The way people talk about Burning Man, you’d think it was heaven on earth.

A place where only magical things happen and if you’re not feeling wondrous and euphoric and oh so sparkly at every single moment, then there’s something wrong with you.

Sorry, but that ain’t true.

Burning Man can be a place of magic and ecstatic highs, for sure. But it’s just as much a home to lows, frustration, and loneliness as well.

And that’s what makes it so special.

I just spent the past 7 months living in an Orgasmic Meditation house.

Yup, you heard me right.

And it was an absolutely amazing, frustrating, complicated, and fascinating 7 months.

But let’s back up a bit.

So…what the hell is Orgasmic Meditation?

Tonight, at midnight, I turn thirty. The big 3-0.

It feels like this is supposed to be some sort of big deal. A mildly depressing milestone of sorts. Like this is the official signifier that I’ve hit my peak and life will start heading downhill from here.

Sorry, but I couldn’t disagree with that sentiment any more.

I’m turning 30 in a few hours and I’m happier, healthier, and more free than I’ve ever been.