photo by Henry Be on Unsplash
Years ago, I spent a weekend with one of the elders I had trained and studied with. During that time, she told me to “invite in” the spirit of fire during a ceremony. I vividly remember the great trepidation I felt. I sat for hours, contemplating whether to embrace it, fully aware of the destructive power of this potent element. After much discomfort and incredible reluctance, something within me shifted as I trusted that she had my best interests at heart.
Three months later, my life took a dramatic turn. Although it was challenging at first, the transformative power of fire began to reveal itself. It guided me through a process of becoming more aligned with the person I wanted to be, as old, ingrained patterns, beliefs, conditioning, and life circumstances were confronted and gradually dissolved. It wasn’t easy or enjoyable, but it was incredibly worthwhile. Now, years later, I’m deeply grateful for the journey and where it has led me.
How do we navigate experiences that feel uncomfortable, destructive, and unsettling—like dealing with a raging fire? How do we soften our resistance and move through it with some acceptance?
It may be helpful to remember that on the other side of the wreckage may lie:
A clean slate
An opportunity to embrace the new
Something different… and often, better
Something more in alignment with your highest expression
Infinite possibilities
While fire may destroy the material world—buildings, homes, and life circumstances—it can also be exactly what’s needed to illuminate the heart and soul. There may be unseen benefits waiting on the other side.
You never know.
ROSES FROM ASH
There’s a fire on the horizon,
Dancing flames of red and orange light my awareness.
It comes closer.
I wait and watch, gazing into the distance.
Sitting atop this tiny fence is precarious and painful.
I know I can’t stay here.
This force may destroy—or perhaps liberate.
Stepping toward it barely eases the discomfort,
Yet the signs undeniably guide me in.
The divinely orchestrated "cornering" unfolds.
No choice left.
I’m in.
To my surprise, the flames warm my heart, and I relax.
My mind stretches to imagine the unimaginable…
Infinite possibilities.
Beyond imagination, thoughts burn in the sublime embers of this moment.
It only hurts when I think.
It only hurts when I think.
It only hurts when I think.
A deep breath drops me into the unknown, over and over again.
What will remain after the burning?
I don’t know…
But I heard a rumor that roses grow gloriously from ash.
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