We have explored the elements of aether/space, earth and water so far in this elemental series. Today is dedicated to another powerhouse component of energy – fire.
The element of fire is related to the qualities of light, heat, transformation, determination, discipline and passion. There are obvious sources, such as the sun, which has been worshipped widely by ancient cultures. There is also the internal spark that yogis believe resides in the area of the solar plexus – the digestive fire that transforms our food into energy that our body can use.
If we contemplate the transformative nature of fire, such as in the process of digestion, it provides food for thought around how we might transform our internal mental and emotional soup. Is it possible to digest limiting thoughts, beliefs, and stories we tell ourselves and difficult-to-swallow emotions in order to use the clean fuel for what we want to achieve?
“Become an alchemist. Transmute base metal into gold, suffering into consciousness, disaster into enlightenment” Elkhart Tolle
What is the most efficient way to start the process of emotional and mental transformation? If you have heard me rant, you would know that I promote movement as the first step in the recipe for any chef of the soul. Moving the body first helps to release the tight grip that the mind has on old beliefs and fears. Opening up the chest, lifting your face to the sunlight, and softening facial and body-gripping first allow the mind to follow suit. The strength of movement depends on the degree of transformation needed. Kind of like amping up the grill to high heat to burn and melt the old form and make way for the new. In other words, strong feelings require strong movement.
The use of breath is paramount to transformational change. Every spark needs oxygen to create a raging fire. Deep and strong diaphragmatic breaths help to distribute the energy almost like a fan-forced oven spreading heat into every corner and crevice. The breath of fire is a Kundalini yoga technique used during a pose to build energy and increase vital life force within the body. Short, sharp and powerful exhales and passive inhales through the nose. It has been shown to be helpful for reducing stress and improving respiratory health and concentration.
Candlelight is a subtle form of fire that can create either a soothing ambience for meditation or spark a passionate, intimate union. The low light and gentle glow soothe the nervous system and prepare the necessary state of relaxation required for these two seemingly polar events to be experienced fully and deeply. Both are forms of connection – the latter to another person and the former to a higher power. Connection, it seems, requires a degree of calmness to fully engage.
The kind of sustained heat required for achieving a long-term goal can be likened to feeding coal to the fire engine room of a steam train. It requires constant motion to sustain the drive towards a goal. One person is not enough to complete a longer train journey or a steeper climb, yet we often try to do things alone. If you were to invite help into your engine room, what form would it take? Would it be another person to support, guide and coach you? Perhaps there are strategies that make the job easier or more manageable by breaking down the task. All else considered, mindset plays a major role in the discipline required for any achievement. Taking small, consistent steps whilst keeping the destination in mind will get you there more often than not.
Consider how you might use the inspiration of fire to transform your body and mind so that your inner fire burns bright. In this state, you are better able to recognise your passions and keep them present in your life vision.
