The beloved forest in the valley I live in is burning wildly right now. I’ve lived here for 29 years and this is a first to experience. In Ayurveda the world is constantly in dynamic movement with 5 elements : SPACE, AIR, FIRE, WATER & EARTH. The wild fires are a product of too much VATA (wind/air) and PITTA (fire). We balance with opposites which means KAPHA (water/earth). While it’s extremely frustrating that the fires were caused by individuals being careless at the shooting range and illegally firing tracer rounds which have a pyrotechnic charge, we cannot go back. If you are at a loss on how to help, here’s a practice for you. Focus on the element of water. Instead of lighting a candle to meditate, put a bowl full of water out instead and give it an offering of a flower or prayer. We can acknowledge our anger about the cause of the fires yet dwelling here won’t help. For your meditation practice with your water bowl offering, imagine rain pouring down on the burning flames and putting them out. Be sure to engage all of your senses as you do this. Hear the sound of rain putting out the fire as heavy wet raindrops shower abundantly, smell the wet charred remains of burned earth mixed with humid rain, feel the wet raindrops on your skin and the moistness in the air, taste the damp smokiness of the charred forest, see the flames put out and the wet black scorched earth saturated with water. Place your hand and attention on your heart with gratitude that the fires have been doused and people have returned to their homes. Imagine as if this is the actual experience. Share this meditation with others and have faith!