Fire can warm food in the kitchen and the same fire can burn down the house. We need to be careful with fire, lest it causes severe damage. And controlled well, it can be an asset. We too have a raging fire within which needs to be carefully managed. The fire of our emotions and desires.

Ambition is good. It drives us to innovate and build. But if we lose perspective and get over-ambitious, it can consume us and we lose perspective. We risk sacrificing principles, health and relationships at the altar of success.

Caring for others can warm their heart. But if we get obsessed with showering our affection, we risk suffocating them in the relationship.

Managing work and overseeing people is necessary. But if we become micro-managers, constantly overseeing and wanting to know everything, we risk losing good people who need space and empowerment.

Hard work is good. It keeps us grounded and builds character. But if we take it to an extreme, we risk getting burnt out.

And there are desires and emotions which rage within, waiting for a weak moment to express themselves. Anger, fear, lust, greed, jealousy, pride. Once they get ignited, they become difficult to control.  

Everything in life is created twice; first in the mind, then in reality. The raging fire within can fuel a wonderful life for us or cause much destruction, if not managed. Constant awareness is key. If there is one quality we must cultivate, it is being aware; of our thoughts, actions and consequences of our actions. It’s not how calm and collected we appear to the outer world. It’s how well we manage the raging fire within.

(Picture-Caux Palace overlooking Lake Geneva)