Remember The Fire?

In the summer of 2002 there was a wild fire near our home that burned thousands of acres for 37 days and forced evacuation of 2300 homes. The experience of that fire is seared into my body mind and spirit. When I close my eyes I can still see the flames and smell the smoke. Large is one memory in particular. In every circle, it seemed, people were having the conversation about what we would escape with if we were the ones being emergently evacuated. What was most precious? What could we carry? What could we leave behind? What loss would devistate us? What was not that important afterall?. What about the horses, and other animals we live with? Where do they go? Where would we live if not in our "homes"? Those were deeply soul searching conversations full of insight surprise and delight. They were freeing conversations when we really felt what was important. We discovered what and who we truly loved.
I am reminded of those conversations as I live with the economic wildfire we are experiencing now. It touches me body mind and spirt. What is most important to me? What do I truly love? What can I live without? What is most precious to me? When I keep my mind on those things I feel free.