Navigating Global Grief: Coping with the California Wildfires
If you’re like me, your social media feeds are filled with images of the wildfires consuming California—entire forests turned to ash, families displaced, and wildlife struggling to survive. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s hard to shake the weight of it all. These emotions we feel—sadness, helplessness, anger—are part of a shared experience called global grief, a collective response to tragedies that affect humanity and the planet.
But amidst the destruction, there are stories of resilience, recovery, and even growth. These heavy stories remind us that while grief is a natural and normal response, it can also be a powerful catalyst for healing and change.
Understanding Global, Climate, and Collective Grief
Grieving what’s happening in California is a reflection of how deeply we care about people, nature, and the world we share. To understand the weight of these emotions, it helps to unpack their layers:
- Global Grief: This is the sorrow that stretches across borders, uniting us in mourning for tragedies that feel too big to bear. Even if we’re not directly impacted, the loss of life, nature, and stability resonates deeply.
- Climate Grief: This grief stems from witnessing the devastating effects of climate change—stronger hurricanes, rising seas, and, in this case, intensifying wildfires. It’s a recognition of the fragility of our planet and fear for its future. Seeking climate grief support can help address the overwhelming emotions tied to witnessing such devastation.
- Collective Grief: This grief is shared within communities or globally when we face a collective loss. In California, it’s the sorrow of displaced families, destroyed towns, and forests that will take decades to recover.
These feelings often overlap and can leave us feeling powerless, unsafe, and unsure of how to move forward.
The Weight of Global Grief: How It Shows Up
Global and climate grief don’t just sit in our minds—they impact our emotions, bodies, and relationships. These are some common ways grief can manifest:
- Overwhelming Emotions: Intense sadness, bursts of anger, or guilt for not being able to prevent what’s happening.
- Physical Symptoms: Tension in the body, fatigue, or a sense of physical heaviness.
- Fear and Anxiety: Feeling unsafe or worrying about future disasters.
- Helplessness: Struggling with the idea that the problem is too big to solve.
- Difficulty Sleeping: Restless nights due to intrusive thoughts or vivid images of the devastation.
- Social Withdrawal: Pulling back from others, especially if they don’t seem to understand the depth of your feelings.
Finding Hope Amid Loss: A Story of Resilience
Take, for example, the town of Paradise, California. In 2018, the Camp Fire devastated the area, destroying nearly 19,000 structures and displacing thousands of residents. For a time, it felt like the town would never recover. Families mourned not only the loss of their homes but also their community, their routines, and their sense of safety.
Yet, the people of Paradise chose to rebuild—not just their homes but also their connection to one another. Residents banded together to support each other, forming community groups to share resources, tell their stories, and collectively process their grief. Today, Paradise is slowly rising again, with new homes, schools, and businesses springing up. More importantly, the people of Paradise have found strength in their shared experience, fostering a deeper sense of community than ever before.
This is a profound example of resilience after natural disasters and post-traumatic growth—the idea that after experiencing hardship, people can emerge stronger, more connected, and more determined to create positive change.
What Is Post-Traumatic Growth?
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) refers to the personal transformation that can happen after someone faces adversity or trauma. It’s not about minimizing the pain or pretending it doesn’t exist; instead, it’s about finding meaning and strength in the aftermath of a difficult experience.
Common aspects of PTG include:
- A New Appreciation for Life: Heightened awareness of what truly matters, fostering gratitude for everyday moments.
- Strengthened Relationships: Shared challenges often bring people closer as they lean on one another for support.
- Renewed Purpose: Hardship inspires a desire to contribute to positive change, whether through advocacy, volunteering, or personal growth.
- Resilience and Strength: Overcoming adversity proves to people that they’re stronger than they believed.
How to Transform Grief Into Growth
While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by global and climate grief, these feelings can also be a springboard for positive change.
Focus on the Helpers
In every crisis, there are stories of people stepping up to make a difference. From firefighters risking their lives to neighbours opening their homes, these acts of kindness highlight humanity’s capacity for compassion and bravery.
Look for the Good
The wildfires have inspired communities to rethink urban planning, embrace sustainable practices, and prioritize forest management. These actions won’t erase the pain, but they can prevent future tragedies and protect the planet.
Get Involved
Join groups or initiatives working toward solutions, like reforestation projects or climate advocacy organizations. These efforts not only help the environment but also foster a sense of purpose and agency. While grief can feel paralyzing, taking even small steps—like planting a tree in honour of what’s been lost—can help channel emotions into meaningful action.
Practice Gratitude
Reflect on the things you appreciate—whether it’s a small act of kindness, a meaningful conversation, or the beauty of your local environment. Gratitude can help shift focus from despair to possibility.
