In times of disaster, it can feel as though nothing we think or write feels normal. While comparing this event to other natural disasters or traumatic experiences both globally and nationally, this one feels personal—it hits home. Having lived in California for many years, I feel deeply connected to the people and the land. Moreover, as a mother and wife who has worked hard to create a sense of home and community, this disaster feels particularly overwhelming.

During challenging times, I have found certain practices to be grounding and they take moments. Below are a few approaches that may support those facing the current crisis in California:

Practices for Coping in Times of Crisis

1. The Simple Reiki Principles

• Begin with the phrase: Just for today…

• In moments of overwhelm, focus on what can be done in a single day—whether it’s managing an emotion, setting a small intention, or completing one task.

• This approach helps reduce nervous system overload by narrowing attention to the present moment.

2. Body Scans

• Perform a mindful check-in with your body, moving your attention from your toes to your nose, and from the front of your body to the back.

• Notice areas of warmth or tension—heat can signal new energy or strength.

• Approach this practice without judgment; view it as gathering information.

• You might connect this to the Reiki principle: Just for today, I will trust the strength of my intuition if, for example, you feel warmth in your abdomen.

3. Visualization

• For those who have witnessed devastating scenes, such as a town destroyed by fire, visualization may feel difficult initially.

• Try to find a calming mental image—one surrounded by light or a soothing presence.

• This can support emotional and physical healing. Visualize a happy memory or a peaceful scene, perhaps with loved ones, and allow it to ground you.

• Incorporate visualization into your routine, such as before Sleep or while listening to calming music, to help regulate your nervous system.

This structured approach emphasizes small, manageable steps toward healing, offering practical tools for navigating times of intense Stress and uncertainty.

Lynn Mull Holistic Career Coach & Author

Career Coach | Author | WellNess Advisor | Reiki Master
I offer Clarity through Reiki healing sessions, and Holistic Career Coaching and Facilitating Teams to professional wellness. I use various tools and methods to speak, write, and provide 1.1 counsel to move out of the stuck into the actions that help you or your teams reach their goals.I found my way because I had to create it.
As a working parent and a sandwich caregiver in my early 30s, I understand the pressures to keep going, provide for my family and prioritize everyone else’s wellbeing.

I looked in many corners and could not find one coach to break into my inner blockages and move my career until Reiki and a Career Coach got me there. We can be all the things to everyone, but first, we must get aligned and intuitively move forward for our own .