As an Angelena, the past two weeks have been profoundly distressing. I’ve watched the firestorms overtake our city – evacuation bags by the door – and heard several beloved friends share that their homes went up in flames.
It’s been heartbreaking, yet in this tragedy, I’ve witnessed the incredible depth of compassion and support from both our community and around the world. As the fires continue, so does the need for care, and there are precious opportunities to help relieve suffering. At the end of this email, you’ll find ways to help.
Practices to Self-Regulate
Whether the fires consumed your home, touched your heart through stories of devastation, or mirrored another painful challenge in your life, here are a few simple practices to help regulate your nervous system, and bring a sense of calm and equanimity:
– Shake it out: If there is pent up trauma, try shaking your body as wild animals do after escaping predators. Shaking is a natural system of self-regulation for many species, including ours.
– Ground yourself: Visit a park, beach, or natural space and walk barefoot on grass, sand, or water. Notice the sensations under your feet as you connect with the earth.
– Connect with beings: Notice if a rooted being calls to you (a plant or tree). If you sense a connection, ask permission to be with it and invite your heart to soften. If grief, anger, or sadness arises, share it with the being and with Mother Earth. Observe the reciprocity of care that might emerge.
– Embrace loving touch: Reach out to the loving beings in your life – human or pet – and offer or ask for a hug. Few things are more healing than a loving embrace or safe touch.
– Find community: Join a spiritual or heartful nature community for deep sharing / deep listening (see opportunities listed below).
The Lessons Of Fire
The fires of our lives – whether literal or symbolic – can be profound teachers. They remind us that everything in the physical realm arises and vanishes – homes, jobs, people, even civilizations.
While experiencing loss can be deeply painful, it also reveals the sacredness of this moment, this breath, this caring heartbeat, and opens the curtains to the mystery that holds all existence.
When we bring attention to the here and now, the movement of clouds and the last rays of sun warming our skin invite the body to sigh, the heart to soften, and the mind to trust that new beginnings arise from the ashes.
Opportunities to Heal and Empower
My beloved team and I have created opportunities for you to heal, resource, empower, and join loving community while anchoring ancient and sacred practices – backed by neuroscience. Full scholarships are available for fire survivors, BIPOC, and financial hardship folks.
I hope you’ll join us to bring intention, wisdom, ease, joy, and purpose into 2025 and beyond.
With love,
💕🙏🏼🦋
Sylvie Rokab
Nature-Mindfulness Mentor / Emmy-Nominated Filmmaker