I like the lives too. I miss the podcast and devoured every episode I could for a while there, and while I can't listen to Substack lives while out on a "shaking off collapse"-kind of walk, they're still kind of giving me the podcast fix while I eat my breakfast or whatever. So, keep 'em up :)
I have a question on this topic I've been wanting to put out for a few months, around the "islands of sanity" concept (for anyone to answer who has input — sorry for rambling, I'm having trouble finding words, hope they make sense and are okay to post here).
I feel some are more clearly positioned at the moment to step organically into "islands of sanity" roles (registered counsellors/therapists, medical personnel/healers, working journalists, lawyers and politicians and pastors and aid workers etc. — specialists and experts in their fields, even influencers with large communities to mobilise and engage with). Meanwhile, confused-but-caring generalists like me might need to get "trained up" (like aspiring black belt aunties/uncles) with specific skills, and move through some introspection/mentorship, to find our place in the collapse space and sharpen our resolve.
I don't know what I have to offer yet — bit of this, bit of that, some savvy in media/communication/critical thinking, having what I've been told is a "counsellor-like" temperament — but mainly just...really giving a shit about the state of things and *wanting* to step into more responsibility as one of these islands/collapse walkers/radical grief holders for others. I sense my potential, but don't know what to do beyond talking about it and becoming more aware via every free resource I can get my hands on; though it doesn't feel like enough, and I wish to develop more robust skills so I can actually walk the talk.
So my question is, Sarah and co.: Do you know of, or have ideas for, courses, trainings, and other practical resources (that won't involve going back to university for years)? Like how a previous post was about compiling a book list to brush up on, can we get a thread going for more hands-on, collapse-related skills development? I'm aware of Meg Wheatley's self-paced courses (though imagine there are others in the space) and registered my interest in the local reader threads to see what comes of them. Would love to know how others are "tragically clarifying" themselves and their strengths during this uncertain time.
Lauren, you've sparked a few ideas... Perhaps I'll address this as an AMA and use it to create a collective list of resources as you describe...leave it with me
Not sure if that's something that you were looking for, Lauren (I like the word 'collapse walker' btw, although I still get a bit apprehensive using the term collapse. Maybe because I'm too scared to open my eyes properly).
I'm a graphic designer in Sydney, been doing it for 40 years here and in Europe and most of the time still loving it.
A few years ago I got in touch with the Compassionate Communities Movement (it was created in Oz/WA, then it moved to the UK and is now back in Oz).
It's still very grassroot here, but growing. From there and through a few contacts and some experiences with death and dying I'm now training as an End of Life Doula (some call themselves Death Doula or Mortality Doula and it's not solely females). I still sometimes feel like an imposter but I guess confidence will come with experience.
But the contact with all these people has shown me that there is a hunger for community out there and the realisation that we have to take on the challenges ourselves instead of hoping help will come from somewhere else.
Media savvy people and good writers are needed everywhere.
Ooh, I read an interview in an issue of Dumbo Feather magazine years back with a death doula, and was fascinated by what she had to say. It's an idea that lingered in the back of my mind.
Thank you for sharing that movement (I hadn't heard of it before) and your insight; I've definitely been getting some hard schooling from multiple angles of late around the notion of taking on personal responsibility and not hoping for "rescue" from some external source or idealised future outcome, as you've implied.
Wishing you well for the remainder of your training, and a swift removal of your imposter syndrome! I'm sure your experience and perspective are already proving greatly valuable :)
Yes, that interview. That was probably Victoria Spence - she is an amazing woman. She's now running a holistic funeral house with a different approach. Very community orientated.
I also think getting impulses from different angles is good. I'm trying too.
* Checks bookshelf * So, the particular one I read about is Zenith Virago. Seems she provides her own death walker training, and has a Tedx talk on the subject! Based out of Byron Bay, I think; CEO of the Natural Death Care Centre charity.
Oooof - Lauren!! Way to nail what so many of are thinking and feeling. Thank you for stopping with it and articulating it so beautifully. We need Black Belt Elder Ops training - stat!
