We want to take the opportunity of this Wednesday Wisdom to express our deep sadness and grief for the many, many people who lost their lives, their loved ones, their homes, their businesses, and their animals in the fires in Maui. For all of us who’ve been there, and even for all who have not been there, the Hawaiian Islands represent a magical paradise on Earth. To see Lahaina and so much of that exquisite island burned to the ground is a horrifying shock that goes to the very core of the dreams we all have about the good life and the glorious beauty of the natural world that Hawaii so beautifully exemplifies. This was the worst fire in the history of the United States, and it happened in tandem with unprecedented fires raging across the great boreal forest of Canada and in Greece as well. Our hearts go out to all who are directly affected as well as to everyone who is constantly stunned and shocked by the next disaster… and the next… and the next caused by the widening climate crisis. It is indeed difficult to be with what’s going on in the world right now. It’s confronting, frightening, and deeply dispiriting. It is often terrifying for our young people. If you have these feelings, we recommend that you let yourself feel them fully, that you allow your heart to break open for this troubled world, and allow your body to feel the grief that wants to happen. At the same time, we suggest that you create space and conversations that empower you and others to continue to find joy, fulfillment, and gratitude in life itself. The way to overcome fear and grief is to get into action. Being in action transforms your capacity to be with what is going on. This is the most “all-hands-on-deck” time in the history of our species. If you are not already connected with some form of addressing the climate crisis, we invite you to find your way to an activity, a group or organization, or a volunteer opportunity that will give you access to the climate action playing field. There are many organizations — more every day— creating pathways for participation and action, and we strongly urge you to get involved with any one of them. We recommend the Pachamama Alliance as one place to go. This is the organization co-founded by my husband Bill and myself and John Perkins, and it offers powerful programs that will guide you along the path of being an effective climate activist. Discover more at Pachamama.org. In the meantime, know that the transformation we seek is economic, political, social, cultural — and probably most powerfully — spiritual. This is where you and I come in: we have the opportunity to bring our best selves to the greatest crisis any generation has ever faced – to engage powerfully and to know that we make a difference. Thank you for being part of the expanding community of committed souls engaged with the Soul of Money Institute. We are grateful to be able to share our insights and experiences with you in these Wednesday Wisdom missives. Please feel free to give us feedback. | 
