Where does the fire come from?

MetaMoreFire - A film about the liberational power of fire dance

Where does the Fire come from?

For a long time, I struggled with a key question for my short film: Where does the fire come from? I always knew that fire would be the main force for the robot’s transformation into a human. But I wasn’t sure how to show its origin.

The Brainstorm

My brain went around different ideas. Maybe the fire could come from sparks in the machines in the factory, created by overwork. Or it could come from a box of something the robot is working with. But these ideas felt destructive, and I wanted the fire to symbolize positive change. I also considered adding a character, like a child or a fire dancer representing memory, to bring the fire. But I already had so many symbols in the film, and adding more characters would easily make it too crowded.

The Vision

Then, something unexpected happened. One day, a friend was tattooing an infinity symbol—a sideways figure eight—on my arm. And I had a vision.

The fire comes from within us. It is inside of us, waiting to be seen, longing to be cared for, and wanting to be shared. This realization felt deeply powerful and true. We are little stars!

Fire Reflection in the eye - a Still from the short movie MetaMoreFire

The Heart Space

Around that time, I was also doing a training called “Heart Walls” by Bahar Yilmaz. It’s a training to conquer your heart walls and help you to live authentically. During her meditations, I felt the amazing energy of the heart space radiating.

In Eastern philosophy, the “now moment” is not still. It is the source of creativity, growth, and authenticity—all things that help us break free from limitations. It is full of life. Slowing down to presence and feeling into my heart, this is exactly what I felt.

So I decided that the fire must be born from our heart. Or better said: discovered.

The heart space and timeless moment became the most important turning point of MetaMoreFire’s story.

“Only from the heart can you touch the sky.” ~ Rumi

Don't be scared

Many of us are disconnected  from this space or overwhelmed by it. And as a result, we don’t follow our passions. I want to remind you of the power that you hold inside. This inner fire can change our lives and help us live with more purpose and joy.

It might be scary, scattered, or dark. But it doesn’t want to harm you. It wants to help you grow and love the life you came here to have. So don’t hold yourself back from listening to your heart—you deserve to live your potential!

… But HOW does one show the heart space? Something so symbolic, almost impossible to capture on a movie screen. In our next article we will show you how we brought this vision alive. So stay tuned for more!

Christiane Meyer Fire Foam Hands Foto von Peter Schuster

How to stop time

Stopping time with MetaMoreFire - a short movie art collaboration

How to stop Time

Finding Peace in a World That Never Stops

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like time is slipping through our fingers. Maybe you can relate to endless to-do lists, constant notifications, and the pressure to always improve. This often leaves us stressed and overwhelmed.

Stress affects on our mental and physical health, can lead to burnout, anxiety, and illness.

Surely everyone has dreamed of stopping time every now and then…

But what if I tell you that we could? Not literally, but in a way that changes how we experience it—stretching moments to feel longer, savoring the present, and finding clarity in the chaos.

In our short film Metamorefire, time stopping serves as the initianor for transformation, the opportunity for growth.

Why “Stopping Time” Matters

Stress and rush compress our sense of time, making us feel trapped in an endless race. This leads to:

  • Increased cortisol levels, which can damage the body over time.
  • Reduced attention span and focus.
  • A sense of disconnection from ourselves and others.

On the other hand, learning to “stop time” can:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Improve mental clarity and focus.
  • Enhance feelings of joy and connection.
**Stress and Rush Lead to:** - High cortisol levels 🩺 - Reduced focus 🧠 - Disconnection from others 🌪️ **Stopping Time Can:** - Lower stress 💆‍♀️ - Boost clarity ✨ - Increase joy and connection ❤️

Science of Time Perception

Our experience of time is subjective, influenced by attention, emotions, and engagement.

See also the blog post: “Why we perceive time differently”

Research suggests:

  • Mindfulness Slows Time: A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that mindfulness meditation can alter time perception, making moments feel longer and more meaningful.
  • Flow States Expand Time: Activities that fully engage us, like creative work or sports, create a state of “flow” where hours can feel like minutes. This immersion is linked to increased dopamine release, which boosts mood and focus.
  • Chronostasis Phenomenon: When we focus intently on a new stimulus, our brain creates the illusion that time has paused briefly, highlighting how malleable our perception can be.

