At Nightingale Hammerson, we are fortunate to be surrounded by many talented writers, each with their own stories to tell. This #NationalStorytellingWeek, we’re shining a spotlight on Jilliana, a Resident at Nightingale House, who shares her experiences through powerful short stories and poetry.
Her story, ‘The Fire Walk’, takes us on a journey of courage, determination and self-belief as she recalls an unforgettable experience with Tony Robbins’ ‘Yes’ group in the 1980s. From fear to triumph, Jilliana’s words remind us of the strength we all hold within.
The fire walk
In the 80’s I was a member of Tony Robbins’ ‘Yes’ group in London. I knew that the fire-walk was the main happening in the UPW event standing for ‘Unleash the Power within.’ I had always been afraid of the sound of the whoosh of the flames ever since an incident in Manchester.
The organisers in London were recruiting volunteers for UPW in Brussels in about a month’s time. I hadn’t done the expensive training but I spoke French. Bingo. I was accepted to meet and greet the enrolled participants. The venue was outside the capital at Heysel, the exhibition ground. I was on my way. I knew a couple of dealers in Brussels and got to the flea market too which paid for the trip when I got back to Portobello market.
My job was to register participants and welcome them speaking French, bien sur. I was surprised to observe three Belgian Hassidic Jews checking in especially on the eve of the Sabbath!
After the check in was completed all the volunteers had to go upstairs to receive a snack and instructions.
I was horrified when the fire supervisor announced that everyone had to walk on hot coals to get ‘in the mood!’ I was the only person who had not experienced UPW and frankly I was terrified.
One of the male volunteers came up and putting his arms around me to inspire me saying ‘You can do it’ then the magic word ‘Yes’. My legs were trembling but he insisted, repeatedly saying in a low hypnotic voice Yes, Yes, Yes.
Next we went outside. It was quite dark. The fire team had been busy building four paths for all the participants to walk and prove their strength.
Again my strength failed me and my colleague BIP noticed my legs were trembling. He came over and advised me to say ‘cool moss’ repeating the words until I was calm.
Suddenly I saw the three religious men rolling up their trousers and getting ready to walk. They had obviously got special permission to do the walk. ‘If they can do it, so can I’ I said to myself. A surge of energy came over me and without thinking further, I was experiencing the walk. It was over in a flash and I remember thinking ‘That’s it?’ Volunteers sprayed water on my feet to get rid of any particles of coal between my toes. Colleagues embraced me while I cried tears of relief.
My ordeal was over. I felt proud of myself and felt I could do anything and everything!
Written by Jilliana on Sunday, 8th of December 2024 at Nightingale House
