Gathering Round The Fire
For eons, humankind has been gathering around the fire for warmth, safety, and community. We do this regularly at Phantom History House and each time, something very special happens. A group of strangers gather, and by the end of the evening each person has had the chance to be vulnerable and see the humanity in others. This is important.
Our format at Phantom History House is “Ghost Stories by the Fire,” where we share famous stories of hauntings and paranormal occurrences while gathering around a fire pit and enjoying s’mores and roasting marshmallows. Steve sets the tone by sharing some (often profound) tales of ghostly encounters, then shifting to share some of his own experiences. By being vulnerable and telling personal experiences, he gives others permission to do the same, and they always do.
We are very proud of these safe spaces that are created, and as those gathering around the fire realize that others are sharing personal stories, they always do the same. Quite often someone will say, “I’ve never told anyone this, but….” How freeing it is for someone to have this safe space to relate an important and personal occurrence from their past! At the end of the night, everyone walks away a different and stronger person.
There is something about the act of gathering around a fire that taps into a primal part of our soul. This is true around the fire pit, and it’s also true in our library next to the fireplace. Inside, the environment can be even more intimate, and it’s heartening to see a set of strangers band together and go deep into some very personal conversations.
It should be noted that these are people from all over the political and social spectrum. Those who gather are clearly from all sides of the political divide, of every race and lifestyle, from a wide range of social strata. It simply does not matter. The act of sitting together and being vulnerable brings people together. Our basic format of starting with ghost stories, with Steve setting the tone with his personal experiences, creates a safe space and people open up. This simple act of being together in safety and mutual respect always feels very profound.
In this day of manufactured outrage and distrust, perhaps gathering around a fire to share ghost stories is a way to start bridging those artificial gaps. Enjoying a delicious s’more and a glass of wine doesn’t hurt either! I hope you’ll find your own version of this gathering, of this safe space, and help start this process of bringing people back together. Each small gathering really does make a difference. I’ve seen this happen time and time again.
And there is power and joy in simply gathering with others and having a conversation. In this day of distractions and information overload, it is very powerful to stop and be quiet and just talk. No one grabs their phone. Your attention can really be focused on listening and sharing. This feels wonderful, peaceful, and profound. Create this space for yourself and those you care about. I promise you’ll be glad you took the time to create this safe space and just talk with someone.
Tim Hinton
February 18, 2024