Practical Ways to Stop Time

  1. Meditate Daily
    Meditation is a proven way to slow down your perception of time. Even 10 minutes of focused breathing or mindfulness practice can:

    • Calm your nervous system.
    • Reduce stress hormones like cortisol.
    • Increase present-moment awareness.

Start by simply focusing on your breath. Where do you feel it in your body? Whats it’s length and rythm? Try to count to 10 breaths without loosing attention. Voila! That was a very simple meditation.


  1. Engage in Nature
    Spending time outdoors helps reconnect you to natural rhythms. Activities like walking in the forest or stargazing slow down your perception of time. Nature therapy has been shown to lower stress and improve overall well-being. After all, we ARE nature and our current stress is party caused by disconnection from our nature rythms, the indoor living and so on.

  1. Clear Your Space
    A clutter-free environment creates mental clarity. Spend a few minutes daily or one intense day a month for decluttering your workspace or home to reduce distractions and stress.

  1. Stretch and Move
    Physical tension can make you feel “tightened” in time. Gentle stretching or yoga helps release this tension and brings you into the moment. Here is a 30 minutes Yoga Class for all levels for you:
  1. Practice Gratitude
    Reflecting on what you’re grateful for shifts your focus to the present. Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you appreciate each day.

  1. Immerse Yourself in Creativity
    Activities like drawing, painting, or dancing immerse you in the present. This is where Metamorefire draws its power: the protagonist’s journey of transformation begins when time stops, allowing space for creative expression and self-discovery.



Start Small, Transform Big

You don’t need to change your life to “stop time.” Begin with one or two of these techniques:

  • Spend five minutes each morning meditating.
  • Go for a walk and leave your phone at home.
  • Take a deep breath before diving into your next task.

Over time, these small changes can profoundly impact how you experience life.

Stopping time isn’t about halting the clock—it’s about making every moment count.

Lessons from Metamorefire

In Metamorefire, time stopping is a turning point. Initially seen as catastrophic, it becomes the key to transformation.

The stillness allows the protagonist to step back, reflect, and reconnect with the inner wisdom. This mirrors what we can achieve when we pause in our own lives: finding clarity, rediscovering passion, embracing change.


MetaMoreFire - a short film about the power of presence and firedance.
 

How do you stop time in your own life? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!

Making of the robot costume

The Making of the Robot

PHASE 2 – Crafting a Mask

;

Mask: Christiane Meyer & her Grandpa

Camera: Steve Bache

Music: Marc Eyrich

Compositing: Maestrone Pivetta

 


Note: “Feuer. Metall. Rotation.” used to be the working title

 
 

This is the moment to honor my grandpa’s incredible engineering talents, curiosity, precision, and his well-equipped workshop. I often came to him with various crafting ideas, and he always approached them with enthusiasm. Over the years, he built toys for me and, later on, even fire props. Thankfully, he was excited about the robot project!

He became the first person to help me create a large and intricate robot piece: The Head.

1. Plaster Cast

To make the mask fit perfecrtly I started by making a plaster cast of half of my face. This was intentional for two reasons: first, so I could still see and breathe during the process, and second, to allow the cyborg design to slowly reveal itself later. To create a plaster cast, you use plaster sheets of Paris or a similar quick-setting material mixed with water, which are layered over the object or body part to capture. Some Vaseline helps to protect the facial hair.

However, the plaster cast turned out too soft and fragile for further work.

2. Create a negative

We used the plaster cast to create a negative mold, using silicone – used for its flexibility and fine detail capture. It was kind of weird to see a head growing around the mask again.

3. Build the actual mask

Once we had the silicone negative, we made another negative mold out of  fiberglass, to recreate the mask of my face. This process ensured durability while preserving the intricate details of the original cast.

Fiberglass is often used to build boats and model airplanes because it’s incredibly strong yet lightweight. The process involves layering fiberglass sheets one by one with a special two-component epoxy resin (“glue”) until the structure is solid enough. However, working with fiberglass is far from simple. It’s a toxic material—both the resin and the fiberglass itself can be harmful. You must wear proper protective gear to avoid contact with the skin or inhalation of fibers, as the chemicals are hazardous.

