Metaphysical Disaster Preparedness

By Cristina Smith

If you have fear of some pain or suffering, you should examine whether there is anything you can do about it. If you can, there is no need to worry about it; if you cannot do anything, then also there is no need to worry. ~His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama

Last week, I finally did it. I threw away the shoes I walked out of what became known as the Cedar Fire (Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster #1498) in 2003 when my physical world, along with a couple of thousand other people, incinerated in late October 2003.

I remember the next few seemingly eternal weeks, homeless, accepting assistance from the Red Cross, Salvation Army and countless other generous donors who sent food, clothing, tools and other goods to a fire relief center. I remember crying the first time I walked through the raining ashes and yellow air into a store to buy shampoo and toothpaste. Since then, it has been a journey through the ashes to emerge phoenix-like. Honoring the process and having the fortitude to go through it consciously has been a deeply intentional adventure. Fortunately, I have not had to do it alone.

In addition to living in an intentional community, the region-at-large of fire survivors became a community. In fact, this has been one of the best gifts that unfolded- the creation of community that transcends all of the usual societal barriers. We banded together for a number of years, sharing information and resources to help rebuild our lives.

I’m telling you this so you know that though disasters are truly horrifying to live through like the news says; they may also be approached like all of the other aspects of your life- metaphysically as an act of intention and consciousness.  It all starts with being open to life’s possibilities and eliminating as much fear and worry as you can through preparation.

Here’s a quick how-to guide for your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual worlds:

Physical World

• Have a plan- Know what you are going to do in an emergency situation. Have it written down, since if the time ever comes, it’s better to go down the list rather than trying to remember everything.
• Have a to-go kit
  • Know what you will take with you and have all items located in or near a bin you can quickly pack and grab. Know where animal leashes and carriers are. Have a car charger for your cell phone.
• Have back-ups
  • Keep a back-up of your computer information, and copies of personal information like credit cards, passports and licenses in a separate location
• Know where to go
  • Designate a local meeting place. Also have an out of state contact you can coordinate through. Local phone lines may be overloaded or down.
• Get training
  • I highly recommend CERT (Community Emergency Response Team http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/) training provided around the U.S. often by local fire departments. It was one of the best things I have done to feel more confident and prepared to help my family and community survive a disaster.

Emotional World