I have spent way too much time on this question, and have driven myself a little made with plans - DEFINITE PLANS AND IDEAS - which after I stew get rendered ridiculous (but oft revisited). Feeling very Jill of all trades / mistress of none. But, I have settled on one to start, one I hope
that will help grow some skill, compassion and care muscles. I don’t manage staff, but I am a support for many many people. So, in the name of being a better elder and role model I’m starting this in course with Small Giants Academy (from whence Dumbo Feather came!) in September: https://www.smallgiants.com.au/programs/interconnected-leader
I concur for this topic being teased out by all and sundry please!
p.s - OMG Sarah, hello there! I hope your cup has filled over the summer, even a smidge. Welcome back ☺️
Thank you so much for saying this! I'm not sure why, I felt so much resistance towards posting and took fricken ages to write it up (and weeks of stewing on it before finally doing so), and thought I came across super clunky and confused...so I'm really glad/relieved it resonates. (And that it sparked something helpful for you, Sarah :)) I wonder how many of us Jills/mistresses are out there just waiting to be put in, coach, we're ready! (Or at least very bloody willing to be ready.) I love the idea of undertaking Black Belt Elder Ops training (and that you capitalised DEFINITE PLANS AND IDEAS makes me think our minds work in a similar way, haha).
Small Giants courses always seem so delicious! Though the ones I've previously looked at have been well out of my price range/seem to be geared towards people already in clearcut leadership roles (practically MBAs)...still though, the curriculum, my gawd. And the one you've linked to is smaller and more accessible; so thanks for the reminder to keep an eye on them! I'm still sad Dumbo Feather stopped publishing, I bought up a gigantic stack of their mags when I heard they were going out and it's honestly a low-key dream of mine to take up their mantle in some way/get back into interviewing people long-form like they did so beautifully. They were ahead of their time in the way they reached into these existentially tormented/spiritually yearning aspects of us and our communities via their guests and wove their wisdom into what look and feel like nostalgic (yet so progressive!) works of art. *Sigh* Magic. Pure magic. (So if anyone in here shares a dream of starting some kind of publication like/around this, let me know, haha — absolute pipe dream. #Justkiddingkindof.)
I love this virtual community and can't wait to hear more. Thanks for chiming in and making my day :)
I feel like you might need to get pen to paper STAT Lauren to start recording who your heart needs to connect with, and what you hope to learn from them?! Be the voice you are missing friend! Just start from the start - it doesn’t have to be glossy or with sensational production skills!
lol - well, this DEFINITE(!) game plan backfired and the course was cancelled. I know you know how long locking this down took my brain! Canceled after the added accountability of saying the thing out loud!
Love it when that kind of thing happens...and oh, I do indeed know -_- Have to stop myself from getting in a loop of, "See, this is what I get for putting myself out there! Now what? Oh the despair, the emptiness!" Haha, ah man. So, like, permanent cancellation? Or just of this instalment? Crossing my fingers, toes and eyes that something even better and more aligned pops up for you instead!
Welcome back, Sarah! What you've laid out feels right for this moment. We can't yet move on while we're still so deeply in collapse, and the masses are just awakening.
While I do prefer reading, I also value those critical conversations you've been having, so more of those please!
Yes I also enjoy both forms, reading and listening. I used to mainly read then something shifted in my world, I find now that when I am driving, listening, thinking and absorbing just feel right. So thanks for those conversations.
Great to see 'This is Precious' pop up in my emails this morning, and so timely as I cautiously re-emerge from my own time out following a bereavement. It's done me good to stop, and I breathed a sigh of relief to read 'I don't know that we should be in a rush to get anywhere next'....I'm still very much making it up as I go along, taking inspiration from what I read here and in other communities I'm part of, itching to get my hands on the book and put it into the hands of those I hold dear, but also continuing to sit with some huge feelings...
Right underneath your email Sarah was one from Greenpeace offering a couple of 'listening circles' open to all. It says 'Listening Circles are confidential spaces to explore and share our thoughts, think through what actions we might take and deal with any feelings - from numbness to anger or anxiety and more.' I like that a charity that's always been renowned for bold action now recognises that sometimes what we need is to be quiet and thoughtful with other people who are feeling such pain at where we find ourselves.
Good to have you back, Sarah! First, please do keep the interviews and audio bits coming. I hike a lot and with earbuds in. Your voice, the guests with whom you talk (many of whom you've introduced to me), and the topics covered inspire my steps - literally and figuratively. Second, a brief apology, not nearly commensurate with the sentiment: I'm sorry that I've rarely (ever?) shared thoughts here. I deeply deeply appreciate your thinking, wisdom, chutzpah, and great big heart and could have responded a bzillion times over. But I haven't so contributed nor to this inspiring community. I wish I could share this glass of wine with you (all!); talk degrowth, collapse and wild-imagination possibilities... while watching this male goldfinch feed a demanding adolescent in the dogwood outside my studio window.
