My home in Tampa, FL took on nearly 2 feet of water during Hurricane Helene in the early morning hours of Friday, September 27. Thanks to a last-minute decision to evacuate, me, my partner, 2 dogs, and car are safe, yet everything else is destroyed.

About 90% of everything in the home will be thrown out: all the furniture, most of the clothing and soft goods, books, yoga props and tools, my favorite meditation cushion, etc.

All the floors, doors, baseboards, cupboards, stove, fridge, washer, and dryer were inundated with seawater, and the front and back patios will likely need to be torn down and replaced as the volume of water ripped up many planks and made most of the others loose. Most of the outlets will need to be rewired as they were submerged. The grass and plants may grow back, but right now everything's turning brown and shriveling up, and many have died.

I have flood insurance, but it only covers structural damage, not contents.

I am starting this GoFundMe on the suggestion of many friends. So many people have asked how they can help me. The outpouring of love and concern from friends and strangers alike has touched my heart and confirmed how good people are and how we are one human family.

Whatever I raise here will help with immediate living expenses, gas, food, cleaning supplies, and then serve as a cushion for pre-paying repairs, as I'm told insurance is a reimbursement thing. Fixing the electric alone will cost $5600. And since my insurance doesn't cover contents, I'll need to refurnish my home once it's livable again, assuming it passes the mold inspection once I get to that step of the recovery process.

I'm looking for ways to pay it forward here in my local community, and plan to host some support groups for those affected where we can come together, process, and receive whatever learnings we're meant to from this. I know each one of us affected has the opportunity to lighten up and get some incredible lessons from this tragic event that has affected so many.

One of my lessons comes from the destruction of a large portion of my library, literally decades of collecting books and tools about spirituality, psychology, evolution of consciousness, music, etc.

I understand that I am enough and I have enough within to help my brothers and sisters. While I loved all my books and things, I know it's time to fully own my wisdom and gifts without the shelves full of things that are souvenirs of a lifetime of spiritual practice.

Any contributions you can make will help in the recovery process, and help me continue to teach and hold space for others similarly affected. Also, your messages of care and concern have meant the world to me. I am so grateful ️ Thank you ️