Calming Your Nervous System in the Moment
Grief and anxiety can leave your nervous system feeling over activated, making it difficult to focus or feel grounded. When emotions are overwhelming, small, intentional actions can help bring your body and mind back to a state of calm. Here are simple techniques you can try:
- Hand on Your Chest: Place one hand on your chest and take slow, deep breaths. Feel the warmth of your hand and the rise and fall of your breath. This small act of self-compassion can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you feel safer and more grounded.
- Connect with Your Senses: Pause and engage each of your senses. Look around the room and notice five things you can see. Touch something with texture, like a soft blanket or a smooth surface. Close your eyes and listen for distant sounds, like birds chirping or the hum of a fan. This practice can pull you out of racing thoughts and into the present moment.
- Practice Grounding
- Sit or stand with your feet firmly on the ground and imagine roots anchoring you.
- Breathe with Intention
- Try box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4).
- Practice Self-Compassion
- Place a hand on your chest, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths.
- Repeat a comforting phrase, such as “It’s okay to feel this way” or “I am safe in this moment.”
- Create a Safe Space
- Hold a Comforting Object: A smooth stone, soft scarf, or stress ball can provide a soothing tactile anchor.
- Wrap in a Cozy Blanket: The warmth and gentle pressure can mimic a calming hug.
- Set a Calming Scene: Light a candle or play soft music to create a peaceful atmosphere.
- Connect with Nature
- Step outside and notice the natural world around you, even if it’s just the sky, a tree, or a patch of grass.
- If you can’t go outside, watch videos or look at photos of calming natural landscapes.
Building Long-Term Support for Grief
While calming your nervous system is essential in the moment, long-term strategies can help you process grief and rebuild a sense of resilience and hope.
- Find Community Support
- Join Support Groups: Seek out local or online groups where you can connect with others experiencing similar feelings. Sharing your emotions in a safe space can make grief feel less isolating.
- Lean on Loved Ones: Share your thoughts and feelings with trusted friends or family. Sometimes, just being heard can ease the emotional weight.
- Seek Professional Help
- At Inner Sojourn, I specialize in collective grief counselling and tools for managing climate anxiety, offering both individual and group counselling. For one client navigating eco-anxiety, we created a personalized plan that included mindfulness techniques, community action, and building a deeper connection to nature.
- Explore my grief counseling services or join our virtual group support options to find the support you need.
- Explore Creative Outlets
- Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings. This can help you release emotions and gain clarity.
- Art Therapy: Painting, drawing, or other creative practices can provide a nonverbal outlet for processing grief.
- Music or Movement: Playing an instrument, singing, dancing, or yoga can help release pent-up energy and emotions.
- Focus on Gratitude and Joy
- Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. This practice helps shift focus from despair to hope.
- Make time for activities that bring you joy, even if they’re small, like watching a favourite movie or cooking a comforting meal.
- Stay Physically Active
- Regular movement, like walking, stretching, or exercising, can help reduce stress hormones and improve your mood.
- Practice Mindfulness
- Mindfulness meditation can help you stay present and manage overwhelming thoughts. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through simple practices.
- Learn About the Issues and Take Action
- Research topics like climate change and community resilience to better understand what’s happening. Knowledge can reduce feelings of helplessness. Learn more about the issues by supporting organizations like The Climate Reality Project.
- Take Small Steps
- Participate in local environmental initiatives, like tree planting or clean-ups, to see the tangible impact of your efforts.
When to Seek Additional Support
If grief feels unbearable or begins interfering with daily life, reaching out for professional help is a sign of strength. Many therapists specialize in grief, eco-anxiety, or trauma. Look for resources in your area or consider telehealth options for accessibility.
Remember, grief is not a linear process, and there’s no “right” way to feel or heal. By combining calming techniques with community and professional support, you can navigate this challenging time with resilience and compassion for yourself.
At Inner Sojourn, we’re here to guide you through the complexities of grief and healing, one step at a time.
A Vision for the Future
The fires in California are a stark reminder of the challenges we face, but they’re also a call to action. As we rebuild, we have an opportunity to create something better—not just for ourselves but for future generations. This can mean advocating for climate policies, supporting sustainable development, or simply nurturing a deeper connection to the planet and one another.
By acknowledging our grief and leaning into resilience, we can transform loss into growth. The story of Paradise reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable destruction, hope endures, and healing is possible.
Let’s Share Hope Together
Have you experienced moments of growth or resilience after a challenging time? How do you find hope in the face of global or climate grief? Share your story in the comments or join the conversation on social media with #InnerSojourn and #GlobalGrief.
At Inner Sojourn, I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and resilience. Together, we can turn grief into strength, one step at a time.