If you want to get to know your neighbors the easy (though traumatic way) wait for an Earthquake, Tornado or a 100,000 + acre fire. Though dramatic, devastating and nerve wracking--disasters do serve another purpose: bringing people together. It is easy to isolate yourselves into a never ending commute between vocation and avocation and escapism to your yon pod (read : home) and life therein. This Basin Complex Fire enabled us to meet and greet our neighbors for the first time and reengage us with our known neighbors and established allies.
If you want to appreciate your home and all its lovely amenities, a near disaster can also facilitate this. If you want to appreciate your family being under the same roof safely sleeping, apply the same situation. Are you complacent in your daily routines; are you lazy in your general appreciation; have you taken your routine for granted, are ye bored? Watch out what you ask for, the universe is listening....
For a while our newly built home stood as a reminder of our transitory nature and our fragile hold on our possessions. I envisioned our home being transformed into ash flying into the ethos. Alas, our home still stands and our connection to our community has improved.
I do not wish for a repeat anytime soon but I am glad for the reminder of what truly has import.
