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Firewalking

Firewalking is a traditional practice that dates back to 4000 years ago, which consists of crossing a carpet of coals barefoot, where temperatures can reach 700º. It has been practiced in many parts of the world, in many cultures, in ritual and ceremonial form for the purpose of awareness, initiation, self-overcoming, healing, etc. The oldest reference goes back to Ancient India, but it is known that these rituals were also performed in Africa, China, Spain, Greece, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, among many other parts of the world.

Since the 70s of the last century, Tolly Burkan has become the biggest promoter of this ritual in the entire western world, taking it to thousands of people. Firewalking has now become a practice of self-overcoming limiting beliefs, overcoming obstacles, being in fact very effective in transforming limiting beliefs, as a way to better observe our thoughts, control feelings, improve self-esteem, improve decision making. and in turn everything that is linked to our personal growth.

For many millennia, people believed that Firewalking was just a matter of faith and a miracle for those who crossed a carpet of coals, however, science is already able to explain a little of the mechanism behind this ritual, using physics and thermal conduction of heat and our majority constitution of water as explanatory arguments. Science also understands that only with good preparation for this ritual is it possible to perform it effectively, that is, without truly getting burned. That’s why it’s essential that Firewalking instructors are well trained to be able to do it with their participants.

Contrary to what one might think, this ritual is not a performance, nor a matter of adrenaline, as it goes far beyond these superficial factors. This ritual can have such an impact on our body and mind that it can lead us to a greater understanding of the behavior and thought patterns that we are used to having for years in our lives. We end up understanding that many of the beliefs that exist can be deconstructed and open us to new paths in our life. Sometimes all we need to do is change our perspective to make the impossible possible.

References

  • Burkan, T. (2011). Extreme Spirituality: The Secret Key to Empowerment. Atria Books.
  • Danforth, Loring M. (1992). Firewalking and Religious Healing. Imprensa da Universidade de Princeton