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Hey there, it’s Dennis.
In today’s issue:
A fire walk that became more than just a test of courage
How the Tiger tried to hold me back, and what happened when I stepped forward anyway
What the Phoenix symbolizes in our personal transformation
A reflection on how you can rise from your own ashes
And a preview of next week’s theme: Meet Your Tiger: Spotting the Roar
The Phoenix Trial
The orange and red color danced brightly against the black of the coals, the deep soil of the earth while framed by the green grass around it. I felt the heat from several feet away as I tended the coals, sifting them and shaping the coal bed.
The evening air was cool and the darkening night was only illuminated by the 18-inch deep bed of fiery cedar coals and the moon. It was silent and yet all that I could see in front of me was a ferocious tiger with a gaping maw as its roar reverberated in my head.
Self-doubt, pain, failure and unworthiness—the Tiger sang, reminding me of all the different ways in which I was sure to fail that night. Of course, my Tiger also had a solution; reminding me that the choice to walk was mine to make, and I could walk away, stay as I was, and everything would continue as it had before the deep coal bed.
In that moment, a quote by Charles Du Bos echoed in my mind:
“The important thing is this: to be ready at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.”
As the final words played out, a Phoenix appeared and suddenly burst into flame, then rose from the very ashes it had become. I saw that majestic, mythical bird, born again, rise on fiery wings and take flight—soaring into the future that it chose.
Kevin stepped up next to me and said, “I assume that you want me to walk first?”
I turned toward my Tiger and replied, “You have assumed wrong.”
With a primal yell that summoned energy from everywhere, I stepped forward, forcing my Tiger to step aside, and took my first step onto the deep coalbed. My feet sank as I moved forward, coals washing over them. I crossed with confidence and pride.
In mere moments, that seemed to last much longer, I strode across the coal bed and emerged on the other end. I felt alive. I felt powerful. I felt unstoppable. The air tasted sweeter. The moonlight shone like a spotlight where I stood.
I saw my path before me, and although I do not know the destination, I know it is the path I’ve been called to walk.
Clarity. Courage. Confidence. Commitment.
The Tiger Tamer pathway is open to each of us who choose more, who choose to embrace challenge and hone our future on the crucible of life.
Firewalking and other fire-related activities have been practiced for over 4,000 years around the world, often as symbols of transformation and celebration. Fire is the release of energy accumulated over a tree’s lifetime. To receive that energy without being burned, our energy must match or exceed the fire’s intensity.
The fire is the teacher. It offers us growth and transformation; if we are brave enough to walk across it. There is no magic trick.
Only focus, sincerity, belief, and grounding.
Those same skills will serve you through every challenge you face. Have no doubt that your Tiger will roar when you depart from the normal script. Have no doubt, too, in your ability to come through stronger and transformed.
Reflection Prompts:
What ordeals have you faced?
What ordeals have you turned away from?
Next week, we’ll take the first step into Meet Your Tiger: Spotting the Roar. The start of a new three-part series on fear, awareness, and courage.
Quote of The Week:
“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
— T.S. Eliot
Have you ever noticed that voice that reverberates in your head the minute you consider a new experience or an action to make your dreams a reality? The one that seems to whisper “You’re not ready” or shouts “What if you fail?”
That is the Tiger that I refer to and the idea of creating the metaphor for the Tiger came from Jim Lawless in his book, Taming Tigers.
It’s fear and self-doubt dressed up as protection, convincing us to stay safe instead of stepping forward and growing. The Tiger is loud, convincing and relentless, but here’s the truth: it only has the power we give it.
Every time you step forward in spite of that roar, you weaken its grip and strengthen your own. That is what Tiger Letters are all about, sharing knowledge, experience, fears and inner strength to make your dreams a reality.
So, the next time your Tiger ROARS, smile at it, step forward reclaiming your power and break through the fear barrier into your growth zone.
Before you go, here is ONE way you can work with me.
Book your FREE Kickstart Call with me - 1:1 performance coaching to help you break through fear, self-doubt, and procrastination—so you can finally move forward with clarity, confidence, and courage.
Until next time!
The Tiger Is Inside You.