tools for staying steady during chaos
You could feel the energy abuzz at the Altadena Forever Run. It was neighbors showing up, stories shared along the route, and a community moving forward together. Every step honored lives lost, resilience gained, and the hope still growing in Altadena.
This week will be hard and that is okay. Trauma anniversaries can resurface grief and stress in powerful ways. Preserving your peace is not avoidance, but a necessary boundary. Limiting media and choosing small acts of self-care can help you get through.
Music can help calm or energize us when stress pushes us outside our Window of Tolerance. By listening intentionally, singing, moving, or creating simple rhythms, we can rebalance our nervous system and support healing after overwhelming events.
On October 26, Lotus Rising LA's Amanda Walgrove joined Councilmember Dorothy “Dot” Wong and the Altadena Cycling Club for Sun & Spokes, a 10-mile community bike ride supporting wildfire recovery. Riders explored Altadena’s landmarks, shared stories of resilience, and celebrated hope together.
Nine months after the Eaton Fire, recovery is still ongoing for many families. This blog highlights how community love through aid, concerts, wellness events, and even local businesses continues to bring hope, dignity, and connection.
The pandemic showed how disasters impact babies’ development. Now fire babies face similar risks, but unlike before, recovery does not mean isolation. With support from Mama2Mama, we can build villages of care that center mothers and babies for healthier futures.
Seven months ago, I had no idea how to start a nonprofit. I just saw families who needed help and people ready to give it. Since then, we’ve launched three programs, begun working with over 100 families, and have three events lined up this fall. We’re learning together as we go.
More than six months after the Eaton Fire, local recreation spaces are helping children heal. Unbound Dance Studio and Two Dragons Martial Arts quickly reopened to offer kids movement, structure, and community care essential tools for building resilience after trauma.
Summer used to mean joy, but for fire-impacted kids, even vacation can trigger trauma. Resilience is not automatic; it takes time, therapy, and support. Healing starts by making space for our children’s fear, not rushing joy.
