There is something magical, almost mystical about fire. Something inside all of us that is drawn to it in a way like nothing else does. But why is it, exactly, that are we so fascinated and entranced by fire? Is there something deeper than the warmth, comfort and social aspect that fire brings? Why is it that we can stare, complacently, into a campfire for hours?
Culturally Speaking
Harvard biologist Richard Wrangham believes fire is needed to fuel the human brain. Darwin considered fire one of the most significant achievements of humanity. And it is commonly said that fire is nature’s television (and around the holidays, the popular Yule Log TV channel confirms that). But why is this? Fire commonly serves as a social gathering point, making it important to our family and social structures, especially historically in pre-electricity time. The beautiful dancing light emitted by fire, along with its smells, ever-changing sounds, and cozy warmth simultaneously activates all our senses, captivating our attention on many levels. Some mystics say it has a cleansing effect on both us and our spaces, removing negative energies and spirits. All of these are great reasons that for our connection to fire. But what is really going on?
Scientifically Speaking
As we gaze into a flame, we see light in the warm spectrum of colour. This soft glow eases us into a calming, relaxed state known as alpha state. This is when the brain produces increased levels of alpha waves. In alpha state, brain waves slow down to a point where we can experience relaxation, restfulness, and a profound ‘peace of being’. Also, this state can put us in a kind of trance or space of “now thought”… something outside of our regularly structured thinking. We become more open to new ideas or concepts, and can be very creative during this state. In this sense, looking into a fire is literally an open-eyed meditation. According to one Alabama study, this state even physically lowers your blood pressure.
Logically Speaking
Like our life-giving sun, fire is a living light (as opposed to a synthetic light generated by electricity) that is alive with combustion, changing tempo and rhythm. Fire has no substance, and yet it has shape, making it almost ethereal in nature. Fire is pure energy, which can never be destroyed, only transformed. When we watch fire we are watching matter transform before our eyes. It’s unpredictable, making us constantly wonder what it will look like next, what it will do next, or where it will go next.
Whatever the reason, fire has the ability to transfix us. Though each individual might experience that transfixion differently, humans are both the masters of, and at the mercy of, fire.
Want to incorporate the magic of fire into your home? Visit a Hearth and Home showroom today to discuss your options.
-Jason Meyer
