CHALLENGES
Adopting a Post-doom mindset is an active process. Coming to terms with the collapse of GIC (Global Industrial Civilization) and the Biosphere we all depend on for life, then figuring out how to live with it, is multi-faceted. We offer these monthly challenges of support, based on the Benefits of Collapse Acceptance.
Doomers are not quitters, they Do-more. There is no one right way to live, and there is no one right way to collapse. But collectively doing it, whatever it is, could mean we do it together better. So join us in taking the monthly challenge, and see what can manifest and grow in your life and for those around you as a result.
AUGUST CHALLENGE:
PRIVILEGE PERSPECTIVE
How comfortable is your seat on the Titanic? An accurate answer requires facing and understanding your own privilege. It also requires relating to the privilege of everyone else on the same sinking ship. Not easy work, but it’s very necessary to maximize this Benefit. So, take a deep breath, challenge yourself, and expect some discomfort. Be sure to view the three videos in order.
Imagine yourself as a participant in the first video. Where do you think you would end up in the group? How would it feel as you look at everyone’s placement?
Next view the second video. It references a quiz you will also be taking.
You are now ready to take the privilege quiz (click this link). Note how your results compare to what you saw in the video. Also include answers to the following questions in your score:
- Do you understand the reasons GIC (Global Industrial Civilization) is collapsing?
- Do you understand climate change?
- Have you discussed your feelings about collapse with others?
- To date, have you avoided a collapse related event (wildfire, flood, economics)?
- Are you not yet a climate refugee?
- Do you have time in your life to study collapsing systems?
- Do you have time in your life to grieve extinction losses?
- Do you have time in your life to meditate?
- Do you have time in your life to imagine a world on the “other side” of collapse?
Joanna Macy (May 2, 1929 – July 19, 2025) was considered to be one of Michael Dowd’s most revered mentors. She made it to 96, recently joining him in the Great Beyond, where perhaps he is offering some mentoring. Wishing her much well-earned rest and peace!
Through the lens of your privilege, view this video. What comes up for you? Be honest and soul searching – perhaps journal about it and/or discuss with a collapse buddy.
The true Benefit of this privilege is how it invites doing radical things, now, while you still are able to. What can you actually DO with your privilege to improve the quality of another’s life? Overtip? Cash out accounts and share? Fix someone’s vehicle? Provide free shelter? Share useful items*, talents, or services? Take less? Brainstorm a specific list of ideas and see how many you can put into action. (And no, recycling does not count!! Again, think radical. It should be outside your normal comfort zone.) *BONUS: Watch the 30 minute documentary Dead White Man’s Clothes
JULY CHALLENGE:
EMPATHY
Everyone understands feeling like a big wave has crashed down on you. As the world inevitably gets more and more chaotic, no one is immune from experiencing the relentless pounding. We are all in this together. Sharing empathy with each other is a way to help weather the storms.
Sympathy is often confused with Empathy, yet they are vastly different. It takes practice to break sympathy habits. Use the resources as a guide to practice Empathy. Seek opportunities to do so. Notice how different it feels to offer Empathy instead of sympathy. Pay attention to when you’re given either one and how that feels. Journal about your experiences and/or discuss with a confidant.
JUNE CHALLENGE:
UNIVERSALISM
As the season changes again this month, we are reminded that being a part of something so much bigger than ourselves is why we are here. The story of a collapsing civilization is a mere blip in the universe, holding little power over the true story of oneness and connectedness we all share. Even extinction is dwarfed by the vastness of this heightened connection. It’s impossible not to feel it if one is paying attention.
1) Look another creature in the eyes and feel the force of “same same”. Start with looking at the one in the mirror. Draw or write about what is felt in both experiences.
2) Create something, then relieve it of permanence (see sand mandala video). Doing a jigsaw puzzle, then taking it all apart, is an example.
3) On Solstice June 20th, spend purposeful time celebrating and honoring the sun, in whatever way resonates.
4) On June 25th (Northern Hemisphere), connect with the night sky by catching a shooting star during the Bootes Meteor Shower (near the Big Dipper).
MAY CHALLENGE:
COMMUNITY LOCALISM & SUPER HERO RELEASE
The bombardment of horrific events happening on the global stage remind us of the inevitabilities of collapse we can’t fix, solve, fight, or save. What we can do is focus on what is right around us, right where we live, and try to make a difference where we can. River cleanups, community gardening, connecting with neighbors (not easy!), volunteering at a food bank…all examples of what is possible and meaningful still. Use the month to do something significant to tune in to localism and tune out of globalism.
No matter how much we try, there is no “pure” way to live in GIC (Global Industrial Civ). None of us asked for this or got to have a say in its creation. The big bitter pill to swallow is that each of us contributes to making things worse every day; whether dietary restrictions, driving an electric car, flying or not…doesn’t matter. Very important to release ourselves from the blame and guilt, and offer others the same. Make a list of what you feel guilty about and blame others for. Then rip it up and burn or discard.
This short video chronicles a community localism project to give back to a compromised tree in a defunct campground, now a riverside park. May it offer inspiration to just get out there and DO IT, no matter what!
