I have yet to find a dance more beautiful than the one between the cauldron and the flame.
The cauldron provides shelter for the wildly burning flame from the strong winds that threaten its existence.
The flame provides the cauldron with warmth that it alone would not produce.
What can happen when the flame and the cauldron dance too closely for too long though?
The cauldron is capable of smothering the flame and putting it out by blocking the necessary oxygen the flame needs to survive.
The flame is capable of burning hot and melting the cauldron.
But what can happen when the flame and the cauldron learn how to dance together with grace and harmony?
By the flame dancing around its partner knowing just when to move close and when to step back the cauldron warms up and slowly the steel starts to temper preventing the cauldron from melting and allowing it to slowly learn the warmth of the flame.
By the cauldron dancing around its partner knowing just when to move close and when to step back the flame is sheltered from the harsh winds but is able to graciously accept the winds that blow with less intensity providing it the oxygen it needs for survival encouraging the flame to burn at a steady and consistent temperature.
Together the cauldron and the flame have the potential to provide the needs for one another and also the potential to destroy the unity between one another.
With mindfulness and the willingness to learn the dance the flame and the cauldron learn to dance with one another by knowing when to move forward and when to step back.
The result is the shared unity of warmth and shelter for both.
What a beautiful dance...
-Zachary Hill 2011 (C)
Written: San Juan Island, Washington 2011
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