HEALING WITH THE ELEMENT OF FIRE
Passion • Energy • Courage • Transformation
Assigning environmental and societal action and self-care to a specific element can be a bit arbitrary. Still, in general, the Fire Quarter focuses on energy and passion, both personally and in the home, supporting truth and justice, fighting for a cause, and embracing love.
Healing Self
Honor your Inner Passion
As part of reclaiming and honoring your authentic self, consider what gives you energy rather than drains it. What brings you a sense of purpose and fulfillment? If you are not sure, explore various activities. Generally, people think of personal passion as it relates to the arts: painting, music, writing, dancing, acting, or sports. However, what you are passionate about is deeply personal. Hunting for rare stamps or coins, exploring new seeds to grow in the garden, or recording plant, bird, or animal sightings can also bring joy.
Spend Time in the Sunlight
This must be done cautiously because the sun is both life-giving and life-threatening. In general, sunscreen is advisable. But taking a few moments here and there to let the sun's rays touch your naked skin is warming to body, mind, and spirit. As you do this, visualize the sun charging your energy levels. This is especially important in winter because sunlight can also increase your vitamin D levels and boost your mental health.
Release Pent-Up Anxiety and Stress
So much of the anxiety and stress in our modern-day society stems from neglecting the need for stillness, quiet, and release – your everyday experiences and the media you consume need to be processed on some level. Instead of allowing time for this processing, people often continue to pile new experiences and content onto the old, leaving them feeling edgy and anxious. There are many ways to release and process this pent-up energy; you can allow your mind to wander as you take a solo walk without a phone or other tech to distract you, you can delve into it more consciously by journaling, or you can visualize yourself allowing it to float away as you nap or daydream. You can think of this release in a couple of different ways. You can think of the process as allowing all emotions, experiences, and media you consume to flow through you. This prevents you from holding onto things beyond their usefulness. For a more proactive process, you use the power of fire as a cleansing force, either by writing down what you are done with on a piece of paper and burning it, or by using your moments in the sunlight to symbolically burn away what has been processed and needs to go.
Balance your Energy
One simple way to keep your energy balanced is to open your chakras, allow earth energy to flow through you, and then allow sky energy to flow down into you.
Stretching
Stretching is energy flow at its most basic. It is about keeping things loose and moving. This can be as simple as a few basic stretches anytime you stand up to take a break from the computer or finish a physical activity. The most important part is understanding what your body needs and enjoys. The function of basic stretching is to loosen stiff or tense muscles and open your body to the present moment.
Exercise
The benefit of exercise is not exactly new news. If anything, you might feel a bit lectured on this subject. For practical purposes, there needs to be two different words for exercise: one to describe what is helpful for basic wellness and one for the more enthusiastic, and often a bit extreme, fitness training, which, for the most part, is the definition that gets all the attention.
Aside from the output and commitment levels required for each, there is also often a consumer-culture difference. Most fitness programs require money and a set schedule, while wellness is free and incredibly simple. It is movement, in any form, on a regular or semi-regular basis, as you listen to your body for guidance. Walking and gardening are great as they also include fresh air, but cleaning or walking in place while watching TV are also good options. A good mantra for wellness is “A body in motion stays in motion”. Moving often and consistently prevents all sorts of aches and pains, which makes living and aging easier and more enjoyable.
Rethink Lighting
You may have gotten used to sleeping with light pollution from night lights, electronic devices, TVs, and/or streetlights. Your mind may find comfort in these light sources, but your body and subconscious do not. Humans have evolved to sleep in darkness, so your body struggles to sleep deeply when there is too much light. Modern studies have shown that people who have insomnia can reset their sleep rhythms by sleeping outside in a tent for about 7-10 days. This works in part because you are reconnecting with nature, but mainly because of the natural darkness camping offers. You can achieve a similar benefit at home by reducing the light pollution in your bedroom. You can do this by removing all or some electronic devices, glowing clocks, TVs, and nightlights from the bedroom. You can also install blackout shades on windows to reduce light pollution from streetlights and neighbors’ homes.
Be Open to Change
Allow yourself to be more adaptable and open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives. This helps break stagnant patterns and encourages personal growth.
As part of reclaiming and honoring your authentic self, consider what gives you energy rather than drains it. What brings you a sense of purpose and fulfillment? If you are not sure, explore various activities. Generally, people think of personal passion as it relates to the arts: painting, music, writing, dancing, acting, or sports. However, what you are passionate about is deeply personal. Hunting for rare stamps or coins, exploring new seeds to grow in the garden, or recording plant, bird, or animal sightings can also bring joy.
Spend Time in the Sunlight
This must be done cautiously because the sun is both life-giving and life-threatening. In general, sunscreen is advisable. But taking a few moments here and there to let the sun's rays touch your naked skin is warming to body, mind, and spirit. As you do this, visualize the sun charging your energy levels. This is especially important in winter because sunlight can also increase your vitamin D levels and boost your mental health.