My partner works with these materials in the boat-building industry, and he has to take extreme precautions: separating work clothes, taking multiple showers before contact, and being very cautious. He once even had a bike accident caused by passing out after working with these chemicals.

! ! So please, do not mess around with fiberglass without proper protection and ventilation ! !

Thankfully, my grandpa, a lifelong engineer and the embodiment of precision, tidiness, and perfection, ensured that we followed safety protocols throughout the process. Once the fiberglass headpiece was completed, we left it to dry for two days before I could start decorating.

4. Decorating the Mask

The decorating phase was a creative adventure. I dismantled my old radio, scavenged scrap materials from second-hand shops, picked up discarded items from the streets (“Sperrmüll”), and bought paints and tiny cogwheels. Piece by piece, the head began to take shape, its style emerging with every addition.

5. Presentation

The first presentation of this headpiece was at the Filmakademie Ludwigsburg, where talented students helped me create a stop-motion animated clip. We set the head in various scenes and took thousands of pictures to bring it to life. While the result was undeniably cool, the painstaking work of stop-motion made me realize: this technique would not be part of my final movie. It’s an incredible art form but incredibly time-intensive.

Filmclip Credits:

Camera: Steve Bache

Music: Marc Eyrich

Compositing: Maestrone Pivetta

 

6. Its just the start!

The head wasn’t fully finished yet—the mask was just the beginning. I added much more such as a face shield (using car window sticker foil on plastic), a tube at the top, a mouth out of worblar and a fabric to cover the neck.

But the style was defined, and the foundation was laid. Slowly, I started to grasp the enormous amount of work it would take to complete an entire costume…

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Why we perceive time differently

Metamorefire - A robot stops time

Time is Subjective

How We Perceive Time Differently

Time can feel so unpredictable—some moments fly by, while others keep draggin on forever. Why does a fun evening seem to end too quickly, while a boring meeting feels endless?

In MetaMoreFire, we explore this idea of subjective time, showing how our emotions and focus shape how we experience it.

We aim to show you: You can learn to take control of how time feels, making it valuable and  meaningful.

How MetaMoreFire Captures Time

In our film metamorefire, we play with time’s subjectivity. The robot is working repetetive work and following uncreative instructions. He is getting stressed by the raising workload, unable to stay focused and present with his tasks.

The only way out of this misery is stopping time itself to reflect on the situation. The firedance, on the other side, is creating a deep transformation through its creative energy, its dynamics and its connection with the art and oneself.


Metamorefire - A robot stops time

How We Perceive Time: 5 Key Insights

1. Short Moments Leave a Big Impression

Brief, meaningful moments stay with us longer. The brain prioritizes emotionally charged or high-reward experiences, strengthening these memories while filtering out less significant ones. This is why a surprise or exciting event feels vivid and stretches time when we look back.

2. Focus Changes Time

When you’re deeply engaged in an activity, time seems to fly by. Hours feel like minutes because your brain stops actively tracking time. Conversely, boredom or low engagement stretches time, making every second feel longer.

3. Cultural Pressure to Stay Busy

In many cultures, busyness is seen as a mark of success. This often leads people to pack their schedules, creating stress and a sense of time scarcity. However, being “busy” doesn’t always mean being productive or fulfilled—it reflects societal values more than personal well-being.

4. No Time? It’s About Priorities

When we say we have “no time,” it often reflects our choices rather than an actual lack of time. Misplaced priorities, a lack of motivation, or pressure in the wrong areas can create this feeling. Learning to set clear goals and focus on what truly matters can change this perception.
Source

5. Motivation Makes Time Fly

When we’re motivated by clear goals or a passion for what we’re doing, we often enter a state of “flow.” In this state, we lose track of time because we’re completely absorbed in the activity. Research shows that this immersive experience distorts time perception, making it feel faster and more enjoyable.

Sources: Frontiers in Psychology Coursera Psychological Science

How Time Works in Our Minds

Time isn’t just on the clock—it’s shaped by how we think and feel.

