After learning last night that Elvis Presley used to visit Paramahansa Yogananda’s Pacific Palisades sanctuary and retreat for his own peace and spiritual experience, I wondered if it survived the fires.  When living in SoCal, I visited Yogananda’s retreat in Encinitas frequently, and as a student of SRF teachings, I was particularly concerned. I was relieved to find out that it did not burn, the main buildings, museum and gardens all survived the fire.  The question was, did EVERYTHING survive? What was damaged? A visitors restroom, maintenance shed, and neighboring apartments were damaged  A large tree was lost, and some small vegetation was damaged  What survived?  The Lake Shrine Temple…

Remember: animals, too, can intuit your fears and apprehensions. To manage extreme mental agitation from news about the LA fires, limit your exposure to news coverage, practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, seek support from loved ones or a mental health professional, consider taking a break from social media, and find constructive ways to help those affected by the fires; if your anxiety becomes overwhelming, reach out for professional support.   Key strategies:  Limit news intake: Avoid constant exposure to graphic images and updates by setting specific times to check news and taking breaks when needed. Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your…