The day after the election, half of America was in shock, the other half was in glory. In work environments, we’ve been encouraged to not discuss hot topics: politics, religion, and salaries. Therefore, this was minimized, but what did take our attention was the strong Santa Ana winds that prevailed, and the smell of smoke in the air. In and out of sessions with clients, I would hear chatter that the smoke was from fires happening in the outskirts of the nearby Camarillo area. 500 acres were on fire, which quickly jumped to 1000 within the hour. Individuals who lived close to the areas affected were being told to go home and get their valuables and evacuate. Someone said aloud “oh no, my fish.” My work cellphone offered a loud warning to evacuate.
We were encouraged to download an app to get updates of the fire, and see if you were located in the next evacuation target area. I looked at the app, it looked like fires were nearing the local animal shelters, and I worried what would be their fate. It was noted that the animals were brought to a temporary place for safety. My first thoughts were my dog Bella, she was my most valuable thing I owned at the moment. I wrote down on my hand the other necessity items I would need if I had to evacuate quickly: passport, computer, ipads. But that is it. I didn’t pack a getwaway bag, but it passed through my head. My colleagues reminded me I should be okay because I live two miles from the beach, but is anyone ever fully safe?
I thought of all the people who had to evacuate, including my brother’s future mother-in-law and her husband. They recently purchased a home with acres in this targeted area. How were they doing? I observed pictures online of people watching their homes go up in flames. Throughout the day the fire grew to 10,000 acres, not contained. Eventually most of the departments at my job site were to work the remainder of the day from home to be ready for any preparations that may have needed to be made. My 15 year old dog Bella was excited to see me at the house early, and I had to calm her down as I had a therapy session to conduct for the remaining hour. Colleagues sent multiple status updates of their safety.
All the while I thought, “How do we go about our day in a normal manner?” Kids were sent home from school and school was already cancelled for the following day. Cars line the streets, everyone is home waiting for further news. It was eerie walking outside. Bella and I went to grab a coffee, she was itching for a walk along a nearby harbor. A place that was generally full of people of all ages in pairs, getting their steps in with friends or their pets. It was empty, the only other dog walker came out of his home on a boat.
The sky had pastel colors as the orange sun shone through, and I was reminded a friend once told me when the sun looks as beautiful as this the air quality is bad. She was right. The hues were pink and purple, and although one couldn’t tell by the picturesque view, the fire continued to expand.
The morning after when I awoke, it was then 14,000 acres and counting later reaching 20,000 and eventually to a 7% containment. The air now appears clear but smells of an all night bonfire. All we can do now, is send loving kindness to those impacted and the firemen and women helping those in this emergent situation.
I listened to a Metta/Loving Kindness Meditation that morning.
May we be free from suffering
May we be free from internal and external enemies
May we be happy
May we live this life with healthy bodies and happy minds
It Only Takes A Smile 