We absolutely MUST. I've been catching up on your work, and am in awe! So happy to meet you. I'm based in London most of the year, sometimes LA - where are you? Will DM you to make this happen xx
Oh! it’s hard to explain the feelings when I get a notification from you. But it was like yay! WE are back. Keep doing all the things you feel like you can do. All of it resonates so deeply. I appreciate all that you do including getting away from the world (and subscribers) for the time that you need .its a worthy lesson to learn. For the first time I feel a tiny bit of excitement about the journey ahead, and that I have grieved and travelled with like minds, so not alone, and trusting that this is the only sane direction to go. Welcome back x
I can acutely appreciate your need for a break, Sarah. My own hiatus was accompanied by hearing your interview from the Melbourne Writers Festival on Radio National and the subsequent discovery of your Substack. I'm grateful for both.
Personally, the most helpful part of your MWF interview, was towards the end when you talked about accepting uncertainty and preparing to bear more. It reminded me of a First Nations aphorism from Turtle Island, "In the land of doubt continue to praise".
The peace of acceptance is a tonic for the impulse of entering Saviour mode. Which of course upholds a pattern that got us here in the first place.
In no small way, is it ironic that a series of collapses caused by our seperation reminds us of our interconnectedness.
Oh I have missed this community and your thoughtful and challenging provocations. It was good that you took time out to work on the new book. In terms of collapse and where to from here, I have decided not to clutter my activist life with too many sources dealing with the chaos that is swirling around us but to choose a couple of trustworthy sources to keep myself informed. I have also engaged with Australian Jewish Council to try and do small but nevertheless important actions for Palestine. I feel the need to do small things that count in some way. Climate remains an important matter for me so I support the Climate Council. Your substack is my other source for contemplating life and how to live it as well as I can in these troublesome times.
Thanks Kate...we will burn ourselves out if we get frantic in our effort to be of service. "Start where you are" is the most sustainable approach I feel x
This is such an interesting perspective, thank you for sharing it Sarah. I agree that folks will show up to the “oh shit this system is crumbling now what” party at wildly different times. And also some of us have been wide-eyed about that for a while, and working to practice different ways of moving through time and space and relationships, at varying degrees of success given that we’re trying to live these microcosms of a different way of being within the confines of late stage capitalism.
All that to say: maybe one of the things we keep doing is surfacing these microcosms of living differently, sharing them, learning from one another about them. A mentor recently said: we need an abundance of different experiments running all at once right now. That feels right to me.
Sarah, I'm relieved and grateful to have you back (and everyone else here). The overwhelm lately has been real. I'm not sure how you do it, but you manage to bring these conversations to us in a way that feels manageable. That despite the fuckery of it all we are all somehow stronger as a collective here and able to withstand what would otherwise be unbearable. Thank you xx
While it maybe true that 'men' (quaint how we chuck 50% of the population under one generic category of 'men' or 'women ' which we would never be allowed to do with colour, race or religion) are somewhat lost and finding there way with old traditional role modes being disrupted, the evidence is that men as a whole are doing better with less pressure and more freedom. It's not surprising really. There was always a reason why men died much younger than women. Why men killed themselves three times as much as women. With men always put at the back of the line and of least value compared to 'women and children. From the evidence it is women and their lives that we need to have compassion for and give attention to. For the first time men's suicide rates are on the decrease and women's are on the rise (obviously still way too high for men - well both). Over the last 100 years female suicide rates have risen 50% and mens have fallen 30%. Women are using 250% more antidepressants than men. Longitudinal studies, like those of Yale University and others, comparing women's versus men's happiness, revealed that around 15 years ago for the first time since studies began, men's happiness is outstripping women's with male happiness increasing and female happiness decreasing. For the first time men are happier than women. It's most pronounced in younger men being much happier than younger women (country variations of course). Older women tend to be happier and older men less happy. Anxiety rates and social phobias are over 50% higher for young women than young men. In general mental health disorders are exploding for women (also for men but not at the same rate). Lots of work needs to be done to understand what is going wrong for women but it perhaps is hardly surprising as they have been conned into joining the patriarchy. Becoming cogs in the machine. Losing their identity. Just being agents of the economy. Going to work in meaningless jobs working as sales people, admin, accountants, managers of companies making worthless products, journalists reporting on the horrors of the world and the failure to take action on issues confronting human civilisation, doctors treating people mainly suffering from lifestyle diseases of their own making, fashion creators selling garments that will clog the seas of Africa after their first few uses, influencers commenting on stars and unpacking the latest so cute stuffed toy with a mean looking face ....... the list is endless. As cogs in the machine responding as robots with strict responses and protocols they must follow or lose their precious job. The job which means they can buy the very latest phone to spend hours on apps of reels and the latest smart TV to binge on the oh so engrossing and meaningful latest Netflix series - obviously so much more valuable than care, nurturing, love, beauty, friends, family, partners, children and real life around us. At the same time many women crying foul where have all the men gone. They have lost community and connection to things of real value - handing their children daily to others they have never met to look after them and then screaming horror that their most precious of all creations are abused, blaming the government, the workers, the centre managers. Anyone. Edvard Munch's 'Scream' hiding behind the fake smiles and false eyelashes. Yes there are a few finding a meaningful path but 1% is not the answer. There has to be a better way that does not require the complete rejection of the old. A Hegelian dialectic where we hold onto the good in the old while embracing the good in the new. A synthesis. A better way of life. We are yet only part way through this movement so there is hope.
