“Letting Go”
the flames
Ever since I was a little girl, I would ask myself, “What would I take if my house were burning down?” Three nights ago at 11pm, that reverie became a startling reality.
To be clear, my house wasn’t on fire, but two blocks away, an area was being evacuated in California, and the distant glow of flames flickered out my bedroom window. The choice was simple: stay in bed, phone on, or leave now, knowing that an early exit might offer an easier escape from an already apocalyptic scene.
As I stood there, surveying my home, I was struck by how little I felt compelled to take. It was far less than my childhood fantasies had once imagined.
I grabbed two photos, one book—and that was it. No letters, no albums, no mementos, no jewelry. In that moment, it became clear: if I were to take anything more, I might as well pack the car to the brim.
But I didn’t want to do that.
The true relief lay in the thought of shedding it all. Ninety percent of these things, I likely wouldn’t even remember owning.
I thought about the wonderful book Mutant Message Down Under, and how its message about the wisdom of indigenous people—how they live deeply connected to the Earth and to each other—reminds me that what truly matters is not the stuff we accumulate, but the love, the spirit, and the connections we nurture. The material world, after all, is fleeting.
I reflected on how everything—every last item—will eventually turn to dust.
With this in mind, I packed one bag of clothes, shoes, supplements, plus the very few sentimental things I mentioned, and that was it. It was fascinating to feel how my identity, safety, or faith are no longer so tied up in my belongings. To be fair, I did just move, so, as many of you know, I did the very real work of releasing attachment to my previous home. (Plus, I’ve also been calling this my “release and upgrade phase of life”… yikes, careful what you speak!)
Let me be clear: I share all of this from my personal experience, having spent over a decade practicing non-attachment. My perspective may not be everyone right now.
I honor all our journeys. For some, the devastating loss is gut-wrenching and not one to be taken lightly. At this point, many of us know someone who has lost everything they own and this can be one of the more intense experiences life offers.
Losses like this can be a necessary passage too, the weight of heartache leading toward something new. That pain, too, I know well, and it is sacred. I bow deeply to it, knowing it can eventually give birth to a greater sense of Self and transformation.
So, what now?
As many of you know, the fires are still raging, and my home is still standing in an evacuation zone. I am grateful for the shelter of a dear friend, with my beloved cat, Stella. Yet, no matter where you go in LA, the air quality remains dire, and I can already feel it settling in my lungs. Even miles away, the air is thick with ash.
If you haven’t already, please, please, please continue to say prayers for Southern California. I know that the prayers sent to Florida recently helped divert the hurricanes and lessen their intensity.
We, especially collectively, have so much manifesting power, and when we envision and feel the rain, and the peace that we know will come, we make it so.
It is done. It is done. It is done.
With my love,
Tahra
UPDATE: My home was spared, below is a list of people who lost their homes and need help.
PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP…
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-tawnya-recover
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/30IJB9G46LQCP?ref_=wl_share
https://gofund.me/4e26c85f (Altadena Farmers’ Market organizer)
https://www.gofundme.com/f/community-support-for-the-lund-family-after-fire-loss
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-shireen-rebuild-after-eaton-fire-loss
Brett: flint-knapping, animal trapper, gardener-herbalist who lost all of his belongings, clothes, tools, writing, artwork, along with his family home in the Palisades fire. https://venmo.com/u/Brett-Newton-4
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-isabella-rebuild-after-fire-loss
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-clark-and-julie-after-fire-loss
https://www.gofundme.com/f/lets-support-the-birkmyers
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-amber-tyler-and-anouk-after-the-palisades-fire
https://www.gofundme.com/f/lift-up-the-brook-family-as-they-recover-from-the-eaton-fire