Desired Results

Below are some of the most common questions that are asked of a Firewalk instructor. Hopefully you find these answers useful, but if not, don't hesitate to contact us with your questions!

How can the Firewalk be applied to everyday life?

In my experience whenever I have a challenge in my life, I equate that challenge with a bed of hot coals. Heat from the coals or heat from a challenge is one and the same for me. What I choose to do with that information is what makes the difference. For an example: A very dear friend of mine who had very challenging children, when we would be talking on the phone often would say, "I hate my children." That statement would make me feel uncomfortable knowing that the children were in her presence when she was saying this to me. I could hear them over the phone. She didn’t mean that she hated her children, she just disliked their behavior and was often frustrated by it. So, I had a choice to make. I decided to take up this challenge with her. Before I spoke to her, I realized this was my Firewalk, my bed of coals. I had to accept that when I speak with her about this situation, she may choose to tell me to bud out and perhaps be angry enough to end our relationship. When I accepted that fact, I realized that I could "walk the coals." I realized that I can have this chat with her. Consequently, she did not see that she was doing any harm to anyone because she was just venting to me as a friend. What did end up happening was that we remained friends and she changed her way of speaking about her children. I walked the fire unscathed. So, every time we have an altercation with our family, our friends, our bosses, our coworkers, these are all potential bed of coals. Every time we have an argument with our loved ones we are facing a bed of coals. Every time we doubt ourselves we are facing a bed of coals. Every time we are in fear of something, we are facing a bed of coals. And again, it’s what we choose to do with that information that makes the difference.

What does it take mentally, emotionally and spiritually to be able to walk the fire?

Faith. Trust in self. Turning off the fearful voice in our mind that says fire burns and focusing on fire heals. The Shaman say that the longest journey that we'll take is the eighteen inches from our heads to our heart. Our head, our mind is like a computer. It stores all sorts of information and gives us that information when we tap into it. Yet, it is our heart that knows the truth for ourselves and tapping into this infinite wisdom within our heart is what helps us to make the right choices.

How hot is the bed of coals?

The temperature of the coals largely depends on the type of wood used. Hardwoods such as Beech or Hickory burn the hottest. Medium heat is produced by softer hardwoods such as Oak or Maple. Lowest heat is produced by soft woods such as Poplar or Pine.

Measurements made in several Oak and Maple log fires indicated that the maximum temperature of the fire (in the crevice between the logs) was 900°F to 1200°F.

In the Firewalk I use mostly Oak or Maple for its steady burn, even flame and steady glowing bed of coals. Sometimes I may use Pine which is considered a medium to low heat wood and the temperature would be between 800°F to 1000°F.

Having said this, the focus of the Firewalk is not about heroically mastering the hot coals. The focus is about getting in touch with our inner self and consciously choosing what is right for us in the moment.