Practical spirituality for a complicated world.
***image1***The year 2005 is almost gone. It's not too early to begin thinking about what we need to release, what we'd like to manifest, and what direction we'd like to move in the New Year 2006. If you're thinking of doing something special to begin your new year, I've got some good news for you. My friend, Gwen Feisst, tells me that she is offering a special firewalk on the evening of December 31, at the Light Institute, in Galisteo. Gwen is the Director of Firewalks for the Light Institute. You can reach her at 466-2584. Space is limited, so call now and reserve your space. I've done several firewalks with Gwen, and I highly recommend her as a leader of this experience.
The firewalk will begin with the lighting of the fire, followed by an end-of-the-year meditation. Gwenn will then present a preparation class/workshop on what a firewalk is, what to expect, how to walk for a certain intention, etc. This will be followed by the firewalk itself. There is never any pressure on anyone to walk on the coals. In fact, part of the preparation beforehand includes asking your Higher Self if it is appropriate for you to walk, or not. Regular readers of this column know that I always urge people to listen to their own Inner Knowing, to the guidance of their Higher Selves. This basic premise is the foundation upon which my spiritual life is built. Always, always, always follow the guidance of your own Inner Knowing.
I am a believer in the power of the firewalk because I've experienced it, myself. Something miraculous happens when we watch ourselves, and others do something as "out of ordinary experience" as walking on white-hot coals. I've spoken about this with people who voiced fears about firewalking. Honestly, I have never experienced fear at a firewalk, although I have walked on the coals for certain intentions, some of which involved releasing fears from my life. The first time I attended a firewalk, back in 1994, I intuitively knew that I was going to walk. I never had the slightest doubt. Not only did I walk, but I actually danced out in the fire. It was one of the most powerful events of my life. I've been asked about burns or blisters. I've never been burned, but I know of cases where people got a blister or two, always minor. It's called "being kissed by the fire." I'm told that the kisses correspond to acupressure points, and give clues to healings at various points in the body. Since our bodies are in constant communication with us, this is valuable information to be used in healing and releasing, whether we walk on the coals, or not.
Gathering around a nighttime fire is a primal experience. There is also something magical about a communal meeting of like-minded people, staring into the warmth of a fire, beneath the cold canopy of vivid stars blinking against the black velvet of the northern New Mexico night sky. Yes, magical is the word for that, perhaps even mystical. I can't imagine a more beneficial way to end the old year and begin the new. One of the things we do at an experience like this is to open ourselves to miraculous blessings, to being part of a flow which we might not previously have believed possible for us. Each person brings his/her own needs and dreams to the fire. Walking on the hot coals can purge or purify. Of course, we don't need to walk on fire for that, but since we are in these physical bodies, it is important to honor the physicality of our life experience.
On New Year's Eve, many people will be gathered around bars. There will be loud, pulsating music, and the air will be polluted with smoke. The auric atmosphere will also be polluted with the alcoholic haze of over-indulgence. Personally, that doesn't seem to be a spiritually beneficial way to begin a new year. Drugs, whether they come from the local liquor store, the local gangster dealer, the tobacco shop, or the Amazon rainforest, do not enhance your spiritual path. In fact, they open you up to all sorts of influences you'd be much better off without. I urge you to avoid drugs as you would the plague. As I've written before, everything is not beautiful in its own way. Some things are quite ugly, indeed.
There are many things in this material that we are powerless to change or affect. Actually, many well-meaning people wind up distracted by politics and religion, all the while neglecting the things of spirit. We need to remind ourselves that human nature ensures that there is always going to be plenty of conflict, wars and general unpleasantness. You can't change other people, and no matter how hard you try, no matter how many laws you pass, you can't make everyone behave. At the same time, we need to remind ourselves that spiritual nature is sitting right here alongside human nature. We have the ability to choose where our focus will be. Remember, that when you heal, on a deep level, that healing affects all of your brothers and sisters. When you perform miracles, that energy is going to flow out from you and affect the whole planet. One of the benefits of firewalking is to remind ourselves that our own personal miracles, our own intimate victories also touch the rest of humanity....and, not just humanity, but also the animal, plant and mineral kingdoms. Walking on fire brings miracles into our own lives, into our communities, and the rest of the planet. The planet needs a bit of magic right now. Perhaps you look at you own life and decide you could use some magic there, as well. A firewalk is an opportunity to do that very thing.
I'll be mentioning the firewalk again during my December columns. I'm doing this because I have benefited so much from my own firewalking, and I want to share that in this forum. I don't make any money from the firewalk; my benefit is karmic and spiritual. I recommend that you call Gwen and register before all the spaces are filled. Can you think of a better way to honor your spiritual path and begin the New Year 2006? I hope I'll see you there on New Year's Eve.
OM
To ask Robert a question, visit his Web site at www.RobertOdom.com, email desertrj@msn.com or send mail to PO Box 33, Santa Fe, NM 87504.