Release Pent-Up Anxiety and Stress
So much of the anxiety and stress in our modern-day society stems from neglecting the need for stillness, quiet, and release – your everyday experiences and the media you consume need to be processed on some level. Instead of allowing time for this processing, people often continue to pile new experiences and content onto the old, leaving them feeling edgy and anxious. There are many ways to release and process this pent-up energy; you can allow your mind to wander as you take a solo walk without a phone or other tech to distract you, you can delve into it more consciously by journaling, or you can visualize yourself allowing it to float away as you nap or daydream. You can think of this release in a couple of different ways. You can think of the process as allowing all emotions, experiences, and media you consume to flow through you. This prevents you from holding onto things beyond their usefulness. For a more proactive process, you use the power of fire as a cleansing force, either by writing down what you are done with on a piece of paper and burning it, or by using your moments in the sunlight to symbolically burn away what has been processed and needs to go.
Balance your Energy
One simple way to keep your energy balanced is to open your chakras, allow earth energy to flow through you, and then allow sky energy to flow down into you.
Stretching
Stretching is energy flow at its most basic. It is about keeping things loose and moving. This can be as simple as a few basic stretches anytime you stand up to take a break from the computer or finish a physical activity. The most important part is understanding what your body needs and enjoys. The function of basic stretching is to loosen stiff or tense muscles and open your body to the present moment.
Exercise
The benefit of exercise is not exactly new news. If anything, you might feel a bit lectured on this subject. For practical purposes, there needs to be two different words for exercise: one to describe what is helpful for basic wellness and one for the more enthusiastic, and often a bit extreme, fitness training, which, for the most part, is the definition that gets all the attention.
Aside from the output and commitment levels required for each, there is also often a consumer-culture difference. Most fitness programs require money and a set schedule, while wellness is free and incredibly simple. It is movement, in any form, on a regular or semi-regular basis, as you listen to your body for guidance. Walking and gardening are great as they also include fresh air, but cleaning or walking in place while watching TV are also good options. A good mantra for wellness is “A body in motion stays in motion”. Moving often and consistently prevents all sorts of aches and pains, which makes living and aging easier and more enjoyable.
Rethink Lighting
You may have gotten used to sleeping with light pollution from night lights, electronic devices, TVs, and/or streetlights. Your mind may find comfort in these light sources, but your body and subconscious do not. Humans have evolved to sleep in darkness, so your body struggles to sleep deeply when there is too much light. Modern studies have shown that people who have insomnia can reset their sleep rhythms by sleeping outside in a tent for about 7-10 days. This works in part because you are reconnecting with nature, but mainly because of the natural darkness camping offers. You can achieve a similar benefit at home by reducing the light pollution in your bedroom. You can do this by removing all or some electronic devices, glowing clocks, TVs, and nightlights from the bedroom. You can also install blackout shades on windows to reduce light pollution from streetlights and neighbors’ homes.
Be Open to Change
Allow yourself to be more adaptable and open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives. This helps break stagnant patterns and encourages personal growth.
Healing Society
Inspiring Change Through Action
Whatever cause you may feel passionate about, it is usually better to act from a place of hope. You are more likely to inspire others to join you, which in turn builds support for the cause. Acting from a place of hope and positive action will also increase the odds that the opposition will listen to your perspective.
Of course, history is full of examples where this approach did not work, and other drastic actions were needed. But even as you take these more forceful steps, it is still important to stay true to the vision of hope and change.
Keep the Focus on Corporations
By and large, the biggest polluters and carbon emitters are corporations. If they lighten their environmental footprint, we all do so by default. You help to put pressure on these corporations by investing in funds that support environmental progress, and you can vote with your dollars as you shop. You can also do this by supporting political candidates, environmental organizations, and news organizations working to hold the industry accountable.
Support Fair and Honest News Sources
As a society, we are not always good at distinguishing between discussing a subject from different angles and supporting a fake narrative. Much of the fake news produced is intended to be divisive and inflammatory. Even many fact-based news sources focus on the dramatic to get noticed. This fear-based news perpetuates societal trauma. The middle road may not feel as compelling as the far left or far right, but that is simply because facts are often much less dramatic than fear. These grounded news sources need your support.
Support Minority Causes
Supporting minority causes of any kind is part of building a just society. When all people have equal access to resources and opportunities, society as a whole is happier and more prosperous. Supporting a minority cause begins with listening. When it is not your cause, it is essential first to understand if you are welcome and then to follow their lead.
Support Young People
As people age, it is easy to get entrenched in their own understanding of the world. What was revolutionary and cutting-edge back in the day may be outdated today. Young people are often the visionaries of a society. Beyond listening to them in person, you can also support community and school programs that empower them as they build a better future.
Support the Elderly
Many older people are lonely and/or stuck at home. They may need practical support like food or rides, and many great organizations offer these services that could use our support. It is also important to take the time to listen to their experience. Young people might be our visionaries, but our elders carry wisdom that will ground us as we look ahead.