APRIL CHALLENGE:
CALM GROUNDING
The reality of being on a sinking ship inevitably brings more and more chaos. Acceptance offers the Benefit of not being overly disrupted by all the catastrophic information. It requires a balancing act to stay grounded and calm. One way is to not take in more than is necessary, which can mean staying away from the news/social media/data. Another way is to connect more deeply with the non-human world.
This month use only the odd days to peek at the oddities on the SSS (Screen Scream Scene). On even days, replace the SSS time with focused engagement in even-keel earth centered activities. (Side note: Every day is earth day). Create a list of useful responses if others try to drag you in to collapse news drama, and practice using them.
BONUS: Have a Michael Dowd inspired earth photo taken of yourself – share it with someone and/or the Post-doom Team: postdoom.home@gmail.com
Breathe in and breathe out for some deep calm grounding while viewing this new video created by Post-doom’s Gerry Russell. He shares the story of his experience at Green Mountain Monastery where he spread some of Michael Dowd’s ashes at Thomas Berry’s burial site.
Want to hear more from Sr Gail Worcelo? Enjoy the ending of this Post-doom converstation that Sr Gail and Michael had on June 9, 2020. Sr Gail offers calming words and dicusses the importance of “Coherence / Steadiness”.
If you liked this and want to see more, visit the conversations page for more meaningfully videos that inspire.
MARCH CHALLENGE:
PRESENCE & GRATITUDE
What follows Urgency can feel more settled and grounded. The Benefit of Presence encourages appreciating the gifts in the moment of “being here now”. This common phrase is frequently tossed out and can perform like a throw away hallmark card. Be wary of this by practicing mindfulness to actually stay focused on the present…it’s not easy! Each day is precious GHT (Global Hospice Time) unfolding moment by moment. What are you doing right now with yours? No one gets to the end of their life and wishes they worried more.
The Benefit of Gratitude has the ability to transform lives. Saying “thank you” does not automatically make one a grateful person. Gratitude is a verb, operating on the law of attraction, and requires daily attention. Taking things for granted is unintentionally taking from oneself (and from others), resulting in complaining, blame, and negative thoughts/words. Like a magnet, this can attract exactly what is not wanted. When gratitude is in charge, it is impossible to be negative, thus opening doors to attract what is most desired. It is powerful magic!
A journal is suggested. In a quiet place, preferably outside if possible, write 10 gratitudes every day for the month. Be sure to include why with sentences like:
- I am so happy and grateful that _____ because _____.
- I am truly grateful for ______ because ______.
- With all my heart, thank you ______ because _______.
Start each day with reading what was written yesterday. As you fall asleep each night, identify the best thing that happened today and express gratitude for it.
BONUS CHALLENGE: The book The Magic by Rhonda Byrne offers a 28 Day Gratitude Course – highly recommended to fully deepen this acceptance benefit.
Workshop: ‘Presence’ and ‘Gratitude’ as Benefits of Collapse Acceptance
Slides, in PDF format, from the March 16th workshop:
Presence and Gratitude
FEBRUARY CHALLENGE:
URGENCY & PARAMETERS
Now that the Benefit of Freedom has been explored, sensing the Benefit of Urgency may come next. It also might shine a brighter light on the Parameters (framework) in which you are “playing the game” in GIC (Global Industrial Civilization). Both Benefits equally worthy of attention.
‘No time like the present’ has never meant more…so what will you do now to make changes and influence something different, for yourself and perhaps for those closest to you? How will you do it? This month is short, so avoid delays. What matters most, and what not at all, on a sinking ship?
While not collapse specific resources per se, these articles may offer some useful insights:
The Art of Creating an Adequate Sense of Urgency in Life Without Sending You Into a Panic Zone
In this latest video added to the Post-doom YouTube channel, Karen and Jordan Perry offer personal reflections on how the collapse acceptance Benefits of Urgency and Parameters can open new doors for self and others, especially the younger generations.
Workshop: ‘Urgency’ as a benefit of Collapse Acceptance
Slides, in PDF format, from the February 9th workshop:
JANUARY
CHALLENGE
This 2020 “blast from the past” 3-Part Series Michael Dowd called his Post-Doom Primer is now available for the first time in a playlist on the Post-doom YouTube channel.
Michael writes in this 2023 article
“A post-doom perspective is practical without promoting nihilism or lethargy. Trust, a secular name for faith, is its foundation. From there, generous and compassionate actions can continue, but they tend to be smaller in scope. They are here and now. They are free of frantic imperatives to engage in protests with the aim of transforming “the system.” Post-doom overall is hope-free. Dipping even one toe into this cool pool of acceptance can begin to yield benefits — emotional, spiritual, and relational benefits. How to begin?”
May these resources be a guide this month to explore and put into action how Freedom, the first Collapse Acceptance Benefit, can help launch this year out of the shoulds into the open doors of coulds.
As a creature born wild and free, but taught that you aren’t through domestication (thus civilization), find some ways to “FindFeral” by seeking some rewilding. For example, if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, embrace the dark and tone down artificial light. Southern Hemisphere? Go barefoot as much as possible. BONUS: Read Ishmael by Daniel Quinn (or the whole trilogy)
How is reconnecting with the wild you a benefit?
How does accepting the collapse of everything help you feel more free?
And most importantly (because Post-doom is really a verb) what will you DO and what changes will you make to express that freedom?