First off, a big warm welcome to those of you who are new to our community, I appreciate you being here and our supportive community welcomes you with open arms. <3

I’m taking space today to share a message that’s near and dear to my heart and will be sending another message later this week that’s more directly related to my work.

I remember the moment clearly…

My girl Moni and I were driving home from a sweet Rising Appalachia concert at The Mystic Theatre here in Petaluma.

It was a warm October night in 2017, and on the way home I noticed Eucalyptus bark and limbs strewn all over the country road…

When we got out of the car, the wind was whipping and we both smelled smoke.

I immediately called 911 and learned that the Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa – which at the time, was the most destructive wildfire in California history, had broken out around The Bay Area, simultaneously alongside many others in the region.

Every year since then, the California wildfires have gotten progressively bigger and more destructive, and this year is no exception.

Global warming is REAL folks, and I’m living it first hand (been out in The Bay Area for 15 years and experienced nothing like this during the first decade).

I don’t need to be the one to tell you that it’s been an extremely difficult and heartbreaking year with this worldwide pandemic hitting our human race – but throw the threat of the biggest wildfires on record in the mix, and the word unsettling feels like a cakewalk.

While I personally feel challenged with a nature-loving 1-year-old in tow, and the outside air is not fit to breathe, I’m still counting my blessings and privileges.

With that, I ask you to join me in taking a moment to collectively send a big, warm, loving embrace and prayers for protection to our brothers and sisters in California who’ve been most directly affected by these fires.

If you’d like to get involved in the relief efforts, the most efficient and effective way to do so is to offer a monetary donation, according to the Center for International Disaster Information.

Do your research for which charities to donate to, and here are a couple of quick resources:

American Red Cross: This nonprofit has done so much for wildfire support over the years, and they also have an online tool that people can use to register themselves as safe so loved ones can find them.

California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund: For 17 years, the foundation has offered aid to those affected by wildfires. Grants have gone to rebuilding homes, providing financial and mental health assistance, and helping those affected to get medical treatment.

This is a time that’s fiercely asking us to tap into our strength, resilience, and perseverance as humans.

And while I absolutely encourage you to feel all of the feelings that are coming up for you, I also invite you to tap strongly into your self-care practices to anchor you through.

For me, right now, because I can’t go outside for prolonged periods of time, it’s looking like a 20-30 minute yoga practice during Quintin’s nap, a 5-minute deep breathing or meditation practice, #middaybootybreak dance parties w/Q, processing my garden harvest or making my favorite healing herbal potions:

Here are my current favorite holistic + herbal strategies, specifically for smoke detox

• Herbal face steams – eucalyptus, pine, oregano, and rosemary, for respiratory support
• 2 T Elderberry syrup, 2-3x/day, to boost immunity
• Dandelion or Artichoke tincture, 2x/day, for liver detox
• Mullein Leaf + Nettle tea, for respiratory support
• Marshmallow root tea infusion throughout the day, for hydration
• Tulsi Tea throughout the day, for adrenal support
• Lavender hydrosol, for skin hydration
• Herb infused salt baths, for relaxation + overall detox
• Bone broth, for immune-boosting
• Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Self massage), for lymphatic detox

Also, I’ve made my Get Your Calm On workshop series available ongoing, and FREE for anyone directly affected by these fires. Feel free to spread the word about that series, and email info@ashleyburnett.co to get you or your friend’s spot comped.

Lastly, be sure to wear your face masks in public for covid19, and more specifically, your N95 smoke masks when outdoors if in a smoky area – Here’s a link on how to properly use them.

All right dear community, more later this week, but for now, I’m sending prayers for love, safety and protection to you all, and we will gladly receive yours here in The Bay Area as well (it’s only August and have A LOT of fire season to go).

In such deep gratitude for you all, and thanks so much for being here, and being you,