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.
APRIL 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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?