Ithaca Firewalks: More courage for life

08/13/2025

Folks- if you have experienced one of my firewalk workshops, -please- do me the service of recording and posting (and sharing?) a statement about your experience of it and the impact it had for you. I think honest reports of people’s experience is a good way to get new people to sign up. I want people to sign up because I believe it serves them deeply while also giving them a great time - does that match your experience? All the proceeds go to foundation of light.

03/19/2025

Hey Folks- I see much interest in the April 5 event, and there is still room in the workshop - for now. All proceeds go to Foundation of Light, the spiritual center that hosts the event, and there are substantial costs to offer it to you. If your consideration is money, please sign up and pay what you can... My primary concern is to serve you! If, after the workshop, you do not consider it a highpoint of your year, let me know and i will refund your contribution. This is the experience you never knew you needed.

01/18/2025

Joyful Healing and Growing!

[photo is from a previous event]

The January 11 firewalk workshop was amazing. 25 souls in attendance, all looking for grounding, healing, courage and growth… and, from the testimonials, they got it! They left the evening feeling empowered, courageous, joyful, and deeply supported by community. Here is how people described their experiences.

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I was searching for a way to mark my transition into a new life, a new state, a new community. I saw this class advertised in the Ithaca Times and it was more than I could have imagined.
We all came from tribal people and the need to be witnessed in our challenges and initiations in life may be part of some of our cultural mental health issues – take the class, mature, and remember your power.
Rebecca Cunningham, 61

This experience allowed me to find and feel my power. It honored my experience and manifested a safe space to feel. A collective of strangers’ hearts held my own as I set intentions, faced fears, and stepped into my power. Thank you. Truly.
Colleen Cole, 44

Tony did a great job of leading the class and making people feel very comfortable. After doing all the exercises, I left feeling empowered and like life is here for the living. Don’t let fear and self-doubt get in your way!!
Teresa Piper, 43

This was an awesome experience. Whether you complete each challenge or choose not to, it was an empowering and supportive environment. Everyone was celebrated in their journey.
Colleen F, 47

Everyone goes through trials & tribulations. One thing is a constant through all of it. Yourself. Anyone who is struggling, or just needs to center themselves, should absolutely do this. It is a life-changing experience, whether you are spiritual or not. I cannot be more thankful to Tony.
Catherine Pearson, 27

I came to the firewalk to get my power back after the pain of my divorce. I was able to break through my pain and see my own power as I broke a board with my bare hand, and an arrow with the most vulnerable part of my neck. I began to rebuild trust as I fell into the arms of strangers, and I conquered my fear by walking through fire.
René Micalizzi, 56

This was among the most unique experiences I’ve ever had. I can’t believe I found this scrolling events on Facebook. I’m proud of myself for having the courage to try something completely new. I had no idea what to expect. I will never forget this evening. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Amanda Zell, 43

It was a lot of fun. A way to connect with others and myself. Fear is something that can be controlled and used to further creativity. It just takes faith.
Shawn Testa, 36

Highly recommend! The experience was way beyond any expectations I came with. The camaraderie that developed among our group of 20+ strangers was amazing, as we cheered on one another throughout the evening. Insight gained on myself – indescribably valuable. Tony is terrific.
Bob Talkiewicz, 72

Courage and spirit is brought forward through collective experience! This workshop is an opportunity for anyone to dig into their sense of self, explore their own needs, validate their own strengths, and to expand through shared challenges – to step into trust and power.
Alice Smiley, 52

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NEXT WORKSHOP will be Saturday, April 5, 7pm, Foundation of Light in Ithaca NY. Please learn more & register here, as space is limited. http://ithacafirewalks.com

Life demands courage - Rediscover yours

01/18/2025

Joyful Firewalks!

[photo from a previous event]
Memorable healing. Cultivate courage. The January 11 firewalk workshop was amazing. 25 souls in attendance, all looking for grounding, healing, courage and growth… and, from the testimonials, they got it! They left the evening feeling empowered, courageous, joyful, and deeply supported by community. Here is how people described their experiences.
**********************************************

I was searching for a way to mark my transition into a new life, a new state, a new community. I saw this class advertised in the Ithaca Times and it was more than I could have imagined.
We all came from tribal people and the need to be witnessed in our challenges and initiations in life may be part of some of our cultural mental health issues – take the class, mature, and remember your power.
Rebecca Cunningham, 61

This experience allowed me to find and feel my power. It honored my experience and manifested a safe space to feel. A collective of strangers’ hearts held my own as I set intentions, faced fears, and stepped into my power. Thank you. Truly.
Colleen Cole, 44

Tony did a great job of leading the class and making people feel very comfortable. After doing all the exercises, I left feeling empowered and like life is here for the living. Don’t let fear and self-doubt get in your way!!
Teresa Piper, 43

This was an awesome experience. Whether you complete each challenge or choose not to, it was an empowering and supportive environment. Everyone was celebrated in their journey.
Colleen F, 47

Everyone goes through trials & tribulations. One thing is a constant through all of it. Yourself. Anyone who is struggling, or just needs to center themselves, should absolutely do this. It is a life-changing experience, whether you are spiritual or not. I cannot be more thankful to Tony.
Catherine Pearson, 27