These are such great points...yes, women are experiencing another layer of pain caused by the patriarchy. So why are we so focused now on the "boy problem"? Is it because of the risk of violence and disruption?
I think it is because the patriarchy relies on convincing women (and men) that work and thereby contributing to economic growth is the only worthwhile pursuit in life. Te loss of family, mothering, nurturing, care, love are irrelevant to the patriarchy. The horrific environmental destruction from economic growth is seen as inevitable. To acknowledge this new female problem is to acknowledge the core of the patriarchy which is economic growth and everyone must work and buy and consume and destroy. Women were sold this lie and bought it hook line and sinker.
Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Simon & Garfunkel happened on my Playlist as I happened upon your most welcome return.
I'm so so so on that horse and on a Bridge and heading through Rumis field to our Island of Sanity.
Anyhoo ... love love this post (including your Nun-like portrait image)
and so chuffed by your return and the community re raising itself ...
"We need to be ready to support anyone arriving at this terrifying juncture and try to assist them in not freaking out". I'm finding myself more and more in this role.
Welcome back. I was sitting at my desk with one word on my to do list for today: “neighbouring”.
I’m consciously neighbouring because I have been somewhat disconnected of late. It’s been frustrating watching those around me oblivious and clinging to ego and distractions and looking out for number 1. I woke this morning with a renewed sense to connect and continue difficult conversations.
This post coming through was a beautiful reminder that I’m not alone in this journey. Thank you! All of you.
Welcome back! You were missed :) I love the lives. While I do prefer to read, I often find myself too mentally and physically busy to slow down enough to read, and also don’t love reading on screens. The video/audio gives me a chance to listen on the go. And makes me feel part of a wider human community on these matters (am not yet connected in real life to anyone talking about this, nor do I hear it much anywhere else online). Human voices and faces help.
Great to have you back Sarah... have missed your potent light shining on the hidden stuff. I really like the balance of the written word and the videos/audio you post so very happy to still see these pop up from time to time. Rebecca's poem you sent out recently - thank you - WOW! Floored me.
I like the lives too. I miss the podcast and devoured every episode I could for a while there, and while I can't listen to Substack lives while out on a "shaking off collapse"-kind of walk, they're still kind of giving me the podcast fix while I eat my breakfast or whatever. So, keep 'em up :)
I have a question on this topic I've been wanting to put out for a few months, around the "islands of sanity" concept (for anyone to answer who has input — sorry for rambling, I'm having trouble finding words, hope they make sense and are okay to post here).
I feel some are more clearly positioned at the moment to step organically into "islands of sanity" roles (registered counsellors/therapists, medical personnel/healers, working journalists, lawyers and politicians and pastors and aid workers etc. — specialists and experts in their fields, even influencers with large communities to mobilise and engage with). Meanwhile, confused-but-caring generalists like me might need to get "trained up" (like aspiring black belt aunties/uncles) with specific skills, and move through some introspection/mentorship, to find our place in the collapse space and sharpen our resolve.
