The Magic Fire Pit

With many of us heading up the hill to experience our amazing Colorado summers, I'm reminded of a past email that can't seem to stop thinking about lately.

And so, today, I thought I would re-share one of my original emails...

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The fire pit...

It's the place where we come together and discuss the facts of life. The place where we stare into the coals as our mind drifts. The place where time seems to stand still. The place where everyone knows our name, and our problems become a distant memory (is it just me or does it the fire pit sound a bit like natures version of the show “Cheers”?).

So, what is it about a fire pit that makes it so magical?

It may surprise you, but for the first time ever, I DON’T KNOW FOR SURE (But I’ll still give it a try!)? While I don’t know for sure why a firepit is so transfixing, I do know is that for whatever reason, the firepit has a power to calm nerves and bring people together.?

I believe there are three components that make the magic happen.

#1: THE OUTDOORS

We have a natural connection to the outdoors. There is something THERAPEUTIC about getting out of our walls and spending time with nature. Sitting outside around this little morsal of light and heat in an otherwise dark and chilly environment seems comforting and relaxing.?

#2: THE CRACKLING IN THE QUIET

I love the eerie stillness of the outdoors at night. That quiet calmness is so relaxing and, at least for me, allows me to settle into the present moment. The flickering of the flames and the crackling of the logs in the calmness all around creates an almost hypnotic trance. I believe looking into the fire is actually a form of MEDITATION.?

#3: COMMUNITY

The fire pit brings people together. What else are you going to do on a late summer evening in the mountains? The answer: Nothing. It’s time for the fire pit. It’s a place to GATHER, tell funny stories, and stuff marshmallows into our face until we start questioning our choices in life. It’s great!

You see, there’s MAGIC in the fire pit. It helps us connect with nature, it helps us settle into the present moment, and it helps us come together as a community. That sounds pretty magic to me.

Now, think about what would be possible for any of us if we were able to tap into this MAGIC in our EVERYDAY LIFE. It may sound impossible, but I would argue that it is possible. There is always time to take a walk in nature. There is always time to slow down and eat a piece of fruit with full presentness, and there is always time to reach out to friends and family and connect.

Is it possible to live every day as if you are sitting around a campfire?

Well, I guess there’s only one way to find out. Give it a go! GET OUTSIDE this week. Find stillness and become PRESENT this week. Reach out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a while and bring the community TOGETHER this week. If you feel better, keep doing it. If you don’t feel better, let me know and I’ll rework my philosophy of the Magic Firepit.

Here’s to your journey in our world my friend. Make it a fantastic Tuesday and I will see you soon.