My Experience in Los Angeles After the Fires: Compassion, Healing, and Community
Last week, I traveled to Los Angeles for a personal Reiki training immersion eager to deepen my practice and learn new techniques to help others. What I found was a city still reeling from the aftermath of devastating fires, but also one full of resilience, compassion, and a renewed focus on what truly matters.
A Journey Through the Aftermath
Landing at LAX, the first thing I noticed was the faint smell of smoke in the air. Even under blue skies in Beverly Hills, my throat burned just minutes into the taxi ride, a physical reminder of the fires’ reach. My hotel was housing evacuees from the Pacific Palisades and Altadena fire zones. The weight of their loss filled the air, but so did an incredible sense of kindness and solidarity. I met a fellow business traveler from Connecticut at the hotel who shared a sobering perspective. He had sold his home near Brentwood not long ago. His fire insurance had been $15,000, while the new owners’ insurance was a staggering $50,000—a sign of the escalating risks. His friend’s house in a neighboring canyon had survived, but the landscape was unrecognizable, and with the community dispersed, he and his family no longer felt drawn to return. Instead, he was staying at a friend’s guesthouse, and when asked if he were doing okay, he apparently smiled and said, “When I drive up to the guesthouse, I’m home because this is where my family is.” It was a recalibration, a testament to the fact that what matters most is not where we live but, who we live for.
Healing Through Reiki and Acts of Service
Images could not be captured at the West Los Angeles Animal Care Center due to shelter policies prohibiting photography. Many animals there need homes; please consider visiting to foster or adopt a pet in need.
During my trip, I found countless opportunities to contribute to healing and witness the incredible ways people in Los Angeles were stepping up to help one another. One particularly meaningful experience was visiting the West LA Animal Care Center to offer Reiki to dogs displaced by the fires. Many of them responded beautifully to the calming energy and seeing them relax gave me a sense of purpose amidst the chaos. It was a powerful reminder that healing energy transcends language or species—it’s a universal connection.
The experience was even more profound because of the number of people who came to foster or adopt the animals. Watching
them find new hope in caring for these pets was a beautiful example of how giving can be a form of healing. It was a reminder that in giving, we also receive.
As I reflected during a Reiki meditation, I was reminded that we can only offer service to others as much as we are personally able to. It’s vital to take time to center ourselves, replenish our energy, and maintain balance in our own lives before we can truly help others. Self-care is an essential part of healing and service.
On my way to the shelter, I had an unexpected opportunity to spread calm. I asked my Uber driver if he’d mind if I played a meditation on my phone during our short drive since I had left my earbuds at the hotel. To my surprise, he eagerly turned off his rap music to offer me a quiet space. By the time the meditation ended, he smiled and said, “That was really nice—I feel calmer now.” (Only in LA!) We both laughed as I jokingly reminded him not to get too relaxed while driving! It was a small but sweet encounter, and it made me realize how even tiny moments can plant seeds of peace and healing in others.
I also brought several bags of clothes to donate, but when I reached out to the nearby Westwood Recreation Center, I learned they already had more than enough clothing—a testament to the incredible generosity of the local community. Though I couldn’t leave them there, my hotel offered to distribute the items locally, ensuring they would still reach those in need. It felt good knowing that even small efforts could still make a difference.
Channeling Reiki energy with Sat Devbir: Meditating to heal and uplift Los Angeles after the fires.
Finally, my training time with Reiki Master Teacher, Sat Devbir, was deeply transformative. Together, we performed Earth Reiki for Los Angeles, focusing on healing not just the land, but also the people impacted by the fires. We worked with a list of individuals who needed energy support, and the experience was both humbling and inspiring. I am grateful we could contribute to the city’s recovery in this small but meaningful way. It reminded me of Reiki’s powerful ability to not only help us process pain, but to offer a path toward renewal and hope.
Reflections on Compassion and Resilience
One of the most moving things I witnessed was the sheer compassion of people coming together in the wake of loss.
At the hotel restaurant, waitstaff went out of their way to accommodate evacuees. Meals were served with a side of heartfelt concern and encouragement, and conversations between strangers blossomed into exchanges of shared stories, resources, and support. Even in the face of devastation, there was a profound sense of humanity.
While in Los Angeles, I avoided visiting fire-damaged areas, not wanting to be a disaster tourist. Places like Malibu and Santa Monica hold special memories for me from my 20 years of living in the City of Angels, but I chose instead to focus on what could be done to support the city’s healing process. I believe in LA’s resilience. The city will rise and heal. I have faith.
A Glimpse of Hope for the Future
The iconic Theme Building at LAX, freshly painted vibrant blue, stands as a symbol of renewal as Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympics.
As I left Los Angeles, I noticed the iconic Theme Building at LAX with its graceful, parabolic steel arches. The building was freshly painted a bright, cobalt blue. This landmark, built in the 1960s as a marvel of architectural innovation, stood as a symbol of hope and renewal. My taxi driver proudly mentioned that LA is preparing for the 2028 Olympics, and the fresh coat of paint seemed to reflect the city’s determination to move forward. He kindly slowed down so I could take photos of the surrounding area, a small but touching gesture that felt emblematic of the warmth I’d experienced throughout my trip.
Offering Reiki to Support Healing
Sat Devbir harmonizing energies: Preparing to infuse my Tibetan singing bowl with Reiki for deep healing resonance
This trip left me inspired to do more. For anyone impacted by the fires, I’m offering free virtual Reiki sessions to support emotional and energetic healing. Use the code LAFIRE at checkout on my website to receive your session at no cost while there is space available. Reiki is a gentle yet powerful practice that can help release trauma, restore balance, and invite peace during challenging times.
LA Rising: A Final Reflection
My time in Los Angeles was a profound reminder of the power of community and compassion. From evacuees finding solace in the kindness of strangers to displaced animals receiving care and attention, the city is rising, one act of love at a time. This experience deepened my understanding of the importance of healing, not just for individuals, but for entire communities. Los Angeles, you have my heart, and I look forward to continuing this journey of healing together.
