LA Fires
On Tuesday night I was awoken by dry hurricane force winds, what I’ve come to know as fire winds. These are the winds that spearheaded the Sonoma fires that burnt to the north, south and east of my home in 2017. I didn’t lose my home but easily could have. I know others who have lost homes, art, possessions and livelihoods. There are still remnants of these fires on the hills years later. This was a time that brought out mostly the best in the people of my community, sincere gratitude for the first responders, spontaneous urges to offer help and supplies to those in need. It woke us from our sleep walk and we came together as a community. I see the same thing happening in LA.
I am from LA. It formed me. It is a place with immense creativity, social connections, karisma, power and zest. The neighborhoods that burnt are filled with people who love their communities. We’re already seeing many acts of generosity and kindness. This doesn’t make the grief of losing one’s home and neighborhood any less, but it does elevate a certain sense of connectedness. I have great faith in the people of LA and their ability to not only rebuild from this challenge but rebuild even better and stronger in consciousness and awakening and come back to teach us about community.
When I was evacuated from my home I stayed with my daughter in Oakland. One of the first things I did was go to the art supply store and purchase water colors, brushes and paper. I needed to immerse myself in the element of fire in a safe space and this was my attempt to do that. I worked out my many and varied emotions on the page. I know that some of you are artists. I heartily recommend finding some paint and paper and turning towards the element of fire. It’s one of those counter intuitive things that calms the troubled waters.
My heart goes out to all of you dear friends in the midst of this shocking event. Having gone through this myself I see what it from a more distant vantage point, but that isn’t helpful to someone in the midst of this seismic change. Know that you are in my heart and thoughts. I believe in your ability to heal and come back even better.