The ERRC Cares Program Series is an initiative we implemented 2020. This series focuses on health, wellness, physical and mental well-being, and important self-care needs.
After the LA fires, it’s normal to feel unsettled, anxious, or on edge, even once the flames are gone. Recovery is not just about rebuilding homes, but also finding calm again inside ourselves.
Wildfires can leave lasting worry long after the smoke clears. For many older adults, the sudden disruption, loss of routine, and uncertainty can feel especially heavy. This program offers a safe space to come together, share experiences, and learn simple tools for easing anxiety. Through connection, breathing practices, and mutual support, we’ll focus on restoring a sense of calm and rebuilding community strength, because healing is something we do best, together.
Bhanu Joy Harrison, LCSW, SEP is a UCLA- Trained Mindfulness Facilitator and Affiliate MAPs Teacher, UCLA Semel Institute, Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC). She is certified as a Mindfulness Mentor through Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield’s program and a Certified Professional Mindfulness Teacher through the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (#P-0020). Bhanu’s passion is designing and teaching workshops on mindful living, nervous system regulation, Polyvagal Theory, embodiment practices and working with challenging emotions, trauma, aging and chronic pain. Her focus on body centered and mindful approaches to trauma resolution and self regulation offers individuals tools to come back to balance.
Ms. Bhanu will offer a brief overview of Polyvagal Theory and how trauma can dysregulate our nervous system. In this session, we will examine how your responses to the wildfires have impacted your body, emotions and thoughts. Please join us, and Ms. Bhanu, in practicing several mindfulness skills that can help you stay in the present moment, regulate your nervous system, and turn toward difficult emotions such as anxiety, sadness, grief and guilt with a greater sense of compassion and care.
Time: October 16, 2025 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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Meeting ID: 963 2727 4798
Passcode: care
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The UCLA Emeriti/Retirees Relations Center serves the retired faculty and staff communities through advocacy, education and personalized services pre- and post- retirement, creates strategic partnerships between the university, emeriti and retirees, and seeks to enrich the quality of life in retirement at UCLA. The ERRC, an advocate and supporter of UCLA retirees since 1969.
Our goal is to provide a comprehensive approach to retirement by connecting Bruins to resources that focus on wellness, economic sustainability, relationship building, personal growth, social responsibility and civic engagement.
