The firewalk has been part of Unleash the Power Within for over 10 years. Anand first learned to firewalk in 2013 and soon incorporated the firewalk into his seminars as a “powerful expression of moving beyond one’s fears.”

Firewalking isn’t just a mind-over-matter exercise. Walking over hot coals is a symbolic experience that gives people the courage to take on any challenge. After all, if they can make it through the fire, they can make it through anything.

Firewalking has been practiced by people from different cultures for thousands of years. The earliest known firewalk happened in present-day India in 1200 B.C.

Attendees are not required to do the firewalk; participation is 100% voluntary. If an attendee chooses not to do the firewalk, they are welcome to stay at the venue and participate by encouraging others as they do so.

There are inherent risks to firewalking, which are detailed for all seminar attendees. Failure to adhere to the rules of the event, including standing in one spot too long or attempting to run across the coals, can increase the odds of blisters and burning.

Participants are extensively prepped during the seminar. You can ask any questions during this time and ensure that you have all the information you need to successfully get through the firewalk.

The most common side effect of the firewalk is hot spots on the soles of the feet, similar to a sunburn, which can be treated with aloe vera. Fewer than 1% of participants experience hot spots or blisters as part of the firewalk and their symptoms are typically resolved in one or two days.

The energetic and supportive group environment is critical to helping participants get and stay in their peak “state” to complete the firewalk. Vocalizing their support through chants and yells helps carry participants through the exercise. One of the benefits of going through the firewalk is building strong connections with those who do the activity with you. When you support each other verbally and emotionally, you can increase the value of the shared experience and create bonds that will never be broken.

After doing the firewalk, attendees will have their feet hosed down to ensure that hot coals haven’t stuck to their toes, as those can cause hot spots or blisters. If participants do experience the hot spots or blisters, there is a trained team on site to evaluate and treat.

The firewalk has remained largely unchanged since it was first introduced at Unleash the Power Within, though we have had to expand the venue to accommodate growing crowds at the seminar. We now also explicitly instruct attendees to put away their mobile devices, including taking photos or videos, until after their firewalk is complete.