Playing With Fire: Leaning into the Light
VANUATU
I was told not to miss this show. So, I built the entire day’s itinerary around it. Pit stops to the Western side of Efate island were disappointing, it seems these sites had seen better days unfortunately. But in more sensational style news, who knew that the world’s only underwater post office is located 35 meters out and three meters below the water’s surface off Hideaway Island marine sanctuary?
Approved in 2003 by the indigenous community (often referred to as ‘Ni-Vans’), the site recognizes that the sea is a vital part of life for the 83 islands within the Republic of Vanuatu. Fun fact: when local postal workers are on the job underwater, a flag is raised on a nearby float.
What a creative concept, an eccentric way to monetize on a passion while furthering a purpose. As I throw myself into these scenarios (often with lackluster planning or runway), I wondered about my own ikigai - what innovative way could I contribute, while capitalizing holistically?
How can we offer/invite/create space for spiritual connectivity, emotional maturity, physical enhancement and yes, with sufficient coin to spend and share?
There’s loads of ways to slice things, I thought, especially when I met David, the man who opted to walk to Hideaway Island (with waters up to his chest) across from Efate’s mainland …
… while the rest of us took the 4 minute ferry ride:
Pretty much everyone who was hanging out here today was not only snorkeling off the coral beach but, we were all gearing up for the fire show! Set against the backdrop of a slinking sun over neighbouring islands, we mingled and had some grub while waiting for the main event.
Tom, the man who shared that this was his proudest achievement in life, recalled his early days establishing the Beach Bar. His idea to pair up with a Fijian chef - who also had these other talents - blossomed into a partnership with some locals who now use the fire shows as ways of supporting themselves and their families.
What makes humans think of such things, I wondered.
Like who wakes up one morning to say, ‘gee, what if I could literally play with fire and see what happens (as I hurl over it, twirl it in front of me, around me, jump rope with it, swallow it … you name it).
Is it the far outness factor, the ‘hmm, I don’t think that’s such a savvy or doable idea’, or perhaps it’s the lure of the unknown, the adrenaline or the reactions it pulls from others?
And while these thoughts and answers may seem straightforward at a fire show, I found myself mulling over the moments where the choices I’ve made and continue to make may befuddle (not only others, but sometimes even myself!)
Do we consciously or consistently question what brings us our daily bread or what floats our boat? Perhaps we do, but have analysis paralysis in overthinking it, talking ourselves out of it or worse, blindly photocopying our precious time. Either way, it’s been interesting to hear these stories and circumstances so far. After all, I met a man who said his life was ‘not normal and really interesting’ - he told me that ‘there’s a CD with his name on it on Mars’ …
For whatever it’s worth, humans have come far. From creating fire to playing with it:
to expressing and dancing:
The light that fire seems to give along the way has served us from simple utility to spectacular sights ~ like they said: don’t miss this show:
May we know well the fire within us and may we use that in a good way everyday,