Support Local Businesses
Shopping locally reduces the carbon footprint by minimizing fuel and packaging for shipping. Supporting local artisans, farmers’ markets, or small businesses supports the local economy, creating healthier towns and cities.
To consider: If the items available for sale by the local vendor are not produced locally, then the carbon footprint created by shipping and packaging is not reduced.
Whatever cause you may feel passionate about, it is usually better to act from a place of hope. You are more likely to inspire others to join you, which in turn builds support for the cause. Acting from a place of hope and positive action will also increase the odds that the opposition will listen to your perspective.
Of course, history is full of examples where this approach did not work, and other drastic actions were needed. But even as you take these more forceful steps, it is still important to stay true to the vision of hope and change.
Keep the Focus on Corporations
By and large, the biggest polluters and carbon emitters are corporations. If they lighten their environmental footprint, we all do so by default. You help to put pressure on these corporations by investing in funds that support environmental progress, and you can vote with your dollars as you shop. You can also do this by supporting political candidates, environmental organizations, and news organizations working to hold the industry accountable.
Support Fair and Honest News Sources
As a society, we are not always good at distinguishing between discussing a subject from different angles and supporting a fake narrative. Much of the fake news produced is intended to be divisive and inflammatory. Even many fact-based news sources focus on the dramatic to get noticed. This fear-based news perpetuates societal trauma. The middle road may not feel as compelling as the far left or far right, but that is simply because facts are often much less dramatic than fear. These grounded news sources need your support.
Support Minority Causes
Supporting minority causes of any kind is part of building a just society. When all people have equal access to resources and opportunities, society as a whole is happier and more prosperous. Supporting a minority cause begins with listening. When it is not your cause, it is essential first to understand if you are welcome and then to follow their lead.
Support Young People
As people age, it is easy to get entrenched in their own understanding of the world. What was revolutionary and cutting-edge back in the day may be outdated today. Young people are often the visionaries of a society. Beyond listening to them in person, you can also support community and school programs that empower them as they build a better future.
Support the Elderly
Many older people are lonely and/or stuck at home. They may need practical support like food or rides, and many great organizations offer these services that could use our support. It is also important to take the time to listen to their experience. Young people might be our visionaries, but our elders carry wisdom that will ground us as we look ahead.
Support Local Businesses
Shopping locally reduces the carbon footprint by minimizing fuel and packaging for shipping. Supporting local artisans, farmers’ markets, or small businesses supports the local economy, creating healthier towns and cities.
To consider: If the items available for sale by the local vendor are not produced locally, then the carbon footprint created by shipping and packaging is not reduced.
Healing the Environment
Wildfire Awareness and Prevention
Destructive wildfires have become part of everyday life. You can help reduce the destruction caused by fires by understanding how to protect your home and neighborhood. Part of fire protection involves allowing controlled burns in your area. It can be hard to see a favorite nature area blackened from ash, but it is important to make peace with this part of fire’s beneficial cycle.
Sustainable Energy
There are many ways to avoid carbon-emitting lifestyles. What specifically works in your area will depend largely on the weather and infrastructure. In consistently foggy coastal areas, for example, installing solar panels is probably not very helpful. Nor is it feasible to drive an electric car in most rural areas.
Decentralized Energy Production
Solar, wind, and wave energy allow individuals and communities to generate their own electricity, reducing reliance on centralized power grids. This helps reduce the energy required to transport electricity.
Reduce Fossil Fuel Emissions in General
Consider how you can support your community as it tries to reduce carbon emissions. One way to do this is to reduce what you send to the landfill. Food waste is particularly problematic. Many communities have begun collecting food waste along with yard waste, which is then composted or used to produce natural gas.
Prioritize Experiences Over Things
Instead of purchasing physical items, consider items like concert tickets, cooking classes, spa vouchers, or outdoor adventures. They create lasting memories while reducing material consumption.
Destructive wildfires have become part of everyday life. You can help reduce the destruction caused by fires by understanding how to protect your home and neighborhood. Part of fire protection involves allowing controlled burns in your area. It can be hard to see a favorite nature area blackened from ash, but it is important to make peace with this part of fire’s beneficial cycle.
Sustainable Energy
There are many ways to avoid carbon-emitting lifestyles. What specifically works in your area will depend largely on the weather and infrastructure. In consistently foggy coastal areas, for example, installing solar panels is probably not very helpful. Nor is it feasible to drive an electric car in most rural areas.
Decentralized Energy Production
Solar, wind, and wave energy allow individuals and communities to generate their own electricity, reducing reliance on centralized power grids. This helps reduce the energy required to transport electricity.
Reduce Fossil Fuel Emissions in General
Consider how you can support your community as it tries to reduce carbon emissions. One way to do this is to reduce what you send to the landfill. Food waste is particularly problematic. Many communities have begun collecting food waste along with yard waste, which is then composted or used to produce natural gas.
Prioritize Experiences Over Things
Instead of purchasing physical items, consider items like concert tickets, cooking classes, spa vouchers, or outdoor adventures. They create lasting memories while reducing material consumption.