Jul 8

Written by: balancewithgrace
7/8/2006 7:47 AM

Since ancient times, fire and the sun have been worshipped and revered, for our lives depend upon them for warmth and food.  Plants take in light energy from the sun and through the process of photosynthesis convert it into glucose and oxygen—some of the basic building blocks of life.   In Survivor, the popular TV reality series, participants’ torches are extinguished when they are voted out of the game and they are reminded, “In this game, fire represents life.”  Here are some ways to bring fire into your life:

 

• Enjoy a campfire and all that accompanies it:  S’Mores, or popcorn, ghost stories, and simply staring into the flames.
• Count fireflies.
• Light citronella candles or torches to bring fire to your backyard.
• Soak up the warmth and vitamin D from the sun.  It’s not uncommon for people to have vitamin D deficiencies.  Sunblocks protect us from dangerous ultraviolet rays, but they also block the absorption of Vitamin D, a nutrient our bodies need to build strong bones and be happy.  To be on the safe side, take short sun baths, preferably before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when the sun isn’t as strong and on days without a high UV index.
• If you live in a part of the world that doesn’t get much light during winter months, consider using a “happy light” to boost your mood if you begin to show signs of SAD—Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder.
• Use fire in purification rituals—burn white sage to clear a space of negative energy; if you want to release anger or bad habits, write about what you want to let go of and then burn the paper.
• Cozy up around the hearth or a chiminere.
• Include candles in celebrations, rituals and meditation.  Stare into the flame of a candle as a meditative practice. 
• Watch the sun rise or set. 
• Monitor your internal flame. You are a spark of the divine and have the choice of fanning the flames so they burn bright or keeping your light small, like a pilot light. 

Practice:  Sun salutation

As part of a morning routine, consider doing several rounds of Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar facing East--the direction of the rising sun.  Not only is this a lovely way to greet the day, but it’s a great way to get rid of any morning stiffness.  The sun salutation is a series of poses or asanas that are linked together by the breath.  The sun salutation can be a flowing sequence in which you move into a new position with each breath.  Or you can hold each pose, deepening or expanding your stance with every breath, until you move into the next posture.   Inhale as you move into expanded postures and exhale as you move into contracted postures.  For a description and photo of each pose, visit http://yoga.about.com/od/yogasequences/ss/sunsalutesteps.htm

There are also many videos, DVDs, classes, and yoga instructors that can teach you these movements. 

Copyright ©2006 Grace Durfee

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