This is what I expected my first post of 2013 to be about ...

are you ready to see some firewalk pictures?  Just to warn you – I took almost 300 and a good portion of them were of the fire itself – incredible to be so close to something and be able to take these pics (click here:  Fire) .  Those will be in a separate post so this one does not get so bogged down with photos.

WARNING:  UNLESS YOU ARE A CERTIFIED SUNDOOR FIRE WALK INSTRUCTOR, PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO DO THIS ON YOUR OWN.

The first photo is of the wood pile that will become our coals.  It takes a couple of hours to burn down.  We warmed up inside with tea and snacks and learned a little about the history of firewalking.  We then wrote a list of things we either wanted to let go of in 2013 or strive towards.  We all went outside, circled around the wood stack and lit it with our lists (rolled into batons).  We came back inside and did an empowerment exercise and drank more tea and were given the final instructions for firewalking.

We walked across a 6′ x 6′ area of hot coals.  People from as far away as Los Angeles, as young as 9, novices (affectionately called virgins) and the experienced participated.  The fire does not discriminate, it loves everyone the same from all walks of life.  We have been taught to fear fire, it begins when we are young.  The problem is, there are always more than two sides to a story.  Fire provides warmth, cooks food, can be used as a tool, in tools, and can empower.  The fire we met, and entrusted our safety to, will always be a part of us.  Those of us that gathered that night will always share a very special kind of bond.  Aho!

About these ads