When the World Is on Fire: What We Can Control?
I thought I had 2025 all figured out.
After some holiday indulgences, I’d settled back into a good routine and felt confident about the year ahead.
But life had other plans.
At first, it was a string of minor inconveniences:
A toy balloon knocked out power in my neighborhood for a day.
My car battery suddenly died, leaving me almost stranded.
Then, reality hit my community much harder.
I watched in horror as my neighbors lost everything in the worst wildfires LA has ever seen.
The city had literal black clouds hanging over it, and I didn’t know if we would be forced to evacuate too.
Suddenly, nothing felt certain anymore.
The real world was here to remind me just how little control we truly have.
When I consider these sorts of moments, whether big or small, I’m reminded of one core truth:
Control is an illusion.
The only things we truly have are our own actions and intentions.
Seneca, the Stoic philosopher, advised:
“It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
Focus on what you can control, and let go of the rest.
Or, in my favorite moment from The Lord of the Rings:
Frodo: "I wish it need not have happened in my time."
Gandalf: "So do I, and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
It’s easy to give in to panic and fear. It’s easy to fall into blame and pointing fingers.
But none of these things can change the world around us, and often they make things worse for everyone involved.
So what can we do when the world is on fire, literally and figuratively?
Take care of yourself first. Fear and panic are natural, but they’re not sustainable. Unplug, pause, and breathe. Whether it’s through stillness, yoga/meditation, or simply taking a walk, find what helps you feel grounded.
Choose how you show up for others. Once you’ve found your footing, ask yourself: How can I help? Will you use moments of struggle to spread lies and score points? Or will you offer support—whether through service, charity, or simply being present for a friend in need?
I was lucky to have not been directly affected by the fires, but so many of my students and people around me were. One student even had their childhood home burnt to the ground.
In those moments, I knew one thing I could offer: my ability to be present. I couldn’t change their circumstances, but I could guide them toward letting go of what was beyond their control.
When the world feels chaotic, sometimes the greatest gift we can give others is our attention, calmness, and care.
By grounding ourselves and choosing intentional action, we can show up as a force for good in an unpredictable world.
The world around us is never under our control, but the way we show up in it always is.
Use these moments to practice compassion, create connection, and help those who may desperately need it.
As a final point, if you want to support the victims of the California fires, please consider donating to the California Fire Foundation or World Central Kitchen. They provide essential support, from assisting displaced families to ensuring first responders and victims have food and shelter.
~ Rob
PS: In times of uncertainty, finding ways to stay grounded and present can make all the difference. If you’re looking for tools to help you cultivate clarity and resilience, my Embodied Mindfulness Membership is open. I also have space for two more private students.
