Burning Man Decompression / September 7, 2026

​​​

A man at a party asked me

why anyone becomes an ascetic.
Why put distance between yourself
and friends, festivals, the energy of the crowd?

​

Most of what I think

I caught from someone else.
Step away long enough
and you find out which thoughts are yours.

 

The Indian prince leaves the palace for the wilderness

and returns with what no throne can give him.
The Sufi lets go of place, things, self —
and, owning nothing, is close to everyone.

 

Many traditions builds a ladder

with ascetism as an important step.
go away. Be small. Be still.
Come back with a soul.