FIRE. DUALITY

Life on Fire

The force of duality

The fire of life. Photo by author.

When I read the writing prompt, “Contradictory Fire,” it sparked a flame from embers that had been simmering in my mind all week. I’ve been contemplating the importance of duality in life.

Duality is a concept that refers to the existence of two contrasting and complementary aspects within a single entity. Fire is a powerful representative of the significance of opposing forces. It both sustains and consumes. It can mean life and death, safety and danger, and renewal and destruction, depending on how it’s harnessed.

Fire demonstrates the following benefits of duality.

• Growth and renewal
• Creativity and innovation
• Empathy and acceptance

Sugarcane fields burning after the harvest. Image created by the author in Midjourney.

Growth and Renewal

“The deepest lessons come out of the deepest waters and the hottest fires.” — Elisabeth Elliot

An uncontrolled fire can cause devastation. Whereas a controlled forest fire facilitates renewal and new growth. Such is the case in the wilderness of life. With insufficient fire, we freeze. With excess fire, we…