I don't know what I have to offer yet — bit of this, bit of that, some savvy in media/communication/critical thinking, having what I've been told is a "counsellor-like" temperament — but mainly just...really giving a shit about the state of things and *wanting* to step into more responsibility as one of these islands/collapse walkers/radical grief holders for others. I sense my potential, but don't know what to do beyond talking about it and becoming more aware via every free resource I can get my hands on; though it doesn't feel like enough, and I wish to develop more robust skills so I can actually walk the talk.
So my question is, Sarah and co.: Do you know of, or have ideas for, courses, trainings, and other practical resources (that won't involve going back to university for years)? Like how a previous post was about compiling a book list to brush up on, can we get a thread going for more hands-on, collapse-related skills development? I'm aware of Meg Wheatley's self-paced courses (though imagine there are others in the space) and registered my interest in the local reader threads to see what comes of them. Would love to know how others are "tragically clarifying" themselves and their strengths during this uncertain time.
Lauren, you've sparked a few ideas... Perhaps I'll address this as an AMA and use it to create a collective list of resources as you describe...leave it with me
Not sure if that's something that you were looking for, Lauren (I like the word 'collapse walker' btw, although I still get a bit apprehensive using the term collapse. Maybe because I'm too scared to open my eyes properly).
I'm a graphic designer in Sydney, been doing it for 40 years here and in Europe and most of the time still loving it.
A few years ago I got in touch with the Compassionate Communities Movement (it was created in Oz/WA, then it moved to the UK and is now back in Oz).
It's still very grassroot here, but growing. From there and through a few contacts and some experiences with death and dying I'm now training as an End of Life Doula (some call themselves Death Doula or Mortality Doula and it's not solely females). I still sometimes feel like an imposter but I guess confidence will come with experience.
But the contact with all these people has shown me that there is a hunger for community out there and the realisation that we have to take on the challenges ourselves instead of hoping help will come from somewhere else.
Media savvy people and good writers are needed everywhere.
This is such important service, Astrid. You will be amazing.
Ooh, I read an interview in an issue of Dumbo Feather magazine years back with a death doula, and was fascinated by what she had to say. It's an idea that lingered in the back of my mind.
Thank you for sharing that movement (I hadn't heard of it before) and your insight; I've definitely been getting some hard schooling from multiple angles of late around the notion of taking on personal responsibility and not hoping for "rescue" from some external source or idealised future outcome, as you've implied.
Wishing you well for the remainder of your training, and a swift removal of your imposter syndrome! I'm sure your experience and perspective are already proving greatly valuable :)
Yes, that was Stephen Jenkinson... I interview him on my podcast...
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/stephen-jenkinson-how-to-die-well/id1548626341?i=1000606356377
Thank you :)
Yes, that interview. That was probably Victoria Spence - she is an amazing woman. She's now running a holistic funeral house with a different approach. Very community orientated.
I also think getting impulses from different angles is good. I'm trying too.
All the best :)
* Checks bookshelf * So, the particular one I read about is Zenith Virago. Seems she provides her own death walker training, and has a Tedx talk on the subject! Based out of Byron Bay, I think; CEO of the Natural Death Care Centre charity.
Yes. She was one of the first in that field years ago. Her workshops are always sold out very fast.
Oooof - Lauren!! Way to nail what so many of are thinking and feeling. Thank you for stopping with it and articulating it so beautifully. We need Black Belt Elder Ops training - stat!
I have spent way too much time on this question, and have driven myself a little made with plans - DEFINITE PLANS AND IDEAS - which after I stew get rendered ridiculous (but oft revisited). Feeling very Jill of all trades / mistress of none. But, I have settled on one to start, one I hope
that will help grow some skill, compassion and care muscles. I don’t manage staff, but I am a support for many many people. So, in the name of being a better elder and role model I’m starting this in course with Small Giants Academy (from whence Dumbo Feather came!) in September: https://www.smallgiants.com.au/programs/interconnected-leader
I concur for this topic being teased out by all and sundry please!
p.s - OMG Sarah, hello there! I hope your cup has filled over the summer, even a smidge. Welcome back ☺️
Hello back to you. I"ll be interested to hear what you think of their courses.
May have to wait on that feedback - just got message the course had to be cancelled 😭🤦🏻♀️
Thank you so much for saying this! I'm not sure why, I felt so much resistance towards posting and took fricken ages to write it up (and weeks of stewing on it before finally doing so), and thought I came across super clunky and confused...so I'm really glad/relieved it resonates. (And that it sparked something helpful for you, Sarah :)) I wonder how many of us Jills/mistresses are out there just waiting to be put in, coach, we're ready! (Or at least very bloody willing to be ready.) I love the idea of undertaking Black Belt Elder Ops training (and that you capitalised DEFINITE PLANS AND IDEAS makes me think our minds work in a similar way, haha).
