much of the essence of the event from a virgin burner point of view in her blog entries.

The entire experience has only increased my understanding of why it is important to simplify and be organized. We each have valuable contributions and skills to share with our blood and chosen families, near and far friends & local and global communities. However, sacrificing the individual to the bigger picture denies the validity of the individual’s experience. We each need time to explore the yummy expressions our souls want to sing–the delicate voices so easily snuffed out by stress, crises-management, and fear. This is why we want our lives manageable–for more play, joy, and celebration!