the fire that keeps us together
Gathering around the fire has been a timeless ritual ingrained in human culture for millennia, tracing back to our earliest ancestors. From the humble beginnings of rubbing sticks together to the modern convenience of turning on a switch, the allure of the fire's flickering glow and comforting warmth has remained constant throughout human history.
In the earliest days of humanity, fire served as a vital tool for survival. It provided warmth in harsh climates, protection from predators, and a means to cook food. But beyond its practical uses, fire held a deeper significance for early humans. It was a source of light in the darkness - a symbol of hope and community in an unpredictable world. It offered us a sense of safety, a place where we could gather together to nourish ourselves, share our thoughts with one another, and build communal and familial bonds. Such is the importance of fire that for the Noongar people of present-day Australia, the word “karl” is used for both “fire” and “family.”
In English, there’s also a parallel that exists between the words “hearth” and “heart.” Originally, "hearth" denoted the area in a house where fire was maintained, symbolizing the heart of domestic life. Serving essential functions such as providing light and heat, it became a focal point for various activities. Beyond its practical purpose, the hearth held a deeper significance as a space for communal connection and warmth. Similarly, the heart, often regarded as the central organ of the body, goes beyond its physiological role of circulating blood; it's also viewed as the seat of emotions. Just as the hearth was the core of home life, the heart embodies the essence of human emotion and connection.
While the hearth may no longer be the central part of our homes and although fire is no longer considered as essential to community life as it once was, it continues to be a symbol of hope and community for many.
Recently, Annie Colangeli, a close friend of Equinimity, hosted a ceremony called 'Honoring the Sacredness of Fire.' In this ceremony, we came together as a community to create a space where we could find inspiration and restoration. Gathered around a fire pit, we found ourselves connecting to the peace and joy of the present moment through singing, drumming, laughter, and meaningful conversations. Gathering around the fire felt instinctive - as if our bodies innately understood that we could find relaxation simply by being in the warmth and presence of one another. Interestingly, science has found support for this instinct, as a study by The University of Alabama discovered that watching a fire can lower blood pressure.
When we reflect on the role of fire in the communal and personal lives of humans, it is amazing how it has withstood the test of time. Over time, it has become an integral part of social events and storytelling. Around the fire, people shared laughter, exchanged knowledge, and forged friendships - perhaps it was around a campfire, or around a firepit in a neighborhood barbecue, around a fireplace during the holidays, or even over a candlelit dinner.
In the glow of the flames, legends were told, traditions were born and passed down from one generation to the next, and lifelong memories were created. Even as technology advances and societies modernize, the natural draw of the fire remains undiminished.
In the same way we find ourselves thinking “We should do this more often,” every time we immerse ourselves in nature, we find ourselves relishing the experience of coming around a fire. In today’s fast-paced world where screens constantly demand our attention, it offers a beautiful opportunity for us to reconnect with ourselves, with one another, and with nature.
Gathering around a fire serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and interconnectedness - a timeless thread that links us across cultures, continents, and centuries. Around the fire, we share the same language that speaks to our innate need for warmth, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
Illuminating reads:
In the earliest days of humanity, fire served as a vital tool for survival. It provided warmth in harsh climates, protection from predators, and a means to cook food. But beyond its practical uses, fire held a deeper significance for early humans. It was a source of light in the darkness - a symbol of hope and community in an unpredictable world. It offered us a sense of safety, a place where we could gather together to nourish ourselves, share our thoughts with one another, and build communal and familial bonds. Such is the importance of fire that for the Noongar people of present-day Australia, the word “karl” is used for both “fire” and “family.”
In English, there’s also a parallel that exists between the words “hearth” and “heart.” Originally, "hearth" denoted the area in a house where fire was maintained, symbolizing the heart of domestic life. Serving essential functions such as providing light and heat, it became a focal point for various activities. Beyond its practical purpose, the hearth held a deeper significance as a space for communal connection and warmth. Similarly, the heart, often regarded as the central organ of the body, goes beyond its physiological role of circulating blood; it's also viewed as the seat of emotions. Just as the hearth was the core of home life, the heart embodies the essence of human emotion and connection.
While the hearth may no longer be the central part of our homes and although fire is no longer considered as essential to community life as it once was, it continues to be a symbol of hope and community for many.
Recently, Annie Colangeli, a close friend of Equinimity, hosted a ceremony called 'Honoring the Sacredness of Fire.' In this ceremony, we came together as a community to create a space where we could find inspiration and restoration. Gathered around a fire pit, we found ourselves connecting to the peace and joy of the present moment through singing, drumming, laughter, and meaningful conversations. Gathering around the fire felt instinctive - as if our bodies innately understood that we could find relaxation simply by being in the warmth and presence of one another. Interestingly, science has found support for this instinct, as a study by The University of Alabama discovered that watching a fire can lower blood pressure.
When we reflect on the role of fire in the communal and personal lives of humans, it is amazing how it has withstood the test of time. Over time, it has become an integral part of social events and storytelling. Around the fire, people shared laughter, exchanged knowledge, and forged friendships - perhaps it was around a campfire, or around a firepit in a neighborhood barbecue, around a fireplace during the holidays, or even over a candlelit dinner.
In the glow of the flames, legends were told, traditions were born and passed down from one generation to the next, and lifelong memories were created. Even as technology advances and societies modernize, the natural draw of the fire remains undiminished.
In the same way we find ourselves thinking “We should do this more often,” every time we immerse ourselves in nature, we find ourselves relishing the experience of coming around a fire. In today’s fast-paced world where screens constantly demand our attention, it offers a beautiful opportunity for us to reconnect with ourselves, with one another, and with nature.
Gathering around a fire serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and interconnectedness - a timeless thread that links us across cultures, continents, and centuries. Around the fire, we share the same language that speaks to our innate need for warmth, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
Illuminating reads:
- How Stories were Born Around the Fire
- The Joy of Bonfires
- Campfire stories may have sparked early societal learning