Small Giants courses always seem so delicious! Though the ones I've previously looked at have been well out of my price range/seem to be geared towards people already in clearcut leadership roles (practically MBAs)...still though, the curriculum, my gawd. And the one you've linked to is smaller and more accessible; so thanks for the reminder to keep an eye on them! I'm still sad Dumbo Feather stopped publishing, I bought up a gigantic stack of their mags when I heard they were going out and it's honestly a low-key dream of mine to take up their mantle in some way/get back into interviewing people long-form like they did so beautifully. They were ahead of their time in the way they reached into these existentially tormented/spiritually yearning aspects of us and our communities via their guests and wove their wisdom into what look and feel like nostalgic (yet so progressive!) works of art. *Sigh* Magic. Pure magic. (So if anyone in here shares a dream of starting some kind of publication like/around this, let me know, haha — absolute pipe dream. #Justkiddingkindof.)
I love this virtual community and can't wait to hear more. Thanks for chiming in and making my day :)
I feel like you might need to get pen to paper STAT Lauren to start recording who your heart needs to connect with, and what you hope to learn from them?! Be the voice you are missing friend! Just start from the start - it doesn’t have to be glossy or with sensational production skills!
lol - well, this DEFINITE(!) game plan backfired and the course was cancelled. I know you know how long locking this down took my brain! Canceled after the added accountability of saying the thing out loud!
Le sigh 😞
Love it when that kind of thing happens...and oh, I do indeed know -_- Have to stop myself from getting in a loop of, "See, this is what I get for putting myself out there! Now what? Oh the despair, the emptiness!" Haha, ah man. So, like, permanent cancellation? Or just of this instalment? Crossing my fingers, toes and eyes that something even better and more aligned pops up for you instead!
Welcome back, Sarah! What you've laid out feels right for this moment. We can't yet move on while we're still so deeply in collapse, and the masses are just awakening.
While I do prefer reading, I also value those critical conversations you've been having, so more of those please!
I agree too! I think you have a great balance between writing and conversing, and would love you to continue both offerings if you want to 🙏
Yes I also enjoy both forms, reading and listening. I used to mainly read then something shifted in my world, I find now that when I am driving, listening, thinking and absorbing just feel right. So thanks for those conversations.
Yes and yes, totally agree xx
Great to see 'This is Precious' pop up in my emails this morning, and so timely as I cautiously re-emerge from my own time out following a bereavement. It's done me good to stop, and I breathed a sigh of relief to read 'I don't know that we should be in a rush to get anywhere next'....I'm still very much making it up as I go along, taking inspiration from what I read here and in other communities I'm part of, itching to get my hands on the book and put it into the hands of those I hold dear, but also continuing to sit with some huge feelings...
Right underneath your email Sarah was one from Greenpeace offering a couple of 'listening circles' open to all. It says 'Listening Circles are confidential spaces to explore and share our thoughts, think through what actions we might take and deal with any feelings - from numbness to anger or anxiety and more.' I like that a charity that's always been renowned for bold action now recognises that sometimes what we need is to be quiet and thoughtful with other people who are feeling such pain at where we find ourselves.
That is SUCH an interesting juxtapositioning.
I'm not surprised if some of these climate charities are ...just exhausted.
Good to have you back, Sarah! First, please do keep the interviews and audio bits coming. I hike a lot and with earbuds in. Your voice, the guests with whom you talk (many of whom you've introduced to me), and the topics covered inspire my steps - literally and figuratively. Second, a brief apology, not nearly commensurate with the sentiment: I'm sorry that I've rarely (ever?) shared thoughts here. I deeply deeply appreciate your thinking, wisdom, chutzpah, and great big heart and could have responded a bzillion times over. But I haven't so contributed nor to this inspiring community. I wish I could share this glass of wine with you (all!); talk degrowth, collapse and wild-imagination possibilities... while watching this male goldfinch feed a demanding adolescent in the dogwood outside my studio window.
Please don't apologise! This note is enough. x
Thank you for weaving in my words (and genuine frustration with language) here, Sarah. What an honour to be challenging the world alongside you! 🙏🏽💫
Big respect to you, Anoo.
