Thursday, January 14, 2010 When I was writing about downhill skiing and experiencing 'no fear' I was reminded of a firewalking ceremony that I lucky enough to participate in.

It was Carol's housewarming party up at a rural property behind Coffs Harbour. Everyone brought a plate to share and we had a beautiful dinner. There was the exchanging of gifts and then music around a large roaring bonfire. The night was cool and starry. The fire blazed for a few hours. As the night was coming to a close Roger and David raked the coals out to form a large three metre by one metre bed of hot red and black coals. The glow was captivating.

Roger and David suggested that they close the evening with a firewalking ceremony. A few people who had done it before thought this was a great way to end the party. I was intrigued and very happy to see it unfold.

They started with a short meditation focusing on personal integrity and the power of the mind. They invited people to think of a quality that they wanted to affirm in their life and those that wanted to 'walk the fire' and 'walk the talk'. I only remember Roger doing the walk although I know there were others. Roger then asked if I wanted to. I said I wasn't sure as I didn't want to burn the soles of my feet! (Wisely practical!)

Roger assured me that if I believed I could do it and entered the walk with a sense of conviction I would be ok. I trusted Roger and asked him to stand at the end of the walk and we held each others gaze and the focus was set. I walked across the hot coals.

All I remember thinking was,  'I can do this', and sure enough that night, I walked the hot coals twice. The first time with a heightened sense of alertness and intensity, the second time, just because I was elated and wanted to do it again.

It offered me an depth of understanding about the power of the mind and intention. If you ever get the chance to do a 'firewalk' with the proper support and advice I would highly recommend it. I have heard since that the 'personal growth' guru, Anthony Robbins, leads firewalking sessions to assist people to access this inner knowing.

It was certainly an experience I will never forget!