We should let this change us

In the wake of the wildfires that are continuing to rage through Los Angeles, I keep hearing a voice in my head saying:

we only have each other

we only have each other

we only have each other

When it all goes to shit, when disaster strikes, when tragedy hits, we are nothing without the people around us.

I feel deeply grateful for the support I’ve seen given to others and personally experienced over the past few days. From my neighbor to friends and family across the country, there is an abundance of people who have called, checked in, provided comfort, offered solutions (like you can sleep on my couch or borrow my flashlight!), lent a hand, and shared resources.

What else do we have to offer each other in this lifetime but our love and care? What do we really have without connection?

I’ve seen countless videos of people climbing on rooftops to put out palm trees that are ablaze, neighbors who are rushing over to clean up debris, firefighters and first responders risking their lives to keep us safe, and businesses who are feeding our community members, offering mental health resources, and helping people get the support they need amidst this unimaginable moment in time.

The amount of mutual aid pouring out has been like medicine to our city. I can see that before the destruction is even close to being over we’ve already started to rebuild.

I’ve never seen generosity given so effortlessly, without second thought. It’s so clear that hesitancy evaporates when humanity is leading the charge.

The way people are showing up for one another in this moment is the mark of true selflessness at its core— an act of our true human essence: oneness.

I can’t help but wonder if humans are capable of change by desire rather than disaster.

Does it take the roof falling off for us to show up and support our neighbors? Does it take hazardous air quality for us to acknowledge the unhoused people who sleep on our sidewalks? Is the falling debris the only way we will remember to honor and care for this sacred and precious planet? Will we make eye contact with strangers and say hello to the people around us once things return to normal?

I have to say, I hope this changes us.

I hope it changes how we relate and think about each other—how we show up in the world and how we come to know and understand the people around us. Our country (and the world) can feel so divided. Rich vs poor. Men vs women. Democrat vs Republican. And suddenly, among the reality of our one precious life, we learn that we are much more alike than we are different.

But we’ve known that all along haven’t we?

So, how do you want to show up going forward? This experience shows us how much is outside of our control but life is about polarity. And with loss of control, there is a reflection to be made on the other side of the coin which is what we do have control over:

• How we show up in the world day-to-day.

• The mindfulness we practice for ourselves and those around us.

• The way we act, take care of and make decisions to support our planet and our future.

• How we show up for ourselves and the people around us.

• The way we relate to each other.

• The way to express and share what matters to us.

• The way we educate ourselves and share that wisdom with other

• And most importantly how we feel. Feeling good is not just about positive or negative emotions, it’s about the energy and the heart that you bring to every situation.

These wildfires are a devastating reminder of the many things in this life that are irreplaceable and special. You are one of those things. You are powerful beyond measure and how you show up in the world will forever create a ripple effect of positivity and growth. Don’t ever forget that.

Keeping your heart open during great destruction is a courageous and powerful choice. Keep showing up for yourselves and those around you, and stand in loving solidarity.