Light and Life and Fire Pits

Looking at firelight is like looking at life. It appears first with a spark and needs fuel and oxygen and care to survive and grow. At the end it is extinguished as if it had not been there, except for what it effected. If it stayed awhile, it left a burn mark. It may be invisible after time passes.

We also leave behind our personal footprint in those people we have loved, the kindnesses we gave to others, the help we offered, the support given, the lives touched. Maybe not seen any more, but not forgotten.

There is something intimate about singing songs around the campfire or playing guitar at a fire pit. Perhaps it's like going back to the caves where firelight was the only light; the source for cooking, for warmth, and for keeping away predators. In a simpler time, it was a source for survival.

Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice both have traditions attached to fire. We gather around the fire pit with candles in hand in winter and reminisce about experiences that we want to celebrate from that year. We think about what we hope for in the coming year. We mark the end of the darkest day and the longest day with firelight and marshmallows toasted on a stick.

Sitting fireside exposes us to infrared light which can improve our immune system. Healthy cellular function and all that. Light beings!

Besides it's romantic aspect, it is a light that makes us look good, softens the planes of one's face, and takes away years.

Firelight is both calming and therapeutic. Studies at the University of Alabama and the University of Illinois, in partnership with Napoleon fireplace manufacturer, found that fireplaces in a home contributed to lowering heart rate and blood pressure for the people in that room. It also was found to increase cognitive ability. They tested groups of adults playing a game in rooms with and without fireplaces. Game performance was improved with the presence of the fireplace. Their summary of the study was that adding a fireplace nurtures curiosity and openness to new ideas, thereby supporting health and well being as people age.

So firelight is rejuvenating as well!

I can attest that my fireplace is a central point in my living room and I feel the stress of the day slipping away as I gaze into its flames. With summer heat here and all the burning bans starting again, there is always the option of the fireplace video that is available for my television screen.

Stress causes havoc on our immune system so all this fun fire activity is one more healthy action we can take to create a better life.