Navigating the Wildfire Within

I know that recent events have left many of us shaken, whether directly or indirectly impacted by the wildfire. The devastation is enormous, and it’s impossible to ignore the gravity of what has happened. This situation is still fluid, and uncertainty abounds, making it even more challenging to find solid ground. I want to start by saying that this moment isn’t about cheerleading or minimizing the pain anyone is experiencing. Instead, this is about reflection, growth, and, ultimately, moving forward in a way that is both intentional and meaningful.

This wildfire situation has brought certain truths into sharp focus—truths that we often overlook in the busyness of daily life. It has amplified reality and brought it front and center. It’s uncomfortable, it’s raw, and it’s real. And from this reality, there are profound lessons we can take forward. Let’s explore them together.

✏️ Lesson 1: We Control Very Little: This wildfire reminds us of how much we don’t control. The wind, the fire, the destruction—these forces were far beyond anything any of us could influence. Life is like that. It’s full of elements we cannot change, no matter how hard we try. But what we can control is how we respond. Viktor Frankl once said, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

• Challenge: Ask yourself: Where am I fighting what is already true? How can I release resistance and focus on what I can control?
• Reflection: Write down one thing you’re holding onto that’s outside your control. Today, let it go.
  

✏️ Lesson 2: Change, Challenge, and Uncertainty Are Always Present: We tend to think of life as stable, with occasional disruptions. But the truth is, uncertainty and change are constants. This wildfire isn’t an exception to the rule—it’s the rule itself, magnified. The question isn’t whether challenges will come. They will. The question is: How do we prepare for them? How do we build lives that are resilient, adaptable, and grounded?

• Challenge: Reflect on this: What practices or habits help me stay grounded when the ground shifts beneath me?
• Teaching Point: This is where mindfulness, presence, and simplicity become essential. When we let go of unnecessary noise in our lives, we create space to focus on what truly matters.

✏️ Lesson 3: Crisis Reveals Character: In moments like these, the truth of who we are becomes clear. Crisis strips away pretenses and lays bare our values, instincts, and priorities. Some people chose to loot; others immediately reached out to help. Most of us saw the best of humanity in action—neighbors helping neighbors, strangers offering shelter, communities coming together. And then there are the firefighters and pilots who showed up and did everything in their power to minimize the damage and save lives. Their efforts were tireless, brave, and courageous. They risked their lives repeatedly, putting the well-being of others above their own safety. They worked long hours under extreme conditions, often with little rest or resources, driven by an unwavering sense of duty. Their actions are a testament to what it means to live with purpose and resilience, showing us the extraordinary heights of human character and capability when faced with adversity.

I experienced this firsthand. Starting Friday, the fire began creeping closer and closer to my home. Up until that point, we were able to monitor our home via our Ring cameras. Then suddenly, the cameras shut off as the power in the area was turned off. It was an eerie moment. It seemed like things might quickly spiral out of control.

I live in a canyon that is five miles in length, with one way in and one way out. Over 100 fire trucks rushed to my street. For 24 hours non-stop, fire trucks, helicopters, and planes were battling the fire. Helicopters and planes dropped water and fire retardant, flying in relentless cycles. Fortunately, a nearby reservoir enabled helicopters to reload water in just 10-minute intervals, repeating the effort again and again. It was so surreal to watch all of this unfold on live TV. One moment, there was great hope, and the next, a new fire would break out.

Mother Nature was determined to do its thing, but the firefighters were more determined. It was truly a battle playing out in real time. The fire kept getting closer and closer, looking increasingly violent as it spread. Smoke and flames were everywhere. By Saturday night, we went to bed simply hoping for the best. Talk about uncertainty.

The big wild card was the wind. As long as the wind didn’t pick up, there was a chance. If the wind strengthened, it would be game over. By some miracle, only one home on the street was lost. It appears all the other structures are intact. The street, houses, and cars are covered in fire retardant, a visual reminder of the battle fought there. We are still evacuated, and hopefully, everything will be okay. I know many people do not have this hope, which is the real tragedy of this fire.

• Challenge: Ask yourself: How can I bring that same courage, relentlessness, and selflessness into my own life? Where can I show up more fully, despite the challenges?
• Reflection: Who you are in a crisis is who you truly are. This is a moment to take inventory, to celebrate your strengths, and to commit to growing in areas where you fell short.

✏️ Lesson 4: The Strength of Community: In moments of devastation, we often see the best of what community can be. This wildfire reminded us of the power of coming together. But it also highlighted something else: contribution matters. Some people take, and others give. This divergence is stark during crises.

• Challenge: Ask yourself: How am I contributing to my community during challenges? How can I foster a culture of support, collaboration, and resilience?
• Teaching Point: Even small acts of kindness create ripples. When you contribute, you strengthen not only your community but also yourself.

✏️ Lesson 5: Everything is Temporary: This fire, as destructive as it was, will pass. The pain will fade. The scars will heal. And life, as it always does, will move forward. But this truth cuts both ways. Just as the devastation is temporary, so too are the good moments in life.

• Challenge: Ask yourself: How can I cultivate gratitude for what remains and resilience for what is gone?
• Reflection: Hold onto the truth of impermanence. Let it guide you to appreciate the present and to find peace even in the face of loss.

🌎 Deeper Truths to Consider

1. The Illusion of Control: The more we try to control, the more fragile we feel. Letting go is not giving up; it’s aligning with reality.

Exercise: Identify one thing you’re trying to control that you can’t. Consciously release it.

2. The Choice of Response: Response is where your power resides.

Reflection: What choice are you making in the space between what happened and what you do next?

3. The Meaning We Assign: The meaning you assign to an event shapes your experience.

Journal Prompt: What meaning am I assigning to this experience? How does that meaning shape my perspective and actions?

4. Transcendence Through Action: Healing comes not from dwelling on pain but from taking meaningful action.

Challenge: What is one small, meaningful action you can take today for yourself or someone else?

↗️ Rising from the Ashes

This wildfire is not just a tragedy. It is also a mirror, reflecting truths we might otherwise avoid. It shows us who we are, what we value, and where we need to grow. It strips away illusions and reveals what is real.

As we move forward, let’s not forget this moment. Let’s exploit it for all it can teach us. Let’s embrace the discomfort, lean into the lessons, and commit to rising stronger, together.

Remember: What is, is. Nothing is personal. Everything is temporary. The question isn’t whether we will face challenges. The question is: How will we respond?

Thank you.

Steve Shull