  1. It’s All About Comparison: Time feels slower when we’re constantly checking the clock or comparing it to other moments. That’s why an hour in a dentist’s chair feels different from an hour laughing with friends.
  2. Time is Relative: Even science shows that time isn’t fixed. Einstein’s relativity theory proves that time can speed up or slow down based on how fast or far you’re moving. In life, our perception of time is just as flexible.
  3. No Absolute Time: There’s no universal way to experience time—it’s personal and changes depending on our focus, emotions, and perspective.
Metamrefire - a robot holds the secrets of time. copyright @miigaafiredance @metamorefire Photo by Zamal

Take Control of Your Time

Time might feel slippery, but you can shape how it feels by intentional action. Here’s how:

  1. Try Something New: Repetitive actions slows time down, so shake up your routine with something exciting or different.
  2. Stay Present: Mindfulness and focusing on the moment can help you savor time instead of rushing through it.
  3. Do What You Love: When you’re in your “flow,” time flies in a good way because you’re completely engaged and happy.
  4. Reflect Often: Take a moment to look back on your day and appreciate how you’ve spent your time—You could journal or count your blessings. It will help you to make your time feel richer.

Time is what we make of it!

It speeds up, slows down, or changes based on how we live and what we focus on.

How do you feel time moving in your life? Join us in exploring the wonders of time and gateways to transformation at MetaMoreFire.


Becoming a Cyborg​

Explore how Udo Schurr and Transformaker Shop helped create the cyborg costume for MetaMoreFire. Discover the process, challenges, and final result of this stunning visual transformation.

Becoming a Cyborg

How bodypaint & latex created the look

One exciting and challenging part of creating MetaMoreFire was the creation of the cyborg costume. The task? To show both the mechanical and human sides of the character while maintaining a fluid, artistic transition between the two.

Besides the red fire dress and some party from the full robot costume, we were also lucky to have the latex parts sponsored by Transformaker Shop, which played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life.

Becoming a Cyborg through bodypaint and latex parts. Picture by Heiko Herrmann

The Vision

The cyborg in MetaMoreFire symbolizes transformation between machine and human. This balance needed to be clearly reflected in the costume design, especially on the head, where robotic elements had to blend seamlessly with more human features.

To achieve the look, we invited Udo Schurr, a talented bodypaint artist from Baden Württemberg (Germany).

Robotic bodypaint by Udo Schurr

The Challenge

Blending Human and Robot:  The latex parts provided by Transformaker Shop were essential in combining metallic elements and the skin seamlessly.

Together with his assistant, Udo glued the parts onto the cleaned skin and cut the edges. He then used his body paint spray pistol to blend these parts together, painting over the parts and the transitions to the skin. He also helped to create transisitions with paint between the “real” robot parts and the visible human skin.

The look reminded us strongly of „the Borg“ alien group from Star Trek fiction…Was I really turning into a friendly character? … 😉

The Process:

Time and Weather were NOT our best friends.

Creating the cyborg costume wasn’t just a matter of artistic skill—it was a race against time. This process took several hours, with the crew anxiously waiting and trying to make the most of the time by shooting other scenes.We had Udo for only one day and had to complete all of the cyborg’s scenes that night. To make things more intense, it was a windy night, and we had to continuously adjust the fire decorations used in the scenes. The entire crew had to be flexible, recreating setups to deal with the elements. Despite the wind and the late hours, there was no turning back; we had to push forward and finish the cyborg fire scenes in one night.

Though the latex parts from Transformaker can be reused, the effort involved in assembling and painting them makes it too complicated for a simple performance. This costume was built for the shortfilm MetaMoreFire, and it really came alive for that moment.


Watch the process as video

Here is a little video about the process for you, captured by Eduardo Saraiva, cut by Christiane Meyer.

 
Massive thanks to the artists and team that made this project possible!
  • Enrico Lein for sponsoring the latex parts
  • Udo Schurr and his assistant for bringing our vision alive
  • Eduardo Saraiva for filming some behind the scenes- https://eduardosaraiva.com/
  • Michaela & Wolf Müglich for the fantastic catering
  • Diego for his allround presence
  • Eugeniusfilm & its crew for accepting long hours of filming the set

…and many more!

Transformaker

Enrico Lein, Latexteile

Udo Schurr

Bodypaint & Airbrush

Time is change

Discover how embracing time and change leads to personal growth. Learn practical tips for mindfulness and adaptability. Explore more at Metamorefire.

