Everyone does something for a reason. Sometimes the reason is not transparent but rather something that comes to you over time. Much like the prairies need rain to flourish I need travel to grow, prosper, and be harvested. Life is an interesting game and one that can never fully be prepared for. However, it can still be played very well with the right tools. An open mind, a sense for adventure, and a Carpe' Diem attitude certainly help. As do awareness, passion, and an epistemological quest for how the world comes together.
Have you ever just wanted to say "FUCK IT"? Did you do it? Would you leave everything behind that you worked your entire life to get? Could you survive without your car, house, partner, and social network? Do you question your values and your belief system? Your identity? Why do you believe the way you do? How do you challenge yourself? How do you grow? Are you really that happy and that content?
I think we live in a dichotomous world where we say one thing and mean another. Do one thing and get another. I think everyone has a facade - a beautiful storefront painted just right. It is my aim to lose the facade. Be more genuine, aware, and unassuming and accepting. My life is a masterpiece, a grand work that will never quite be finished. Something full of creativity, color, expression, and experience.
As I began my journey I flew over the chalky white playa at Burning Man - my eyes scanning the horizon and taking in the stark desolate beauty that only the Nevada desert can bring. I asked myself... why do you go to Burning Man? What do you get out of it? The answer is nothing. I leave there covered in dust, tired, and in need of a new liver and brain. I get nothing but I take away everything. A melting pot of conversations, emotions, and spituality that can be found in very few places. There is a difference between getting and taking. I have been getting all my life (cars, houses, degrees, jobs). It is now time to take the things that I have been wanting and needing for a long time and take away the material things that are not really important.
Let the journey begin!
7 comments:
Nolando - You are so AMAZING! When I come back in my next life I want to be you! I will be following your posts faithfully! I can't wait to hear about all of you adventures!
Be careful!
Kim
Nolan,
YOU DID IT! HAVE FUN AND CAN”T WAIT TO HEAR ALL ABOUT YOUR TRAVELS.
LISH
SledgeHammer - Will see you in November my man. Can't wait!
Morlando
Noli! Are you well? I'm keeping my eyes on the blog. Please keep us posted. - Graham
Take the pea Grasshopper.
Update Please!!!!!
So, I was on your facebook and noticed that you have a blog. I had no idea that you had left Reno and set out on this journey of self discovery. I must say that when I was reading this post it sounded just like what I was going through when I made the decision to leave Reno and travel. It was initially a difficult step to take, leaving behind the life that we are taught to strive for. Now that I have set out on my travels I am beginning to wonder how it is that I am going to go back to a "normal life" and settle down again someday. There is so much out there that I want to see and do, and I feel as though there is no way that I can do it all in my lifetime. But it's worth a shot!
So where are you now?
Heather
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