Vision Magazine asked me to write an article about “Fire” for their Elements issue last month.
Firewalking: Igniting the New Economy and Fulfilling Dreams Now!
by Julian D. Bergquist
I attended my first firewalk in July 2000 after my life coach had said that she would fire me as a client if I didn’t shift my self-imposed limitations. After many months of complaining every week about my job, girlfriend, difficulties of starting a business and the constant rainy weather in Seattle, she’d had enough and said I must find the next firewalk—and do it now, or else!
A firewalk is just what it sounds like: walking upon a thin bed of hot coals (usually eight to 12 feet long) that have been raked after a large bonfire.
That fateful night, in the moment right before firewalking, I remember being scared, feeling that climbing Mt. Everest would probably be easier and safer. But I wanted to create a new future of progress toward my goals and dreams.
After successfully walking on coals, everything I thought possible expanded and the confusion in my life shattered. The experience transformed my world and within six months, I had left an empty relationship, moved to California and started my business. My life was in motion.
The firewalking ceremony has been a rite of passage and community ritual for hundreds of years. You can still find it in Polynesian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Native cultures around the globe. In Polynesian rituals, the fire purifies a person before receiving a sacred family tattoo. In Coptic Christianity and many other cultures, it is a test of the depth of one’s faith. In most traditions, the community comes together to let go of the past and create a new beginning, honor the divine, and connect with the elements.
Firewalking offers a tangible transformation through the fire element. Firewalkers purify their intentions and create the power to accomplish the purpose and dream of their lives. They also experience a deeper awareness and compassion for other people.
The firewalking is synergistic, bringing all of the elements together: the wood from the Earth, the water in the wood, the fire combusting with air and wood to transform into energy and release into the air. All that remains on the ground is a tiny handful of ash (earth).
Right now, we are using the firewalk experience as a tool to help people be free, abundant and powerful to generate success in the new economy. Because small business owners and “solopreneurs” are the engine of the new economy, applying the firewalking experience to sales, marketing and leadership helps them fulfill their dreams, generating a new economic future for themselves and the people they touch.
Walking on coals brings everything that matters together in a fusion of power and soul. The mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of oneself come together, creating the model for living moment by moment.
Experience a firewalking in San Diego, CA, September 19, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Visit www.SDFirewalk.com or call 619.573.6638. Julian D. Bergquist is an ordained Huna Firewalking Priest, workshop leader and coach. He is passionate about facilitating breakthroughs that result in improved communication in business, intimate relationships and with oneself.