Originally published January 15, 2025
By Sandra Tribioli, Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Dear Humanity,
I'm so, so sorry, and so, so very sad.
As the sun rises this morning and I prepare to return to my home base in Florida, we feel the heaviness in our hearts for everyone who has lost their loved ones, their homes, their livelihoods, and the cherished memories woven into the walls of their lives here in Los Angeles.
For those of us who grew up in this magical place—a haven of creativity, arts, perfect breezes, magenta sunsets, and eucalyptus trees swaying with safety and love—this day feels particularly sorrowful. We are mourning a profound loss, and we collectively feel the weight of what it means to be utterly lost.
Arriving in LA last Wednesday, it felt like flying into a war zone, the air thick with smoke and the echoes of devastation. Our hearts race with fear, confusion, and deep sorrow, especially as the images of homes reduced to ash linger in our minds. The feelings are viscerally real! Each loss is a chapter of our community's narrative that has been abruptly rewritten.
In the face of these challenges, we are incredibly proud to see how our community has mobilized. The Yoga Expo LA 2025, originally set to be held at the Pasadena Convention Center, was transformed into LA Yoga Aid, an online conference and fundraiser. In less than three days, we were able to raise over $5,400! This effort showcases the incredible strength and generosity of our community in seeking to support those affected by the wildfires.
Yet, amidst this darkness, something extraordinary emerges: the resilience of the human spirit. As we face these trials together, we must remember that even in our deepest mourning, there is an opportunity for healing and unity. Though deeply wounded, our community possesses an unyielding strength that can ignite hope and rebuild what has been lost.
We find solace in the compassion of those who reach out to help: neighbors sharing meals and yoga mats, strangers opening their homes, and organizations mobilizing to provide support. This outpouring of love is a testament to the bonds we share. We become each other's pillars of strength, reminding ourselves that even when we feel lost, we are not alone. The core reason why we host these major events is to embrace our theme of "Unity," as 'Yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'Yuj', meaning 'to join' or 'to unite' in the first place.
Let us channel our grief into action. Reach out to those affected, volunteer your time, or donate to organizations providing relief services. Let us not forget the power of community as we navigate the path toward recovery. Though shadows may be cast upon us today, the light of our collective spirit will guide us through.
In memory of what we have lost, let us celebrate the beauty of what remains: our shared love for this city, our deep connections with one another, and the resilience that defines us. Together, we can rebuild—brick by brick, story by story.
As we embrace the days ahead, we do so with an unwavering commitment to one another. Though our hearts may be heavy, let us allow the love that binds us to uplift us. Together, we will rise from the ashes, honoring those we’ve lost while forging a new path toward hope, renewal, and possibility.
In solidarity and love,
