Hope Floats: How The Elemental Wisdom of Fire Guides Us Towards Transformation
In Chinese Medicine, the elemental wisdom of fire is about the strength that guides us to willingly move towards transformation and change. Change isn’t something that is comfortable or easy for most people. And still, through most of our lives, change is one of the only constants that we can count on.
A major foundation of the medicine I practice is the study of the Five Elements- wood, fire, earth, metal and water. As someone who has spent a lifetime studying the Five Elements, fire has been the element that I have had the most challenge with. In recent years, late summer seems to have become fire season. This summer, I have spent a lot of time in deep reflection pondering the fire element. I have come to realize that part of this is sitting with the discomfort I feel with the volatile nature of fire. Fire can destroy everything in its path, leaving in its wake a mass of destruction and death which can cause so much pain and grief. One of the questions I have been asking myself is how do I move to a place of acceptance with the lessons from fire when it can so mercilessly bring me to my knees?
Although I grew up here in the Pacific Northwest, the Hawaiian Islands are home to me. Even before I began formally studying Chinese Medicine and the Five Elements, nature was my muse. I majored in Environmental Studies for my undergraduate degree and proceeded to spend the first chapter of my professional career immersed in the natural world, sharing my knowledge and experience with others as a Naturalist. Ultimately, this led me to West Maui where I spent nearly a decade living and working. For those of you who have been to the Hawaiian Islands, you recognize how special they are. Even without knowing much about the people and the land, you can feel it just being there. Studying and teaching about Hawaii, I found myself immersed in the deepest cultural experience of my life. This is because the land is the heart of the Hawaiian people.
As a Naturalist, it became my mission to share Hawaiian culture and wisdom with the hope that if visitors developed a deep enough connection with the land, they would hopefully want to care and protect Hawaii and its people. I immersed myself in everything Hawaii and had the most amazing opportunities because of this. Every day was magical and enlightening. Some days were spent hiking deep in the rainforest with my kūpuna (Native Hawaiian elders/teachers) imparting on me the ancient wisdom of native Hawaiian plant medicine. Other days were spent in the ocean learning how important this particular ecosystem is to the heart of the Hawaiian people.
Nearly every day for a decade, I spent more time outside than inside. I got to have many unique experiences that ranged from gently walking the coastal lands in the middle of the night to tag the nocturnal ‘ua‘u kani (wedgetail shearwater), kayaking with the koholā (humpback whale) in the winter season, and swimming daily over coral reefs with the honu (green sea turtle). I lead countless beach clean ups, snorkels, rainforest and coastal hikes, star gazing excursions, whale watches and always infused Hawaiian culture and mo’olelo (Hawaiian history, legend and tradition) into every lesson.
I am not beyond knowing the blessing I have been gifted to have lived this chapter of my life and I feel deep gratitude to my many teachers and kūpuna. The truth is I would not be who I am without my connection to Hawaii. Being imparted with these gifts of experience and wisdom, it became my kuleana (A Hawaiian word that translates to mean with privilege comes responsibility) to be a voice and steward to the Island of Maui. Even though I am currently not living on the island, right now is no different. This fire season has brought destruction and death on an unprecedented level to Maui. Everyone I know on Maui has been impacted by these fires in some way. Many have lost their homes, their jobs, their pets and even members of their family. The whole town of Lahaina has practically been reduced to ash. In the midst of this grief, a common question is arising- what’s next?
Lahaina will not be rebuilt in a day. For a land that is already sacred and has experienced many eras of trauma, this most recent tragedy in modern times adds another layer of complexity. I recently saw a picture of Front Street where everything is black and burnt. However, there was one green patch of plants that stood out in the image- life amongst the destruction. I have seen images of people gathering around the banyan tree- the heart of downtown- aerating the soil to tend the roots and watering its branches. Countless images of people helping people, showing up for one another. Communities from all over the world are rising up to show up for Maui. Maui, which is known as the pī'-ko (belly button), center and heart of the Pacific Ocean. Here, on these sacred lands, hope rises from the ash.
Maybe this is the greatest lesson learned from the fire element, who’s corresponding organ in Chinese Medicine is the heart. Our hearts keep beating with hope even when faced with destruction. At the center, we are resilient and compassionate beings who are made to survive even the most trying of times. Hope floats.
Communities like ours here in the Pacific Northwest now have an opportunity to rise up and show what humanity is all about. To help in the ways we can. When I have asked my friends and ‘ohana on Maui how we can support them in their time of need, there are two things that are always requested. The first is prayers. Prayers for hope and healing. The second is financial support that goes directly to the people who need it most. It is because of these specific calls for aid, that I am holding a prayer meditation and donation-based fundraiser for Maui at the Heart of Anacortes on Saturday, September 23rd from 4:30-7pm. I would love to see you there.
More details available here: https://www.magicmoonmedicine.com/event-details/hearts-for-healing-maui-fires-fundraiser
I am so grateful to be a part of our Island community here in Anacortes. Our community is strong, loving, supportive and so beautiful in spirit- much like the community of Maui. Getting to walk a path towards hope and healing with my patients at Magic Moon Medicine is truly a gift. Thank you for trusting me with your health. And thank you for allowing me to share my life work and path with you in return.
Big love,
Dr. Jaclyn Schlindwein, DACM and LAc.