Time is Change

“Change is important, but if you can’t really change it, just keep calm, understand the situation and go through it with a good heart! Time will surely speak with time!”
Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
Ghanaian writer and a teacher

Time drives transformation, influencing our lives in profound ways. Understanding and embracing this change can lead to a more fulfilling existence.

The essence of “MetaMoreFire” resonates deeply to this, as transformation is central.

The Nature of Time

Aristotle defined time as “the number of change with respect to the before and after,” highlighting its link to change. We can only perceive time when we compare two moments: before and after an event.

For example, we notice time passing when we see a flower bud bloom into a flower.

Scientific Perspectives

The relationship between time and change is complex. Modern science offers several insights:

  1. Relativity Theory: Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity shows that time can stretch or contract depending on speed and gravity. For example, astronauts traveling fast in space experience time more slowly than people on Earth.

  2. Time as an Abstraction: Some scientists, like Ernst Mach, believe time is an abstract concept we use to describe changes. Time itself doesn’t exist independently but comes from observing changes, like day turning into night or aging.

  3. Quantum Mechanics: In quantum mechanics, time might not be linear. It can occur in steps or in a non-linear way, suggesting that at tiny scales, time and change don’t follow our usual understanding.

Personal Growth Through Time

Accepting that “time is change” can be a powerful perspective for personal growth. It means: acknowledging the life  lessons and experiences that shape us. No matter if we perceived them as positive of negative. Here are some practical steps to grow through time:

  1. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in meditation to stay present and aware. Notice and accept changes. Embracing change as natural helps us accept transitions, making us more open and less resistent for personal growth.
  2. Reflect on Experiences: Regularly journal or discuss past events to gain insights. Self-reflection promotes introspection and awareness, allowing us to see how we change over time.
  3. Set Flexible Goals: Create goals that can adapt to life’s changes. Continuous adaptation helps develop resilience, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges.
  4. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate minor achievements to stay motivated. Appreciating personal evolution boosts self-esteem and encourages further development.
  5. Seize Opportunities: Understanding that time brings change makes us more aware of fleeting opportunities. This awareness motivates us to take action and embrace new experiences.

The team of MetaMoreFire, wants to thank you for exploring these concepts with us. Our film is all about embracing change to witness the wonders of nature. We hope it can inspire you to find the changes that resonate with your heart and help create a world we all can  dream of. Let’s groove into transformation together and make a difference. Follow @MetaMoreFire for more

Discover how embracing time and change leads to personal growth. Learn practical tips for mindfulness and adaptability. Explore more at Metamorefire.

About MetaMoreFire”

Cyborg Christiane Meyer Foto: Heiko Herrmann

About "MetaMoreFire"

Introduction

“Metamorefire” is a short film that explores themes of time, presence, and transformation using the powerful art of dancing with fire. It invites viewers to embrace mindfulness, find personal flow, and live authentically.

What "Metamorefire" is About

“Metamorefire” follows the journey of a robot breaking free from its mechanical existence. The film explores the limitations of time and how to unwind from its struggles through meeting the hearts flame.

Inspiration Behind "Metamorefire"

The inspiration for “MetaMoreFire” came from the desire to be centered and free. Personal experience and philosophical insights have shaped the story around this goal.

Firedance has been experienced as the biggest source of healing for the producer Christiane Meyer and is therefore the elemental transformational power in this movie. The dance represents the burning away of old patterns and the emergence of a new, more authentic self.

(See blog article “How firedance has saved my life”)

We believe, that every human has the ability to find flow and can therefore gain control over their lives to heal, and grow. “MetaMoreFire” wants to encourage individuals to embrace their passions and stay present for a deeper sense of fulfillment.

The Role of Time in the Film​

In “MetaMoreFire,” time is portrayed not as a linear construct, but as a fluid experience that must be lived in the now.

Our modern society is putting big value on effectiveness, productivity and routine, which leads to stress, burnouts and depressen. We believe, that human beings also need to live spontaneity and mindfulness for a balanced life.

(See blog article “Kronos vs Chairos”)

By introducing the struggles of time and how to deal with them, “MetaMoreFire” emphasizes mindfulness and joy of living. By being fully present, the artists can engage more deeply with their work and express their genuine selves.

