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Our Fire
October 31, 2007
Dragon Fire ~ Canon 30d
"Our fire can make us feel as though we will be incinerated.
We won't.
The resistance to feeling the flames is what keeps us prisoner as the embers maintain a steady burn... slowly, slowly, never ceasing... there, and not there. As we struggle to contain them it becomes a contest of wills. With every ember we extinguish, another rises up flaring, goading, daring. As one walks up to the flames the heat intensifies, for one brief moment they seem impenetrable, it is an illusion. Keep walking and maintain a focus... on the other side."
These lovely words were written by a dear friend mine, Siobhan. She's a fabulous photographer, artist, and an angel in disguise ~ I'm convinced of it.
What creatures, animals and spirits do you see dancing within these flames? Do they reflect the fire within you, or are you surrounded? How we perceive a situation pretty much defines it. If there's a trail of smoke obscuring your view, are you fueling the flames with the winds of passion and anger? How about fear and desire?
There's a wonderful Buddhist tale everyone should hear, no matter their faith or fortune:
After his enlightenment, the Buddha was visited on several occasions by a demon spirit named Mara ~ the closest equivalent to our western "devil". Mara would suddenly appear, which would invariably cause Buddha's companions to be filled with terror, screaming, "It's Mara! What will we do! Oh my goodness! MARA MARA MARA!"
Obviously, the Buddha-Friends had yet to reach their full enlightenment, which in many respects, is defined by no longer falling into the illusion of fear. Every time, Buddha would look the devil in the face and simply say, "I see you, Mara," and then invite him to sit down for a cup of tea. Once seen and identified for what he was, Mara's power to create chaos, fear and confusion would evaporate. The devil was disarmed.
Our fire can be passionate, smoldering, glowing, or filled with rage. Our burning coals have the power to inspire us toward unimaginably horrible and wonderful things. When the flames begin licking at your heels and the temperature rises, what choice will you make? Will the fire jolt you into taking the necessary steps to refine and purify, or will you choose to incinerate, character assassinate or destroy another and yourself, in the process? Fire is powerful medicine. Don't be afraid to walk through the flames with integrity and honesty. You will find a braver, glowing and truer you on the other side.
Happy Halloween, everyone. The best way to sublimate our shadows is to meet them face to face, which is what this holiday represents to me.
Well, Hello Mara, would you like a cup of tea?
An upside down exclamation point!
Dance with the Devil and he'll seem much less frightening.
Posted by vincent at October 31, 2007 01:13 PM
Comments
I see a dragon in the first shot, who is really the giver of all life, so says the director of the Asian exhibits at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. In the last photo I see big foot or at least a huge bear. The middle one could be the back of a dragon. Good words; very true.
Posted by: janet at October 31, 2007 04:06 PM
Having tea with Mara. I feel like I've done that before. In some times, I've felt that I have been swimming in an ocean of pain and fire. And now I still live and look into myself and smile. I see a demon in the last one.
Posted by: Bob at October 31, 2007 04:22 PM
Very cool series of photos.
Posted by: HeyJules at October 31, 2007 04:27 PM
the colors in these images are so intense they almost look fake...like paintings. i had never really thought about halloween as a time to face our shadows but you make a good point. it's a safe way to let in a little of the darker side.
Posted by: la vie en rose at October 31, 2007 05:30 PM
The exclamation point? It looks like a phoenix to me...
Posted by: Lauren at November 1, 2007 03:10 PM