Reflecting on Resilience: Holistic Self-Care After the Palisades Fire and Beyond

 We are back home, and I am filled with deep gratitude that our sanctuary remains safe after the mandatory evacuation in Santa Monica. Just a few streets away from the inferno, we were surrounded by the overwhelming uncertainty and urgency of the moment. Getting our cats into their carriers was the most stressful experience—Mr. Charlie almost fled, and we feared leaving him behind. When we received the evacuation order, ten police officers were at our door, urgently imploring us to leave immediately. It was a surreal experience unlike anything I’ve ever encountered in my life.

My heArt goes out to everyone enduring the profound losses caused by the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire. The intensity of these times feels overwhelming, and it reminds me that after one crisis, recovery often brings another challenge—an ongoing journey of healing and rebuilding.

In these moments of uncertainty, I’ve turned inward, seeking ways to care for both myself and my community. Through deep reflection, I’ve explored holistic practices that support our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being during this challenging period. Together, we move forward—one breath, one moment at a time.
Below are self-care strategies that have guided me toward resilience and balance.

Protect Your Lungs and Purify Your Space

1. Stay Indoors: Keep windows closed and use a HEPA-certified air purifier to ensure clean air at home. Visualize your space as a protective sanctuary filled with purifying light.
2. Wear an N95 Mask: When stepping outside, affirm: “I am shielded and safe from all harm.”
3. Diffuse Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, lavender, and tea tree oil can clear the air and promote calm. Diffuse these oils while reciting: “I breathe in healing energy and exhale all that does not serve me.”
4. Clear Nasal Passages: Use a neti pot or saline spray to cleanse and detoxify. Imagine this practice washing away impurities and restoring clarity.
5. Relax in a Hot Bath: If water usage permits, soak with Epsom salts and a few drops of frankincense or lavender oil. Envision the water drawing out toxins and infusing your being with peace.

Hydrate, Rest, and Replenish

1. Warm Herbal Teas: Sip ginger, chamomile, or peppermint tea. Add honey and lemon for respiratory support while holding gratitude for nature’s healing gifts.
2. Soothe Eyes: Place cool, chamomile tea compresses over your eyes and invite stillness into your mind.
3. Shower Mindfully: After exposure to smoky air, rinse pollutants from your body and imagine them washing down the drain. Change into clean clothes to reset energetically.
4. Prioritize Rest: Create a bedtime ritual with calming music, meditation, or light yoga. Invoke dreams of renewal and healing.
5. Boost Immunity: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, citrus, and leafy greens. Supplement with vitamins C, D, and zinc. Bless your meals with an affirmation of nourishment and vitality.

Create a Sacred, Spa-Like Sanctuary

1. Air-Purifying Plants: Place Snake Plants, Peace Lilies, or Areca Palms in your home to cleanse the air and uplift your space energetically.
2. Essential Oil Rituals:
   • Diffuse lavender and bergamot for serenity or eucalyptus and peppermint for clarity.  I suggest to get the highest quality and I am an advocate for using Doterra. Click HERE to discover or you can directly buy the essential oils at this link HERE. 
   • Apply frankincense to pulse points during meditation for grounding and divine connection. As well as use Doterra's On Guard for natural cleaning. HERE is the link to acquire those two power houses.
3. Handpan Music for the Soul: Play calming tones like Valley of Gold (1111 Hz) to soothe your nervous system. Let the vibrations restore balance to your spirit. Click HERE to calm your being.

Holistic Nutrition and Hydration

1. Nutritious Foods: Focus on anti-inflammatory meals featuring garlic, ginger, turmeric, and leafy greens. Avoid mucus-forming dairy. Offer gratitude before each bite.
2. Hydrate: Drink fresh, filtered water. As you sip, visualize it purifying your body, mind, and soul.  In Santa Monica we have an amazing supermarket called Co-Opportunity there you can buy 3 gallon refilled water containers for $10.00 and fill them up and refill for $2.50.

Nourish Your Soul

1. Transformative Art: Channel your emotions through painting, journaling, or crafting. Allow creativity to ground and heal you. Express' your emotions through painting, journaling, or crafting. Let creativity serve as a grounding and healing experience. If you need support or guidance, feel free to email me at [email protected]. Additionally, I'm launching a volunteer campaign with my nonprofit, Art is Moving, to facilitate free art-making in shelters and areas of need for both children and adults. I’m seeking a community of artists to join this initiative. If you’re interested, please reach out at [email protected].
2. Crystal Energy and Affirmations:
   • Carry Amethyst for protection and emotional balance. Place it on your chest during breathwork.
   • Affirmation: “I am safe, grounded, and surrounded by divine healing energy. With every breath, I invite peace and resilience into my being.”
3. Energy Healing: Schedule a Reiki session or practice grounding exercises. Stand barefoot on the earth (if safe), visualizing roots anchoring you in stability.
4. Journaling for Resilience: Write about your fears, hopes, and gratitudes. Reflect on dualities—fire and water, destruction and renewal—and embrace transformation.
5. Move Freely: Dance intuitively to uplifting music, allowing movement to release stagnant energy and invite joy.
6. Meditate: I find Dr. Joe Dispenza's meditation extremely supportive. Click HERE to create your reality. 

Community and Compassion

1. Volunteer and Give Back: Helping others in times of crisis fosters a sense of connection and purpose. Volunteering is a way to cultivate resilience while supporting the collective.
2. Spiritual Connection: Light a candle and pray or meditate for the safety of all beings. Visualize rain gently extinguishing the fires and the earth regenerating.

Additional Tips for Resilience

• Herbs for Lung Health: Incorporate thyme, oregano, mullein, and peppermint into teas or steams.
• Protective Practices: While driving, set your car’s AC to recirculate mode to reduce exposure to outdoor pollutants.
• Smoke Inhalation Remedies: Cook with citrus, garlic, and turmeric to support respiratory health.

Final Thoughts
During wildfires and other climate catastrophes, lean into holistic self-care as a pathway to balance and resilience. By creating a sacred, art-infused space and nurturing your body, mind, and spirit, you can transform this challenge into an opportunity for growth and healing. Stay safe, and may your sanctuary be a beacon of calm amidst the storm. 💛
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