Conclusion

“Metamorefire” is a compelling exploration of time, presence, and the transformative power of art. It invites viewers to break free from the constraints of time, find their personal flow, and embrace the art of living in the now. 

To stay updated on the release of “MetaMoreFire” and dive deeper into its themes, subscribe to our newsletter:

 

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Books about time

Books about Time

Find a few of the books I read that inspired me to use the topic of time in the movie. You will get good insides into the mysteries of time by following our blog posts. For a deeper knowledge, I recommend the books on this site.

♡   Use our links   ♡

When you use one of our links to buy a book on Amazon, we will get a little percentage from Amazon. You won’t have any extra costs. This is a very easy way to directly support our project. Thank you so much for your consideration, and enjoy the limitless crafting possibilites!

Time: A User's Guide

By Stefan Klein

Why are there morning people and night people? How come time flies when you’re having fun and three minutes can sometimes seem an eternity? Would time exist if we didn’t measure it – and why is there never enough of it?

Our modern lives are ruled by minutes and hours. We race from one thing to the next, all of us believing on some level that a mysterious cosmic force called ‘time’ is ticking on. And it’s always in short supply.

But is the time we live really like that? Could there in fact be another, alternative version, entwined with the official one? Here Stefan Klein explores the hidden dimensions of time, looking at everything from when the present becomes the past to the tribe that see the future backwards, from when sex is best to why the years seem to speed by as we age. And he reveals how we can learn to live in harmony with the secret clock within us, altering our perceptions to transform our lives.

To be enjoyed in the morning or the evening (depending on your body clock), this book will make you think the next time you check your watch – and maybe even slow down a little.

Your Brain is a Time Machine

The Neuroscience and Physics of Time

By Buonomano

A leading neuroscientist embarks on a groundbreaking exploration of how time works inside the brain.

In Your Brain Is a Time Machine, brain researcher and best-selling author Dean Buonomano draws on evolutionary biology, physics, and philosophy to present his influential theory of how we tell and perceive time. 

Buonomano combines neuroscience expertise with a far-ranging, multidisciplinary approach. With engaging style, he illuminates such concepts as consciousness, spacetime, and relativity while addressing profound questions that have long occupied scientists and philosophers alike. What is time? Is our sense of time’s passage an illusion? Does free will exist, or is the future predetermined? In pursuing the answers, Buonomano reveals as much about the fascinating architecture of the human brain as he does about the intricacies of time itself. This virtuosic work of popular science leads to an astonishing realization: Your brain is, at its core, a time machine.

Books in German / Bücher auf Deutsch

Was ist Zeit? Wie erleben wir sie? Wie gehen wir mit ihr um? Einstein erkannte, dass Zeit relativ ist. Jetzt vollenden Hirnforscher seine Sie entdecken die innere Zeit. Das Zeitempfinden ist eine der erstaunlichsten Leistungen unseres Geistes. Fast alle Funktionen des Gehirns wirken dabei zusammen – Körpergefühl und Sinneswahrnehmung; Emotionen und Selbstbewusstsein; Erinnerung und die Gabe, Zukunftspläne zu schmieden. Auch die Kultur beeinflusst, wie wir das Verrinnen der Stunden und Minuten erleben. Stefan Klein zeigt, wie wir unsere Zeit aufmerksamer wahrnehmen und besser nutzen können. Denn äußere Umstände bestimmen unser Zeitempfinden längst nicht so sehr, wie wir glauben, und wir können den Zeitsinn leichter verändern als fast alle anderen Vorgänge im Gehirn.

Zeit: Was sie mit uns macht und was wir aus ihr machen (von Rüdiger Safranski)

Der Spiegel-Bestseller als Taschenbuch.

Rüdiger Safranski lässt uns in seinem Sachbuch ›Zeit: Was sie mit uns macht und was wir aus ihr machen‹ die Vielfalt der Zeiterfahrung neu entdecken. Denn mal vergeht sie wie im Flug, mal zieht sie sich zäh wie Honig, manche Tage scheinen unendlich, andere scheinen in fünf Minuten zu vergehen. Safranski beschreibt in einem Querschnitt durch verschiedene Epochen von Dichtern und Denkern das Spannungsfeld zwischen Vergehen und Beharren und ermuntert uns, in unserem schnelllebigen Alltag das wertvolle Gut Zeit zu schätzen und behutsam mit ihm umzugehen.

