What will you walk through fire for?

I walked on fire this weekend. I can still imagine the red hot embers and feel the kisses of heat that danced on my naked feet. This new experience stretched me further into myself – the self that is always evolving and slightly unpredictable and out of my reach and yet with a solid core that I can rely on.

I have done other fear-facing feats like scuba diving with sharks, breaking arrows with my neck and jumping off high rise planks and yet this was different. Even though fear raised its head once or twice, this experience wasn’t about facing fear, it was about commitment and what I'm willing to walk through fire for.

Once I faced the coals and took the first step into the heat, there was no turning back; only facing what was ahead of me and looking beyond what I could imagine into the future that is full of hope. There was support at the other end to receive me, to offer a hug, to remind me to breathe and to release the heat, a mud bath for my feet and those were blessings.

I finished the first walk and for just an instant rejoiced and then I was compelled to walk again, with a wonderful friend in mutual support, and then alone, committing and recommitting to who I am, what I am about, to my future - known and unknown. Commitment can be scary and yet is so freeing.

There is a point that I think we all go to - standing in front of our personal fires as our minds convince us of what is possible and impossible. I invite you to take the first step and the next and the next - go the distance and know that support is cheering you on, waiting to receive you, the real you, the Core you.
Dane
Copyright 2005