an eternal flame

am I only dreaming?

Eternal Flame by the Bangles is a staple car-ballad song for me, but also, did you know that eternal flames are a naturally occurring phenomenon? Here she is right in time for the Aries Full Moon.

An eternal flame is quite literally a flame that continuously burns and is almost never put out. This occurs when Earth’s natural gas leaks to the surface, and often struck by lightning. The longest run of an eternal flame recorded is 6,000 years. And the coolest part is that many sit behind waterfalls, and you must adventure around to find them. Secret portals everywhere. The Achaemenid era of Persian history is collectively considered the earliest reference to the practice of creating ever-burning community fires.

When I was reading about these eternal flames all around the world, I was 1. Stunned that I have never heard about them before and 2. I felt the urge to pack up and go see one (TBD).

The phrase ‘fuel to the fire’ is one I find myself saying often and I found that it came up when I was staring at these images. Often said in a negative scope, fuel to the fire implies that some phrase or action will only make matters worse. But the question I want to ask is who or what adds fuel to your inner eternal flame? The one thats pulsating all the juicy creation inside you? Your literal breath of fire, your dragon, your mighty impeccable stances on things? What makes you-you?

It’s easier for an outsider to see how maybe your inner circle is intoxicating, where one person or task drains you. I am asking you to step outside yourself for a moment and assimilate into the outsider. Actually disconnect for a moment and become that fire- who knows no bounds. A fire when spread wider and wider does not submit to the mighty king—nature knows no kings. I know, I can’t believe I am asking you to disconnect either, trust me, it’s not natural to me. But can you see how integral this is to learning?

I’ve spent much time figuring out what serves me and what doesn’t because sometimes you’re forced into situations solely to find out that they aren’t a fit. Many things can try to grab at you, and as simple as this sounds: it’s because they want you! They want what you have or emulate. If you look at it from a lens of gratitude and dismissal, we can appreciate all that we have from that fire within, and decide for ourselves that we won’t give it away.

And during times where life seems to be going on a whim and there’s destruction and chaos, you have to actively remember your eternal flame and nourishing it in order to feel okay. Most of the time “okay” is the very primal and satisfactory standard of being. We are constantly surrounded by wellness moguls and it’s easy to fall into the trap of nothing is enough. I remind you, your design comes with all you need. Think and tend to your fire.

Fuel to my fire in no particular order

• breath work

• a good spin class

• animals

• making a playlist

• time barefoot outside

• cooking a yummy dinner

• talking to my mom on the phone

• when my friend Kylie and I send each other 8 min voice notes

• time with Lover

It’s also okay to know and understand what smothers your flame, but feeling stuck and not left with any option to redirect the burn. Recognizing is just as important as integrating.

A tortoise we rescued! His name is Steve lol

I think we are all feeling burnt out right now. And this is why I say to focus on nurturing what feels good now, what feels stable, because everything else is up in the air. It’s the bravest thing you can do. You aren’t ignoring the pain and devastation of your friends, family, and community, rather ensuring care of yourself so you can hold space for everything else. When ignored, all collapse. We operate out of astronomical stress which harms our bodies. I wouldn’t be surprised if many of us get sick, have trouble sleeping, or are shaky. These are the somatic responses of our bodies telling us to fan the flame.

Friends,

I posted a ten min meditation for y’all on instagram if you want to send anyone that isn’t following me, lmk I’ll send it to you! Thinking of going live as well or even dreaming of a future in person donation based event with more practices and offerings… Give feedback! Tell me if that’s even something you’d go to. My intention is to share the magic that others have shared with me. Gratitude always.

Abundant blessings ∞

-madison renee katherine