How fire dance has saved my life

MetaMoreFire Cyborg Christiane Meyer (Miigaa) Foto by Heiko Lofote

How Firedance has saved my Life

by Christiane Meyer

Trigger Warning

The following content contains a description of domestic violence, including physical and mental abuse. This text mentions harmful behaviors such as manipulation, control, threats, and emotional trauma. These topics can be distressing or triggering for individuals who have experienced or are currently experiencing abuse. Reader discretion is advised, and please take care of yourself while engaging with this content. If you are in immediate danger or need support, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a helpline for assistance.

In the beginning of my twenties, I discovered firedancing on a little island in Thailand.

The fascination has caught me immediately and it didn’t take long until I bought my first pair of practice poi. I took them traveling around the world with, and I was super happy to have found an alternative to the dance lessons from home. Whenever I saw someone playing with fire, I would literally run to that person watch them with wide open eyes and hope that I could also have a go.

Then I decided to go back to Thailand to live there for a while. Paradise islands and fire shows every night.

But things turned bad. Really bad.

Back then, on these islands, I was caught in a very toxic relationship. The abuse destroyed my body and my psyche. It took all my energy. Soon I suffered depression and anxiety. Had panic attacks. I felt isolated, paralysed and scared. My body was in constant fight or flight mode. Was constantly trying to recover from the latest wounds. My thoughts have been self-destructive and very confusing. There was so much darkness to stand with. So many secrets that I couldn’t speak out about.

I have always been a very self-confident person. Outgoing, social, free, content and creative. Back on the islands, I let myself become small. I believed the bullshit that was talked upon me. Some of it was the min play of a narcissist. Some other parts have been the many cultural differences.

I wanted to fit in. I believed that the abuse was my fault. Somehow wanted to prove that I am able to be „a good girl“.

I was told to not laugh with an open mouth. To not speak up for myself. To not be crazy (in a sense of being creative). To dress „proper“. To not speak with other man, even better if I don’t speak to other people at all. To not talk about science as it would make others feel down who can’t keep up. To not stretch in public. The list goes on. Finally, to not complain when I am being hit for doing any of these wrong. My rebellious and creative self kept fighting tough, and often enough I had to feel the consequences.

Domestic abuse on a paradise island

Times in prison

So I found myself in a prison. A prison of internal thoughts, doubts, emotions, secrets, shadows and external threats and dangers.

As a result, my body became numb.

MY SAFETY LINE WAS THE FIRE DANCE

 

Fire is the most passionate element of the 5. It stands for vitality, willpower, and passion. It is a source of rising energy. Often, the fire element is connected with the feeling of joy and seen as a symbol of wisdom.

At times, this was the only thing I could do.

I could not allow myself to feel, speak, or decide.

But I could take that flame and draw some circles. I could let myself be guided by it and gift my body that moment of freedom and creativity.

I was incapable of finding clear thoughts. They were stuck in my hope for a future and past traumas.

But the fire has brought me back into presence.

For that very moment, it was the anchor to let past and future be, and just be.

For that very moment, I could feel my spirit.

For that very moment, I was alive.

The firedance was my escape.

The firedance was my connection to god.

A timetravel back to the island, 2013.

A new beginning

Luckily, I came free from that relationship and left my life there behind.

The healing work that I loaded myself was a massive junk to work through. But I don’t regret anything. As a matter of fact, I am very grateful for my journey into the dark, just to be able to see the light more clearly.

Flowarts have guided me towards new communities, new ways of movement, new ways of thinking.

The most heard compliment that I get, when I dance (with or without fire) is, that one can see my great joy doing it. Every time that I do this art form, I get reminded of the blessing I have to be able to be alive. The blessing to be able to feel my body, to connect to my spirit, to be safe.

Yes I might get burned. Yes I might do mistakes.

…But I can heal. I can learn. I can dance my pain away.