Where are you based? We should sit alongside each other one day -physically!
We absolutely MUST. I've been catching up on your work, and am in awe! So happy to meet you. I'm based in London most of the year, sometimes LA - where are you? Will DM you to make this happen xx
I'll be in London 20-24 September. I'm based in Paris.
Oh! it’s hard to explain the feelings when I get a notification from you. But it was like yay! WE are back. Keep doing all the things you feel like you can do. All of it resonates so deeply. I appreciate all that you do including getting away from the world (and subscribers) for the time that you need .its a worthy lesson to learn. For the first time I feel a tiny bit of excitement about the journey ahead, and that I have grieved and travelled with like minds, so not alone, and trusting that this is the only sane direction to go. Welcome back x
Thank you for this welcome note, Cynthia... feels nice x
I can acutely appreciate your need for a break, Sarah. My own hiatus was accompanied by hearing your interview from the Melbourne Writers Festival on Radio National and the subsequent discovery of your Substack. I'm grateful for both.
Personally, the most helpful part of your MWF interview, was towards the end when you talked about accepting uncertainty and preparing to bear more. It reminded me of a First Nations aphorism from Turtle Island, "In the land of doubt continue to praise".
The peace of acceptance is a tonic for the impulse of entering Saviour mode. Which of course upholds a pattern that got us here in the first place.
In no small way, is it ironic that a series of collapses caused by our seperation reminds us of our interconnectedness.
Ah yes, I heard that iv went up on radio and then on podcast.
Welcome to the crew, Dean.
....I share you fascination with the paradoxes and ironies at play - they're quite beautiful
PS here's the iv if anyone here wants to listen https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/big-ideas/id164330831?i=1000720856498
"In the land of doubt continue to praise"
The peace of acceptance is a tonic for the impulse of entering Saviour mode.
yes ... great words!
thanks Dean, and welcome to the community here
Thank you Nat, I appreciate the welcome and the care and contribution that necessarily come with it.
Oh I have missed this community and your thoughtful and challenging provocations. It was good that you took time out to work on the new book. In terms of collapse and where to from here, I have decided not to clutter my activist life with too many sources dealing with the chaos that is swirling around us but to choose a couple of trustworthy sources to keep myself informed. I have also engaged with Australian Jewish Council to try and do small but nevertheless important actions for Palestine. I feel the need to do small things that count in some way. Climate remains an important matter for me so I support the Climate Council. Your substack is my other source for contemplating life and how to live it as well as I can in these troublesome times.
Ps: I love your videos .
Thanks Kate...we will burn ourselves out if we get frantic in our effort to be of service. "Start where you are" is the most sustainable approach I feel x
This is such an interesting perspective, thank you for sharing it Sarah. I agree that folks will show up to the “oh shit this system is crumbling now what” party at wildly different times. And also some of us have been wide-eyed about that for a while, and working to practice different ways of moving through time and space and relationships, at varying degrees of success given that we’re trying to live these microcosms of a different way of being within the confines of late stage capitalism.
All that to say: maybe one of the things we keep doing is surfacing these microcosms of living differently, sharing them, learning from one another about them. A mentor recently said: we need an abundance of different experiments running all at once right now. That feels right to me.
Curious what you think!
Yes! Emergence is the only way now
Sarah, I'm relieved and grateful to have you back (and everyone else here). The overwhelm lately has been real. I'm not sure how you do it, but you manage to bring these conversations to us in a way that feels manageable. That despite the fuckery of it all we are all somehow stronger as a collective here and able to withstand what would otherwise be unbearable. Thank you xx
Bless you Hayley B!
