What to do when the world is on fire

Evidently, January 2025 wanted to come in like a wrecking ball. Many of us were (and remain) concerned about the incoming US administration and what might happen, but adding in the cataclysmic wildfires in the Los Angeles area and severe winter weather elsewhere, along with new social media rules that make hate speech okay and a law that looks like it will effectively shut TikTok down makes it clear that this month is not playing.

So what is a girl (or any person) to do when everything is shit?

First off, it’s good to recognize it, and to name—out loud—how you feel about things. For instance, “I am devastated for the people in LA who have lost everything in those fires” or “I am angry and resentful about the incoming administration and worried about what might happen to people I care about.” Let’s start by being honest with ourselves, at least. Also, naming a particular feeling or concern helps to give it some mental parameters, so it’s not a ginormous, amorphous cloud of worry or concern.

Second, please remember that you do not have to watch all—or any—of the footage of things that are upsetting to you. It’s fine to be informed about what’s going on here (or in Gaza or Ukraine or elsewhere), and not subject yourself to watching it or listening to it being discussed on the news, sometimes for hours on end.

Third, send loving kindness to people who are suffering. In metta meditation, you do it by saying “May you be free from suffering” or “may you be at peace”. It is impossible to help every one of the people who needs assistance (from housing to finding their pets to rebuilding or finding a new job—and that includes the folks in North Carolina and the Appalachian areas that were hit by the hurricane last fall, too). But sending lovingkindness to others certainly can’t hurt, and it will help you to feel a bit better.

Fourth, if you want to donate money, find reputable aid organizations that you can donate to. For me, I’ve sent money to World Central Kitchen, which is on the ground in many places, including the LA area. I also sent a donation to Pasadena Humane Society, which has taken in hundreds of animals (many separated from their humans by the fires). I also donated to a Go Fund Me for a friend’s cousin, who lost everything. I recommend donating only when you are positive the request is legit, since scammers have swooped in in some cases.

Finally, remember that doing something for one person is enough. In fact, saving one person is as good as saving the whole world. There’s a section in the Talmud (Jewish teachings) that says “Whoever saves a single life is considered by scripture to have saved the whole world.” (Sanhedrin 37a).

May you be loved.

May you be happy.

May you be strong.

May you use your gifts to make the world better.

May you be free from suffering.

Flower petals are held in the arms of a seated statue. Image by Chris Emsy at Unsplash