As a matter of fact, I am not alone with this experience. Quite a few people pick up Flowtoys as a safety pole. The movement with objects can help to untangle thoughts. Can help to feel safe in a crowded place (just hold onto your toy, and you’ll be happily busy with yourself). Can help to soften the body and liberate emotions.

And this is the story of MetaMoreFire.

A fire, however it may look for you, can be found in silence.

Use that fire to find your flow. This flow will help you to set free from your limiting thoughts, emotions, and patterns. Use that fire to find your presence, find your true being, and to come back to happily celebrate your life. As you are supposed to do.

I invite you to follow the social media of this film to get updates about its release and help with its visibility. Thank you

Christiane Meyer Fire Foam Hands Foto von Peter Schuster

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, please read this:

You are not alone. It is not your fault. It is not your responsibility to heal someone else. You don’t deserve to be treated like this. It is okay to fail. It is necessary to step away and allow yourself to heal. If you stand up for yourself, it is a sign of bravery, not weakness. We need people in this world to care for themselves before caring for others. You can do this.

Please know that there are places you can turn to for help and support:

  1. Domestic Violence Hotlines: You can call a domestic violence hotline for immediate support, guidance, and resources. Trained professionals are available to assist you and provide information on your options.

  2. Shelters and Safe Houses: There are shelters and safe houses where you can find refuge from the abuse. These places offer a safe environment and provide resources such as counseling, legal assistance, and practical support.

  3. Local Law Enforcement: If you’re in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to call the police. They can intervene to ensure your safety, file reports, and guide you through legal options.

  4. Counseling and Support Groups: Seek out counseling services and support groups in your community. They can offer emotional support, coping strategies, and help you rebuild your life after leaving an abusive situation.

  5. Legal Aid Services: You have legal rights, and legal aid services can help you understand and exercise them. They can assist you in obtaining restraining orders or protective orders against your abuser.

  6. Healthcare Professionals: Don’t hesitate to reach out to healthcare providers if you need medical assistance for injuries or emotional support. They can also refer you to support services and counseling.

  7. Religious or Community Organizations: Religious institutions and community organizations may offer support and assistance to survivors of domestic abuse, including shelter, counseling, and advocacy services.

You’re not alone, and there are people and organizations ready to help you find safety and healing. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Meet the Robot

Steampunk inspired Robot by Christiane Meyer

Meet the Robot

The Movie Star as an interactive Walking Act

When we took out the robot to meet humans the first time, we had lots of entertaining encounters. The visitors of the fair were imitating the robot movements, while the robot was following the rythm of their music. The interaction through dance was very beautiful and happens to play a very central role in our short film „MetaMoreFire“.

Video recorded by DiMorenoEvents at the Conference of the Experimenta in Heilbronn.

You Can See the Robot live

Contact us to book the robot as a Walking Act for your program, or subscribe to our newsletter to get notice about future events.

The Robot Dance

Through the haze of brass, a figure came alive,
A steampunk creation, with a fantasy thrive.

Cogs and levers, built of scrap and grace,
A sentient clockwork with a curious face.

 

Gentle clinks composed his speech,
A language of mechanics, secrets to teach.

In every joint, in every bolt,
rumbles cascade to a rhythmic jolt.
In every clink, in every whirr

With every clonk and every zirrr

the robot finally found his rhyme,
Yes, let me tell you about a dance through time:

 

With gears as words, and steam as song,
We met where scientists and robots belong.

 

In this world where the robot finds the human heart,
happens a surreal fusion with need to impart.

His metal frame echoed a rhythmic trance,
A desire to learn the human dance!

But the humans moved with clockwork precision,
Emulating the robot with rhythmic decision.
They moved like some clockwork clones,
Following the robots mechanical tones.

Embraced the mechanical sway,
As the robot yearned to dance ballet.

 

In the midst of cogs with his curious mind,
The steampunk robot his gears entwined.
Met some musicians who where drumming the beat,
and learned to finally waltz his metallic feet.
With each hiss of steam, a twirl refined,
The steampunk robot, a dance designed.

 

Together they created a mechanical waltz,
Humans and machine, an unlikely pulse.
In the union of gears and human desire,
They are moving together, they are feeling the fire.

 

Written by Christiane Meyer

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