Burning Man, “World of Warcraft,” and Other Playful Distractions

We all need playful distractions and, as we rejoice in summertime, we are called back to our connection with the earth, with our inner spiritual depths, and with our highest visions of the good. But do Burning Man, “World of Warcraft,” and “EverQuest” actually provide us with the kind of distraction that nourishes our souls, or do they in some ways deplete us? After a week at Burning Man or many hours spent with multiplayer online role-playing games, are we more or less ready to engage in the task of tikkun—the healing and transformation of our world? Do we gain new energies and a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to beauty and creativity, or are we provided with the latest form of the “opiate of the masses”— a form of religion for the upper middle class and the variety of “me” generations that keeps us from confronting grave environmental, economic, and spiritual crises? Do many turn to private distractions to fill these voids in their lives? Can spiritual progressives play a role in transforming the meaning of these pursuits? Or are they intrinsically destined to remain avenues of escape rather than healing sources of empowerment?

Neil Girling (theblight.net)