The Magic Behind the Fire

“A room is always better when there is a fire going in it.”

What is it within our DNA as humans that transfixes and draws us all to the warmth and comfort of a mesmerizing fire? We can easily get lost as we peer into its jumping peaks and letting its heat fill our hearts and homes. Fire is so much more than some mystical chemistry. It serves as a social gathering point, activates nearly all of our senses, whilst also being good for your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Mindfulness is simply defined as living in the moment, not caught up in the events of the past or conversations caught up in our head. It’s a concept that sounds relatively easy on paper but in practice can be much harder. One of the best ways to train the mind is through mindfulness meditation. Digital apps such as Headspace, Calm and Smiling Mind can be of great assistance, and other times actions where you only focus on just one thing can be helpful. This could be going on a brisk walk or having a cup of tea and staring into that beautiful fire, or nature’s television as we call it.

But there is science behind this open-eyed meditation. As we gaze into the flames of a fire, our brain’s activity level slows into a state known as Alpha waves. These are the kind of waves experienced just before falling asleep, and is the reason looking into the spectrum of colour that appears in a fire evokes such peacefulness and relaxation within us. We also become more open to new ideas and it is said that one can be highly creative during this state. So, we hope you sit back and relax in front of your fire as you enjoy the rest of this newsletter. Maybe even try the word sleuth.