| There is something about the spectacle of a | | | | thoughts is tamed, the meditation is taken to the |
| blazing fire that resonates with a primal part of | | | | next level. Eyes are closed and while the sight of |
| the human soul. Today life-long memories are | | | | the flames is eliminated, the sensation of the heat |
| made toasting marshmallows for s'mores around | | | | and the crackling sounds are still present. Many |
| the campfire while in centuries past sacred or | | | | people at this point in the ceremony find answers |
| religious ceremonies were not complete without | | | | to unresolved problems become evident, or |
| bonfires. | | | | others feel as though stress is literally flowing |
| The crackle of the wood, the hissing whistle of | | | | from their bodies. Negative energy flows out, |
| igniting kindling, and the calming warmth of the | | | | positive energy flows in. The key is to keep |
| flame is hypnotic. Fire pits are the perfect way to | | | | concentrating inward to allow the body and |
| connect to this elemental spirit and practice the | | | | emotions to synchronize with the soul. |
| art of meditation. | | | | The beauty of meditation is how individualized it is |
| Meditation enthusiasts agree visual focal points, like | | | | - one person stands, another sits, and others may |
| candles or flames, help focus and direct the mind's | | | | hold hands or hum softly. There is no right or |
| energy in a given manner. This type of elemental | | | | wrong way; the spirit of the flame draws |
| contemplation can be done solo or with a group | | | | everyone in the circle together in an ancient |
| of like-minded individuals around a communal pit. | | | | harmony of visualization, rhythmical breathing, and |
| The ritual usually begins with the focal point | | | | intensified focus. |
| concentrated on the patterns of the flames, the | | | | If this is a group session, the leader gradually |
| ever-changing colors, the sounds, and the | | | | brings the focal point back to the external world |
| fragrance of the wood smoke. This multi-sensory | | | | and everyone re-joins the conversation around |
| approach to reflection calms the mind and as the | | | | the bonfire at their own pace. Use caution with |
| experience progresses, the group begins to | | | | fire or candles and be sure flames are completely |
| breathe in rhythm with the fire. | | | | extinguished for safety's sake when using a fire |
| As the mind clears and the chatter of unrelated | | | | pit as an aid in meditation. |