We are What We Choose to Become
~Thou cannot see from outside of thee, thou can only feel and think from within~
A campfire sat flaming in the center drawing the attention of campers to its light and warmth. The fire could only know of what was within its flames and adjusted to what the campers fed it. It could only concentrate on the passion it held and didn’t know what their flames provided to the campers. It flickered and spit in curiosity to know but could only guess and trust what the people felt. Why doubt in the flames’ light and warmth? It is possible to be rid of doubt and believe in what these campers felt
In time, the fire held the vision of what they presented and held that whenever they met with a circle of campers. The confidence the campfire held was its vision and practice. No matter what the campers felt, the fire was what it was and served a purpose in its own light.
A campfire can’t know what the campers receive but it can know what it offers. It is what it is even if it doesn’t hear from the recipients that surround it. Like the campfire, a person can’t know what others receive but they can know what they offer. Even if we don’t hear from others, we know what we offered and can only trust in our intentions.
Photo by: Tanner Marquis https://unsplash.com/@tanleemarquis
Reflective Qs:
What is this campfire a metaphor of?
What are the different ways that a campfire gives without knowing?
How is knowing your intentions enough without feedback?
Author’s Note: I was thinking about the experience of giving without knowing. How others receive and use the campfire became something natural to relate to. We all offer ourselves and don’t always know how it contributes. We can’t let the opinions of others determine our worth or purpose. We are all what we are with a purpose and can only do our best.
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