A Phoenix Rises from the Flames in California - We all have a Phoenix inside

As I embarked on a journey through the hills of Ojai, CA in April of 2018, pieces of the landscape weighed heavy on me as I was reminded of the infamous Thomas Fire that devastated the region.

In December of 2017 a raging fire tore through the mountains of Ventura County then advanced quickly through Santa Barbara, California. This fire proceeded to destroy mountains and towns for weeks, well into the New Year until it was finally contained on January 12, 2018. At that time, it became known as the largest wildfire in California history, burning over 280,000 acres of land.

Meditation Mount, Ojai, CA

Less than 4 months after the devastation, nature swept in for damage control, bringing hope back to the region.

Evidence of the fire remains in the blackened trees, standing amidst the beautiful green grasses lining the hills, with wildflowers of every color poking through.

These trees are long standing reminders that life is unpredictable and sometimes cruel but just like nature; humans know exactly how to heal themselves. Our bodies and our minds can heal on their own. We are resilient and have the ability to rebound from trauma that often seems insurmountable. However unlike fire, sometimes we can’t see or smell the smoke and sense the obvious danger that is smoldering within us. There are warning signs that we need to pay attention to and understand—when they happen and what triggers them. From there we can make the proper changes in our lives or seek the appropriate care--to get through the smallest hiccups or most devastating wildfires—so we can come out an even stronger version of ourselves. Rise from the flames like the Phoenix.