Comments on: cake walks + fire walks: beginner’s mind

By: Pamela Paulien

Pamela Paulien — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:06:09 +0000

Great post! Having just learned about archetypal experiences, things like becoming a mother, or a warrior (firewalker?) for the first time, the insight I want to share is the first time you touch an archetype it changes you alchemically, (perhaps from lead to gold). The archetype touches and transforms you and you can't relive that life experience again fabulous as it was its gift has already transformed you and you have to keep moving on. Stop looking to feel like you felt during a past archetypal moment but realize you have been changed. This is why they say don't look back.

By: emma

emma — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:10:48 +0000

Oh, I love this. I've never "known" anyone who has walked on coals. It makes sense to me that the second time, many would burn their feet. Ego is such a Medusa.

I'm just beginning to learn how to embrace being a beginner. It's exciting and rewarding, but still uncomfortable.

Bring on the blank page!

And don't forget to breathe.

By: Aidan Donnelley Rowley @ Ivy League Insecurities

Aidan Donnelley Rowley @ Ivy League Insecurities — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:00:56 +0000

"Let the page be white." Pure genius. I will carry that one with me. I think you make a vital point here. We should never assume anything. We should never take success for granted. Hard work never gets old. There is always a good possibility of burning our soles on those proverbial embers.

Cheers to open eyes and white pages.

By: Maren Kate

Maren Kate — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:54:54 +0000

Too true! Great post & very honest. Success does dull the senses, but having that burning fire for more is what gets you over those hurdles.

By: Positive Mitch

Positive Mitch — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:07:12 +0000

Very well written, Danielle. Even better because this is very powerful and short at the same time. You get my heart going. :-)

By: giulietta

giulietta — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:38:58 +0000

Hi Danielle, I wonder if getting burned the second time is a fear of letting go. You know when someone writes a great first book because they threw caution to the wind and just did it. Then the second time they are so terrified of not living up to their own success that they start holding on tight again.

giulietta, inspirational rebel

By: MIchelle

MIchelle — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:07:08 +0000

Listen for new information. I love this. Sometimes it comes in a whisper, sometimes a loudspeaker.

By: Carolynn

Carolynn — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:23:39 +0000

I've done the firewalk, as well. It's an empowering memory and one I'd all but forgotten about. Thank you for the reminder and another excellent post.

By: Ana Ottman

Ana Ottman — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:42:37 +0000

This reminds me of the notion of being both evolved and evolving.

Recognizing that you have this beautiful, sacred life that you've created, and continually listening and watching for ways to enhance that.

Theklka--Great point about needing the time in-between big risks. A change of pace can be uber-nourishing at those times.

By: Thekla Richter

Thekla Richter — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:44:18 +0000

I once walked on hot coals myself as part of a Japanese cleansing ceremony right around this time of year in fact... indeed, a very invigorating experience.

I think another lesson here is that sometimes you need some time in between the adrenalin high of big risk/big adventure. Not exactly a break but a change of pace, a chance to celebrate, a chance to introspect and incorporate the new experience into yourself, to make quieter day-to-day progress on other projects. A chance for the micro-wounds that you don't even feel on your feet to heal up and the moisture naturally present in your skin to replenish itself.

Launching again into another trip across the hot coals right away without taking that time can indeed get you burned.