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WHY did I do this to myself?
I attended the first of at least 5 Tony Robbins events in San Francisco that I have been to, totally intrigued as to how he would prepare 2000 people to fire walk. I knew it could be done because I had friends who had done it at another venue that had nothing to do with Tony. I soaked in all the detail and there was plenty to soak in. I noticed 2 guys during the preparation that evening, who were checking out the women in the crowd instead of focusing as Tony took us all through a several hour preparation. I also noticed after the fire walk was over, their feet appeared to be burned.
Flash forward some 5 years later; I was invited to be on staff for another event in Anaheim. I was not planning to walk the hot coals this time at all. I was instead concentrating on helping others, 2000 strong, have a breakthrough experience. It really does open your mind. Near the end, as the paid attendees all finished the fire walk, one of the main staffers really pushed me to do it again stating, “You can have new levels to your own breakthroughs. Don’t waste the opportunity.” I was not in “state” at all, as I had not anticipated participating. I unfortunately proceeded to burn the (insert explicative) out of my feet. I was in shock, massive pain and bewildered. BUT… having learned the value of Faith and Trust, combined with a high level of curiosity, I wondered what they would do next to treat me. After all, Tony had mentioned that he had years of experience taking people from 12 to 70 years old through it safely. There were probably 30 – 40 people in the first aid area seeking treatment. Not bad out of 2000+! A counselor stayed with me and asked me to be open to why it had happened, and then coached me on how to massage my pressure points (lymph nodes) behind the knees, telling me the pain would be gone in the morning. I remember thinking, “Yeah, right!”
It was already about 1 A.M.…I was so angry with myself, thinking how stupid could I be to voluntarily do something like this to myself? Perhaps you have felt this at times in your life. I could barely walk the pain was so intense. I got to my car, drove to my hotel and literally drug myself along the handrail in the hallway to my room. On my hands and knees by then, I managed to collapse into bed at about 2 A.M. thinking, “This is not good!”
Upon waking the next morning, to my amazement I witnessed one of the more profound experiences of my life! As I reluctantly arose and gingerly put my feet on the carpet, there was absolutely NO PAIN at all! I had some nasty blisters that took a few weeks to heal but never any more pain. To emphasize the point here, I had encouraged the Regional Operations Manager at my office to attend the 3 day event. She left a few hours before the fire walk on the first night, apologizing to me for not feeling like she could meet the challenge. I told her I understood and hugged her goodbye. I stopped by her office that next Monday, sat down and took my shoes and socks off…Her shock and dismay was palatable. I’m not sure which amazed her more… the sight of my blistered, red feet or my declaration I felt no pain!
I can tell you this; just like obstacles in LIFE, the fire walking experience was very real. I experienced it a total of 3 times over several years and had to wonder after NOT being burned the first 2 times, if there was some trick involved. It was real. I believe there are powerful dynamics which can be learned from the ancient cultures of the Native Americans here and those in many other parts of the world such as the Far East. They are disciplines which were discovered and honed by each in their own way, separate from one another, with striking similarities at their bases. They each had a deep understanding of the powerful connection between our minds and our bodies.
I have drawn on these breakthrough experiences many times in my life when the road seemed impossible to cross. Most of the time it has just been my limiting beliefs that were the obstacle. Perhaps you can relate. When I shifted my point of view, very often multiple paths would open up. Oh before I go, one more thing…just like the experience of doing a fire walk, as you stand there at the edge feeling the intense heat and the moment of decision is in front of you, it really is ONLY that first step that is the hardest obstacle. Once you’ve made the decision to move forward on the “hot coals” of LIFE and COMPETE AT YOUR HIGHEST LEVEL, I promise you steps 3,4 and 5 won’t even cross your mind ….
Are you current with everything in your life? Have you taken a real vacation this year? Have you spent the amount of time you want to with family, friends and loved ones? Have you spent the amount of time making the money you desire? Many of us struggle with the answers to these questions.
Everyone has the same amount of time. No matter who you are or where you live, there are 24 hours in every day. Instead of surviving each day by dodging and running through an endless series of unplanned events, you can live a purpose-driven, high-achieving life. Please click on the hyperlink to view the entire article. It’s Only a Matter Of Time…
