Fires are critical to the health of forests. Fires sweep through and cleanse, burning detritus, providing space for fresh life to flourish. Without fires, trees experience disease, undergrowth grows too thick for animals to graze, balance is lost. Fire rolls through and resets the forest.

We have been in need of a metaphorical forest fire for quite some time. We consume, multiply, fight, kill, pollute and produce without thought of our impact on natural systems. We revere corporations, celebrate narcissists and blame our brothers and sisters. Acting in fear, pretending to be in control. All the while mother nature waits.

We are finally to a point where nature has had it with our arrogance, the fire is lit. Parasitic corporations will be quelled, greed displaced and competition thwarted. The corrupt grip on the direction of humanity is slipping.

The economic engine is grinding to a halt. No amount of artificial resuscitation is reviving the diseased beast. The puppets at the top continue dancing, feigning some semblance of control.

The reality of our situation is becoming clear. The globalized systems we’ve come to rely on are feeble in the face of nature’s strength. This novel corona virus was the spark to the fire we are currently experiencing.

We can try to kill the virus, though we’ll likely have more success in adapting to what we learn from this outbreak. When the forest burns, the fire is not the problem, it is the solution. Nature’s attempt to establish balance.

This viral outbreak is but a warning. If we choose not to heed this warning, the next will be more stern. We must take this seriously and remember why we are here. Remember how fortunate we are to walk on this planet and experience being alive.

All species, ours included, are susceptible to extinction. That is, unless we find our place in the web of life. All species must serve the whole of life, or be eliminated.

On the other side of this fire we will have the opportunity to begin anew. Let’s use this fresh chance to grow the systems we rely on in balance with nature. Remember humanity’s humble place in all this. We must find harmony with mother nature. If we fail to remember our place, we risk losing our chance to walk this earth.

Maybe we needed to slow down. Maybe we should check ourselves. Maybe our plans really aren’t that important. What does matter to us? What are we focused on? Are the things we worry about necessary? What have we learned and how will we rebuild when the ash settles?

Let’s use this time to slow down, talk with our loved ones, strategize and dream.