Kindling the Fire

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled,

but a fire to be kindled."

Plutarch

A burning desire needs to be gently fed by choosing diverse pieces of insight with intention. It is not about throwing unrelated thoughts into the flame but allowing a draft to circulate seemingly unrelated perspectives. The kindling will burn only for so long, but the coals hopefully will ignite us with energy needed to continue.

As the fire burns, there are times we scoot closer for heated stimulation, Sparks fly and ideas are endless.  We avoid the possibility of straying too far from the flames where ideas grow cold. We may even invite trusted others to gather around to share our visions with fresh projections of how to proceed.

A brilliantly hot fire can be mesmerizing. We can stare at it for hours lost in the burning flames. As darkness falls, and yes, it will, the fire can grow stronger. If we are deliberate with our choices as to how to feed it, it will continue in its intensity.  Just how long the fire will burn depends upon how we tend to it.   

 

 

Tending the Fire

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled

but a fire to be kindled.

Plutarch

Discouraged by the world, I wonder what kindling I want to use for my fire.  The temptation to let my passion slowly burn out comes from ego, not the heart.  With hope, I recall strengths from the past and gently blow on the smoldering coals.

A page from my gratitude journal reminds me of blessings in my life and the flames in my fire begin to dance.  The darkness hovers around my fire allowing only a portion of life to be seen.  I continue tending to my light as only Divine can fully see purpose and outcome.  

Filled with new strength, my fire turns into a blaze.  Willingly, I let go of control and Spirit directs my energies to where I need to be.  It is difficult to remember  life is not always what it appears to be and winds of change must never be allowed to blow any fire out.