I came to the firewalk to get my power back after the pain of my divorce. I was able to break through my pain and see my own power as I broke a board with my bare hand, and an arrow with the most vulnerable part of my neck. I began to rebuild trust as I fell into the arms of strangers, and I conquered my fear by walking through fire.
René Micalizzi, 56

This was among the most unique experiences I’ve ever had. I can’t believe I found this scrolling events on Facebook. I’m proud of myself for having the courage to try something completely new. I had no idea what to expect. I will never forget this evening. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Amanda Zell, 43

It was a lot of fun. A way to connect with others and myself. Fear is something that can be controlled and used to further creativity. It just takes faith.
Shawn Testa, 36

Highly recommend! The experience was way beyond any expectations I came with. The camaraderie that developed among our group of 20+ strangers was amazing, as we cheered on one another throughout the evening. Insight gained on myself – indescribably valuable. Tony is terrific.
Bob Talkiewicz, 72

Courage and spirit is brought forward through collective experience! This workshop is an opportunity for anyone to dig into their sense of self, explore their own needs, validate their own strengths, and to expand through shared challenges – to step into trust and power.
Alice Smiley, 52

***********************************************

NEXT WORKSHOP will be Saturday, April 5, 7pm, Foundation of Light. Please learn more & register here, as space is limited.

Gain insights that will guide you towards positive changes affecting all areas of your life. Have fun and leave feeling more courageous!

01/09/2025

Hey folks- one of my assistants for Saturday evening’s firewalk just came down with likely flu. Anyone interested in helping with fire tending? Ideally someone who has experienced the program??

10/30/2024

Gain insights that will guide you towards positive changes affecting all areas of your life. Have fun and leave feeling more courageous!

10/07/2024

The October 5 firewalk, with the theme, “the courage to be yourself,” was a wild success. 10 people came from all different walks of life with ages ranging from 23 to 69. Everyone had a wonderful time and I suspect from their comments that a few lives were changed for the better. Judge for yourself. Here is what each of them had to say about their experience. Knowing that my program has this kind of impact on people makes me incredibly happy, and reaffirms my sense that sharing this work may be the most meaningful thing I do with my life. I truly believe that just about anyone would be deeply served by attending one of these workshops -- we could all use a little more courage in this scary world.
Zahir (Tony) Simons, 64, professor & certified firewalk instructor
__________________________

“Tonight was a surreal experience. I came into it unsure of myself. I left with newfound confidence, and the start of knowing that it is okay to put trust into people. There is comfort in discomfort, and I am happy I stepped out of my comfort zone.
• Hannah W, 23, secretary

“Scary. But in a good way.
• Lawrence Clarkberg, 60, bicycle mechanic

“My friend has been sharing her experience for a few years, and I was always skeptical. I am so happy that I trusted her enough to come. It was an indescribable experience. I feel so empowered, and hope to share with others.
• Rebecca Lindsey, 45, clerk

“This experience was truly fantastic. Getting together with a group of strangers, very promptly getting quite vulnerable together, then going through a series of challenges as a group was incredibly empowering. Walking across hot coals with group encouragement and support was such a profound reminder that I am more powerful than I let myself think I am. Thank you!
• Seth Soulstein, 43, professor

"Life changing! So powerful to know the things you previously believed to be true have been limiting you. This helped me live “I CAN DO IT!” It was especially rewarding watching my coworkers walk, knowing how intimidated they had been by the idea!
• Tara Bailey, 52, DMV examiner

“Coming to this experience was a trigger for anxiety. I have never felt more calm and at peace [than I do] after completion of the workshop. I feel like there is nothing I cannot do! I look forward to continuing on my self-healing journey. I am unstoppable.
Lindsay B, 46, commissioner

“It was empowering. It tested my determination to push to overcome my insecurities. Eye-opening, a start to a new direction personally and spiritually.
• Peter W, 39, maintenance

"Expansive! Light! Empowered! I heard about firewalks so I searched online for one near me, and found this. I have been on a journey to find myself, to grow, to be authentically me. This was exactly what I needed at this point. Each part of the evening was overcoming a difficult obstacle. I feel alive for breaking a board, an arrow, for trusting others to catch me, and for firewalking! An amazing experience!
• Brenda Lenweaver, 53, teaching assistant

“Tony’s program of empowerment is a truly wonder gift. I started the evening expecting to enjoy it, but it became so much more. It tapped into some unexpected emotions that I was able to address. The people I met were all truly lovely human beings. Thank you Tony!!
• Troy M Walts, 50, craftsman/carpenter

“I feel pleasantly surprised, and my curiosity has been spiked. Everyone should take this seminar! I would like to take it again, actually, because I did not walk on the fire this time. But I am ready to.
• Meredith Jason, 69, retired

07/10/2024

Folks -- I would like to lead another workshop or two this summer. What dates might work for you? Suggest a date you and a few friends want to attend and i am likely to just schedule it if FOL is available.

Send a message to learn more

11/05/2022

This is a very brief (90-second) presentation of the firewalk workshop.

04/23/2017

"Let the beauty of love be what you do. There thousands ways we kneel and kiss the earth". -Rumi
Happy Earth Day

03/25/2017

07/06/2016

http://www.ithacafirewalks.com/event-registration/?ee=28
Register now for July 23 Firewalk at Foundation of Light in Ithaca.

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