What to do when your world is burning

How to thrive in crisis and uncertainty

Memories of our previous fire/flood home evacuation rushed in with the news of the recent S. California wildfires, rainstorms and mudslides two hours south. Driving away from home with a change of clothes, important papers and some photos, not knowing if we are going to see most everything in our lives again. 23 people died in our little town of 10,000 in the disaster. Most everyone knew at least one of the victims.

The mudslide smashed through the doors and windows of many our neighbors’ homes, stripping out all the contents of their lives.

Neighbors rose up to help each other; guiding the flooded to higher ground, sharing dry clothing, food and shelter. Residents banded together to form what became now the voluntary Bucket Brigade, shoveling mud, rocks, trees and other debris away from clogged streets, homes and businesses. They, and more of us followed up since in various ways to support everyone to regain some balance and to be better prepared for future calamities.

Crisis arrive in many different guises. A sudden career shock, a financial hit, physical health issues, relationship difficulties, wildfires, and/or a spiritual quandary can upturn your life balance. How can you best prepare for an unexpected crisis?

Cultivating inner stability will strengthen you for the rude arrival of such unsought developments. You cannot fully anticipate what may befall you…