What We're Made Of: Fire

Fire is the element that governs transformation. It affects metabolism and the flow of energy supporting our ability to rest, work or play. It also sparks changes in how we think about and express our authenticity. We embody these ideas in common phrases like:

• I’m fired-up
• Don’t burn yourself out
• She has a fire in her belly 
• We need to light a fire under him
• There’s fire in their eyes
• She’s no ball of fire 

​My last post explored the element of water and how to stay afloat with all that life brings.  In this post we’ll explore the element of fire and how we can use it to enlighten up. 

Fire has three forms, physical, energetic and psychological.

Physically, fire is the process of liberating energy from its source. Think solar, hydroelectric, nuclear, fossil fuel or bio-diesel. Fire has the power to transform solids into liquids, liquids into gas, and back again. The same process generates energy in the body just as the sun generates energy for life on earth. 

Energetically, fire is hot, subtle, dry, light, intense, sharp, and direct. It’s important for us to balance these qualities by reducing the fire element when it burns too fast and hot; by building it up when we lack purpose, discipline and courage and by keeping it in balance as often as possible. For example, when I was younger my fire burned brightly for eight hours a day. Then I’d be on the move, no stopping and no rest needed. Now that I’m older it burns for four hours in the morning and four hours from late afternoon until bedtime. It’s still an eight-hour stretch but there is an undeniable need for quiet time or a nap in between. When I ignore this, it’s harder to keep my fire element in balance. 

Psychologically, fire governs how we embody and express our personal power. It symbolizes our ability to be self-actualizing. It represents the discipline, effort and willpower we apply toward our life goals. 

Working with the fire element starts with sensing when and why there may be too much or too little. This is followed by a conscious decision to shift or balance it. To help with your process, try the following practices. 

When You Sense An Excess 
An excess of fire may manifest when you feel nervous, and anxious or when you experience poor digestion or difficulty sleeping. You may find yourself working overtime with a burning need for perfection, and competition, which can result in feelings of irritation, frustration and anger. You may find yourself being aggressive instead of assertive. To slow the burn, think “cool, calm and relax.’ Here’s a helpful technique to use when you sense an excess in your fire element.  

Two to One Breathing 
This practice slows the breath, lengthens the exhalation, calms the nervous system and induces relaxation. It can be done anytime, anywhere.

Instructions

• Bring yourself to a comfortable seated position.
• Notice how long it takes you to inhale (1, 2, 3, 4 counts or more).
• Over several breath cycles, consciously allow your exhalation grow up to twice as long as your inhalation (2, 4, 6, 8, counts or more).
• Continue for two to three minutes or for as long as you are comfortable.  

When You Sense A Deficiency 
Deficiencies typically hit after an extended period of long to-do lists, lack of sleep, feeling sad or overeating carbohydrates – you know, bread, pasta, and potato chips – the ultimate comfort foods. You may find yourself quietly fuming and repressing your reactions to situations you find difficult to navigate. It may be hard to find your voice and express yourself assertively and confidently. To light your fire, think, “move, stimulate, and energize.”  Here’s a helpful technique to use when you sense a deficiency in your fire element.  

Shaking Horse
This practice is typically done standing, but can be easily done seated in a chair. Shaking Horse will energize your body, increase oxygen levels in the bloodstream, stimulate your nervous system and help with mental focus. 

Instructions

• Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. 
• Bend your knees slightly and begin to shake your legs. 
• Move the vibration up into your torso.
• Next shake your wrists, and move the shaking up your arms to your shoulders. 
• Invite your head to join the party if that feels comfortable.
• Feel free to raise your arms or bend forward or backward.
• Shake your body for three – five minutes (or more) a few times a day.
• When done, simply stand, or sit, quietly.
• Feel the effects of shaking your body and shifting your energy.

Balancing The Fire Element
When the element of fire is balanced, you are more likely to find yourself feeling calm stable, and grounded. Your digestion improves and sleep comes more easily. You find appropriate ways to respond authentically to any situation. You feel more connected to the physical world, your family, friends and support communities. Here’s a helpful technique to create more balance in your fire element.  

Gesture of the Mountain
This is called Hakini Mudra in the yoga tradition. You can think of mudras as a global positioning system (GPS) for your energy; providing direction to help you tune into the specific goal you are working with. 

Instructions

• Hold your hands in front of your body.
• Touch the tips of fingers and thumbs on one hand to the tips of the fingers and thumbs on your other hand.  
• Allow space between the palms as though you were holding a tennis ball.
• Relax your shoulders.
• Rest your hands on your lap.
• Breath normally. Hold Gesture of the Mountain for two to three minutes (or longer if you feel comfortable).

When we are able to balance the fire element, we become more effective at finding clarity, contentment and resilience in a complicated world. 

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