learn how to tend to your fire.
~ resourceful, independent, knows one's self ~
The camel can handle absolutely anything, as it carries a wealth of nourishment within. This wondrous creature is self-reliant and handles challenge with ease. Even in the face of excess heat (judgment or anger) the camel searches inside for the cool elixir of water to calm the situation. The camel represents the ultimate form of bringing opposites into balance (Fire and water), and being responsible for one's own reactions. The camel is a wonderful traveler, and is especially fond of trips to faraway lands.
when in balance ~ calm, content, sparkle in eye
when out of balance ~ dehydrated, lacks vitality
to bring into balance ~ a pilgrimage
Hi friends! :) Welcome to week 33 of our yoga series -- exploring this life through the symbolism of the animal kingdom. Each creature represents a different aspect of our human journey, helping us to better understand and connect to our inner and outer worlds. Every 5 weeks in our yoga classes, we cycle through each of the 5 elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) and their respective animals in this card deck. How can we bring each of the animals within us into balance?
Last week, we learned from the oyster, who shares a simple lesson -- but the most "simple" things are often the most challenging for us. The oyster represents the precious gifts we hold within. When we experience doubt, we can withdraw and guard our dreams and treasures. The oyster asks us to reveal and shine our power into the world.
This week we return to the fire element, which relates to our transformation and purification. The camel is completely nourished from within. When faced with challenges, the camel knows how to react with grace and ease, for he carries to cooling waters to balance the fire. With a peaceful energy, and a sparkle in his eye, he is the ultimate companion for the long voyage.
Fire is not only a force that destroys and rages and creates change through massive cataclysmic events. Yes, sometimes a ferocious fire is necessary for your path, but an aspect of the fire element that is often overlooked is the function of your fire when it is in balance.
Perhaps we've heard the advice that sustainable, slowly implemented change, is much more effective than intense rapid change. This same principle is at work within the fire element. SOMETIMES we need a big slap in the face... or an extreme experience to catalyze change or burn away the old or reroute our path. However, often, the best thing we can really do for ourselves, is learn how to tend our own fire.
The camel represents someone who has mastery of their fire. He shows us our potential -- for the camel is you. You are with yourself for the long journey. As we grow, we may begin to recognize that these big extreme events and changes (are often necessary) but severely disruptive. Slow, peaceful change allows for a much smoother ride.
Maybe ask yourself... do I really need to continue to be thrown into the furnace? Are you trying to tell me something new? Or am I just not learning my lesson and you're going to continue to scream louder and louder... are the flames going to continue to rise higher and higher... until I finally listen? Is it time to implement slow, intentional change?
Direction > Speed
It is easier to maintain an even mind and calm, collected disposition when you're sitting by your lil cozy cabin fire, stoking in when needed, adding a new log here and there... rather than rushing around frantically for years on end trying to extinguish a forest... or sitting there banging two rocks together trying to create a flame.
And so, there we are, tending our fire, with our cool, collected foundation and knowing... now when there is a forest fire to put out or a need to start a new flame, we can respond in an ideal way. Neither too overwhelmed, or frustrated, or despondent, or disoriented. We are ready. We are obtaining mastery of fire. And we know that the goal is to keep our own fire going steadily.
Store up within yourself the cool, calming waters from the years of wisdom you've gathered while on this earth. Gather the wisdom from the unknown forces -- recognize this deep reservoir of nourishment and sustenance you hold within. Recognize that when the roaring fires come blazing, threatening to disrupt or devour your mojo, you've got the balance. You've got the water to tame the flames. And even when you must surrender to an inevitable sacred burning -- a purification, you have the ability hold yourself in great dignity and grace throughout the process. What an absolutely inspiring demonstration of true power -- of a harmonious relationship to the path.
That's the kind of compadre you want by your side for the long haul. You want someone like the camel -- someone who is clear-headed, self-sustaining, wise, and committed. Someone who responds instead of reacts to the challenges along the way. Learn from the camel. We must be that companion to ourselves.
We also have the opportunity to be that companion for our fellow humans. And others can also be glimmering examples of the camel for us. Nice how that all works, huh? As Ram Dass says, "We're all just walking each other home."
...
Next week, the vulture of the air element is greatly misunderstood. We often view the vulture as a mistake or something unwanted, but he is a blessing in disguise. He cleans up the mess, reveals the wisdom, and brings the ecosystem into balance.
til next time ✌︎
dream extreme!
♡ kat
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