"On Fire, Not Consumed" - The Alchemy of the Slow Burn

"As he looked on, he was surprised to see that the bush, though on fire, was not consumed." (Exod. 3:2b)

Mesmerizing and mysterious, a slow burn requires a "Fire Triangle": Oxygen (O2), Heat, and a Fuel Source. O2 sustains combustion, sufficient Heat raises the combustible material to ignition temperature, and the Fuel Source - wood, leaves, kindling, etc. - provides the combustible material to excite the chemical, exothermic reaction that is Fire.

Analogously, a slow-burning Fire that can keep energizing us in our mission or vocation - professionally and personally - is difficult to sustain, and we may find ourselves faking it or abandoning the heap of ashes when it no longer allures as primordial Fire.

Many know how to cause an initial chemical reaction. That process of igniting our vocational/relational Fire can indeed arouse initial excitement and awe. It can provide the basic Fuel Source for the energy transfer of the chemical reaction - e.g., a great experience/interaction that challenges or inspires us, a phenomenal education/formation, a new project or a new job prospect, relocation/re-homing, promotion, expansion, a first dance, a new relationship. All these are examples of the Fuel Source essential to the Fire Triangle, but without O2 or sustained Heat, and feeding the initial Fuel Source itself, consumption quickly follows.

If distraction, disintegration, boredom, fear, or neglect set in, the ability to provide the necessary O2 or sustaining Heat and added Fuel begin to wane significantly. Burn-out. Loss of interest/appetite. Lethargy. "The Thrill is gone." Nothing New is on the horizon. We're not paying attention. We're not even aware of the abundant, awe-inspiring Life around us. Blandscape. The flame gets easily doused. The cold winds of change signal decreasing temps and diminishing Heat, or completely exhausting the Fuel Source. We can't adapt to change with resourcefulness and perseverance. The Fuel Source of imagination, wonder, creativity, excitement, cultivated by investment of time and energy, is neutralized by distraction, boredom, or a perceived futility and hopelessness. Apathy (lack of Warmth/Zest/Joy for Life) follows. No energizing Life/Breath/Inspiration (O2) comes to the rescue. The initial Inspiration/Attraction/Energy of Love (Fuel Source) is consumed.

Burn-out and an inability to adapt to change are like oxygen deprivation and cold winds/rain/snow to vocational/relational Fire.

Out come the "BUTs."

"BUT I have this advanced degree, skill set, years of experience, certification, license, pedigree, niche expertise, title..." And our colleagues and teammates, clients, customers, students or patients are all suffering around us, choked out of life-giving energy by the one who is supposed to be "helping." They can't breathe. No oxygen, no warmth, no wonder or joy. No Life. Sheer gutting through it, forcing it, faking or distracting to continue a mirage, pull a paycheck, or keep up appearances of contentment/happiness.

Or, in the case of a significant relationship that no longer serves, or has spluttered or been reduced to ash from neglect, boredom, abuse, or simply a crisis of imagination: "BUT I've invested so much time, energy, identity, financial security, I don't know what else I'd do, who else I'd become... I'm too old. I don't have enough Energy to start over and build a new Life."

Despite the BUTs, it's undeniable that the Fuel Source (e.g., shared memories and identity, home or property, circles of friends, family, kids or grands, creature-kin, dreams/goals, business ventures, etc.) is consumed by lack of resiliency/capacity for change. The anger, resentment, intransigence, communication ineptitude, addiction, inertia, apathy, neglect/abuse, lack of appreciation, reverence, gratitude and joy deplete the Oxygen, choke the Fuel Source, extinguish the Heat. The primordial Flame isn't just flickering into functional obsolescence. It's completely extinguished.

A key to sustaining the Energy of the Slow Burn is intentional, elemental, and in this sense, alchemical. It is practicing Natural Wonder/Awe/Surprise/Gratitude. Paying attention in the moment - with full-sensory awareness and mindfulness, active engagement - to the web of Life in which we are embedded means access to a steady, sustainable FLOW of Energy. Full-sensory awareness of Nature's symphonic biophony, the sounds of creation, are where we begin to resonate with inexhaustible Energy Sources. Add Earth's fragrance-smorgasbord, the tactile and flavorful delicacies of abundant gardens, replete with color, texture, delectable taste and aroma, and the integrative nuance of the visual feast, and we have the added Breath of inspiration, and warmth to keep the Flame alive. It happens slowly, gradually, daily. Creation's Energy is available to our insatiable hunger for greening, growth, spaciousness, and resiliency every day if we tap into this Source. It requires time, patience, and practice to keep tapping into its inexhaustible supply. Think Ocean waves. Think Waterfall. Rapids. Birdsong. Dandelions in Springtime. Sunrise. Sunset. Wild Flowers. Evergreens.

Nature provides Fuel for a steady, sustainable FLOW of excitement, wonder, curiosity, imagination, and desire to keep learning, keep growing. Nature offers the Oxygen and required Warmth needed to stoke the Fuel Source, which - if it isn't clear by now - is the Energy of Love that sparked the initial chemical reaction, attraction, surprise, wonder, or joy in the first place.

To cultivate Natural wonder and imagination - to spark the Energy of Love - try practicing the Art of Full-Sensory Nature Immersion (Shinrin Yoku). Tap into that Energy Source, and Remain on Fire!

Fall in Love

Attributed to Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J. (1907–1991)

Nothing is more practical than finding God,

than falling in Love in a quite absolute, final way.

What you are in Love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything.

It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning,

what you do with your evenings,

how you spend your weekends,

what you read,

whom you know,

what breaks your heart,

and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in Love,

stay in Love,

and it will decide everything.