The wisdom of the fire pit
By Kathy Oehler
I am a place of gathering. I was birthed from a weeks’ long vision centered on a large empty space in the far corner of a yard that welcomed and encouraged life. For years, the holder of the vision knew something special was meant to be in that space, and so she waited. And so it came to pass that while humanity was separated from one another in the spring of 2020, I began to beckon, extending an invitation to “come outside and play.” In late summer I was created with smooth pea gravel from the river bottoms and bricks to contain the wood fires that were to come. An oak tree and wildflowers became my close companions.
The one who received the vision recognized me as a sacred space whether the fires were lit or not. Barefoot in the pea gravel, she was connected to me for the first time in many years. She experienced my presence, and encouraged others to do the same. I rejoiced to receive their touch and I blessed them with the energy that came from within me.
Those that came were so happy to be in one another’s presence again. I have held the space for the joy and celebration of reconnecting with smiles, whiskey and wine flowing, impromptu state fairs, deep soul sharings over life changing books, rising fireflies at dusk, the awe of clear, starry nights, and music and dancing.
Through the summer and fall of 2020, I witnessed disconnection as well as I held the space for conversation. Those gathering around discussed the state of our world and all of the politics within. I heard tales of conspiracy, racism, fear, prejudice, judgement and ideas on how to regain or maintain power. The one who received the vision for my creation became aware for the first time that the feminine was rarely invited to partake in these discussions. She saw that the feminine place was one of listening at the feet of the masculine. This revelation changed her forever and empowered her to be determined to become part of the conversation.
Even one who comes to me and sits alone is not lonely. I and my companions welcome the solitary one who needs a separation from the chaos around them, who needs to breathe, and receive healing in the quiet. They reconnect with me in the simplicity of smooth gravel under the soles, leaves rustling in the breeze, brilliant colors in the garden, migrations of butterflies, and the deep spirituality of silently tending a fire.
Eventually, the one who received the vision learned that the space of gathering is not only a space in her yard. She recognized that a welcoming space resides within her as well. She came to see that we share the same longings: A desire to extend the invitation to others to “go outside and play”, a desire to be a place of deep listening where all of creation has its say, a desire to be a peaceful place of gathering and belonging, a desire to be a safe, sacred, healing space for all who come. It was a revelation to her to find that she carries the place of gathering within her wherever she goes, and she ponders the truth that this same longing exists in all of humanity whether it is aware of it or not.
My invitation to you is to allow your life to grow so that you may reflect my longings:
To be open and welcoming
To be warm hearted
To gather around yourself those who seek warmth, belonging and acceptance
To listen deeply
To be a peaceful place of familiarity, healing and rest
And to always remember to feed, tend and guard your fire so it never goes out completely
Kathy Oehler’s ministry is to facilitate spiritual and emotional healing through listening, loving presence, prayer and writing in the form of letters from God and poetry. Her journey embraces the mystical path and the cultivation of joy as a spiritual practice. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking, motorcycling, reading and learning a second language. She is currently enrolled in Seminary of the Wild, a program focusing on creation spirituality. She is drawn to finding Christ in nature and looks forward to exploring this space and learning more about God, herself and the world around her.