Watch the fire

There’s something incredibly special about an open fire. It brings people together for its immense warmth, shared meals and hearty conversation. It needs to be constantly worked, to be cared for. On a cold night it breathes gratefulness from those who gather around it. Fittingly, flames are the timeless symbol of remembrance and gratitude. 

I think every house should have a flame at the front because it looks awesome

We no longer require the functional aspect of fire. Modern innovation can keep every room warm. We are able to regulate temperatures through gas heaters and custom climate control. We have removed our need to gather together in one place, and can happily disperse ourselves into whichever room we please. But what cost is this having on our social and spiritual selves? I wonder if families ever reflected on the cost of replacing their fireplace with a television screen. 

Why not have both?

Perhaps this is just the natural evolution of campfire activity. Will heat repeat the same patterns as other commodities? What was once a simple activity available to all underwent vast innovation that was only available to the rich. Then, as that technology became available to everyone, only the rich could afford the luxury of using older technologies. It seems hard to imagine but is very common throughout history.

Only rich people could afford to go on the Titanic

There’s something mesmerising in the chaos of fire. Something immensely spiritual. Fanciful and fleeting, fire is a solemn reminder that the brighter we burn, the quicker we fade. It’s the place we are instinctually drawn together. A tireless reminder of community. Remind yourself to bring your friends around the physical or metaphorical campfire more often.