I live about 1 1/2 miles from the recent California wine country fires. That’s 1 1/2 miles as the crow flies, or in this case, maybe I should say as the wind blows!
We were never evacuated, but surrounding neighborhoods were. We were on advisory so we needed to be ready in case the winds and fire suddenly changed course.
In short, I felt much like a watchdog–on constant alert, ready for action should the fires come our way.
I want to thank my amygdala or “animal brain” for doing its job–keeping me alert and ready. My senses were heightened–I noticed the birds and the wind like never before; they were my early warning signals of possible danger.
This keen awareness is a gift when needed to protect us. It literally can save our lives.
So often this part of the brain gets overly triggered by everyday “stress” in our lives and can run havoc with our sense of well-being. However, I now have a newfound respect and gratitude for its rightful place in our collective biology. In times of need, it is there, ready to serve, and save us!
The Every Day Yogi 