Living in Santa Barbara, I am well-acquainted with Santa Ana winds, those forceful dry winds blowing from the east, that sometimes lead to fires. Just last week the Palisades and Eaton fires ripped through large parts of Los Angeles, upending the lives of tens of thousands of people. And yesterday the smoke made its way to Santa Barbara, followed by more Santa Ana winds last night.

I noticed myself becoming activated, and I felt I had to mobilize. I packed a bag just in case, and walked through the house to make sure all the windows were securely closed. I took photos of my possessions, and put the cat carrier by the front door. So many of us feel a similar sense of vigilance and even terror at these times. For good reason: by now most folks in California have lived through fires. For example, I currently live on my family’s property, in a house that was rebuilt after the 2008 Tea Fire obliterated the home I grew up in.
Being activated and mobilized during times of crisis is an absolutely healthy and appropriate response to immediate danger. From the perspective of the nervous system, this is what we are designed for. Like other animals, we need to be able to fight, flee, take cover, and protect our loved ones during times of acute danger. However, our nervous systems are not designed to be on high alert in an on-going and continuous way. This is what leads to symptoms of trauma including: stored physical tension, anxiety & depression, sleep challenges, emotional disregulation, feeling numb, and so much more.
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The following practice was developed by Somatic Experiencing Practitioners working in crisis areas to support first responders and individuals impacted by disaster. I recommend implementing this practice to counterbalance the physiological stress you might be experiencing in relation to crisis. In other words, yes- do pack your bags. Yes- do evacuate if necessary. Do whatever you need to do to find safety. But then when you are in a safe place, do this practice to give your nervous system a much-needed break. You may need to mobilize again, but when you do, you will have a clearer head and you'll be much less likely to panic or freeze. The following set of steps can also support you if you experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms (e.g. the threat has passed, but the trauma response remains).
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SCOPE - For Nervous System Stabilization and Safety
S- Slow down: take 10 steps slowly, noticing sensations on bottom of the feet. Pause and notice that you are ok in this moment.
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C- Connect to your body: cross arms & ankles, tuck hands under armpits, lower head & breathe. Connect to sensations in feet and hands.
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O- Orient: Slowly look around, noticing colors & shapes. Let your eyes land on something pleasant or comforting to look at, like taking a brief visual vacation. Also orient with the ears, tuning into sounds.
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P- Pendulate: Find a place of ease in the body, however small. Shift your attention back and forth slowly: ease- tension- ease.
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E- Engage: engage socially, even if in only a small way. Connect with someone who can support you.
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Here’s the link to SCOPE on the Somatic Experiencing International website, made freely available to the public: SCOPE
Wishing you and your loved ones safety and ease, wherever you are.
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