While it maybe true that 'men' (quaint how we chuck 50% of the population under one generic category of 'men' or 'women ' which we would never be allowed to do with colour, race or religion) are somewhat lost and finding there way with old traditional role modes being disrupted, the evidence is that men as a whole are doing better with less pressure and more freedom. It's not surprising really. There was always a reason why men died much younger than women. Why men killed themselves three times as much as women. With men always put at the back of the line and of least value compared to 'women and children. From the evidence it is women and their lives that we need to have compassion for and give attention to. For the first time men's suicide rates are on the decrease and women's are on the rise (obviously still way too high for men - well both). Over the last 100 years female suicide rates have risen 50% and mens have fallen 30%. Women are using 250% more antidepressants than men. Longitudinal studies, like those of Yale University and others, comparing women's versus men's happiness, revealed that around 15 years ago for the first time since studies began, men's happiness is outstripping women's with male happiness increasing and female happiness decreasing. For the first time men are happier than women. It's most pronounced in younger men being much happier than younger women (country variations of course). Older women tend to be happier and older men less happy. Anxiety rates and social phobias are over 50% higher for young women than young men. In general mental health disorders are exploding for women (also for men but not at the same rate). Lots of work needs to be done to understand what is going wrong for women but it perhaps is hardly surprising as they have been conned into joining the patriarchy. Becoming cogs in the machine. Losing their identity. Just being agents of the economy. Going to work in meaningless jobs working as sales people, admin, accountants, managers of companies making worthless products, journalists reporting on the horrors of the world and the failure to take action on issues confronting human civilisation, doctors treating people mainly suffering from lifestyle diseases of their own making, fashion creators selling garments that will clog the seas of Africa after their first few uses, influencers commenting on stars and unpacking the latest so cute stuffed toy with a mean looking face ....... the list is endless. As cogs in the machine responding as robots with strict responses and protocols they must follow or lose their precious job. The job which means they can buy the very latest phone to spend hours on apps of reels and the latest smart TV to binge on the oh so engrossing and meaningful latest Netflix series - obviously so much more valuable than care, nurturing, love, beauty, friends, family, partners, children and real life around us. At the same time many women crying foul where have all the men gone. They have lost community and connection to things of real value - handing their children daily to others they have never met to look after them and then screaming horror that their most precious of all creations are abused, blaming the government, the workers, the centre managers. Anyone. Edvard Munch's 'Scream' hiding behind the fake smiles and false eyelashes. Yes there are a few finding a meaningful path but 1% is not the answer. There has to be a better way that does not require the complete rejection of the old. A Hegelian dialectic where we hold onto the good in the old while embracing the good in the new. A synthesis. A better way of life. We are yet only part way through this movement so there is hope.
These are such great points...yes, women are experiencing another layer of pain caused by the patriarchy. So why are we so focused now on the "boy problem"? Is it because of the risk of violence and disruption?
I think it is because the patriarchy relies on convincing women (and men) that work and thereby contributing to economic growth is the only worthwhile pursuit in life. Te loss of family, mothering, nurturing, care, love are irrelevant to the patriarchy. The horrific environmental destruction from economic growth is seen as inevitable. To acknowledge this new female problem is to acknowledge the core of the patriarchy which is economic growth and everyone must work and buy and consume and destroy. Women were sold this lie and bought it hook line and sinker.
Bridge Over Troubled Waters by Simon & Garfunkel happened on my Playlist as I happened upon your most welcome return.
I'm so so so on that horse and on a Bridge and heading through Rumis field to our Island of Sanity.
Anyhoo ... love love this post (including your Nun-like portrait image)
and so chuffed by your return and the community re raising itself ...
"We need to be ready to support anyone arriving at this terrifying juncture and try to assist them in not freaking out". I'm finding myself more and more in this role.
Funny where strength comes from.
Sending hugs to any and all as needed.
That's some serious mixing of metaphors!!! xx
uncanningly accurate however *clip-clop*
Welcome back. I was sitting at my desk with one word on my to do list for today: “neighbouring”.
I’m consciously neighbouring because I have been somewhat disconnected of late. It’s been frustrating watching those around me oblivious and clinging to ego and distractions and looking out for number 1. I woke this morning with a renewed sense to connect and continue difficult conversations.
This post coming through was a beautiful reminder that I’m not alone in this journey. Thank you! All of you.
I too love the live video interviews. X
"Neighbouring"....Great concept for your to do list....I think I'll take this on too.
I love your live interviews Sarah!
Me too though I often come to them long after the live moment. Please keep going. I’m here mostly to read but an occasional bit of movt is lovely.
Welcome back! You were missed :) I love the lives. While I do prefer to read, I often find myself too mentally and physically busy to slow down enough to read, and also don’t love reading on screens. The video/audio gives me a chance to listen on the go. And makes me feel part of a wider human community on these matters (am not yet connected in real life to anyone talking about this, nor do I hear it much anywhere else online). Human voices and faces help.
Thanks Alarna!
Great to have you back Sarah... have missed your potent light shining on the hidden stuff. I really like the balance of the written word and the videos/audio you post so very happy to still see these pop up from time to time. Rebecca's poem you sent out recently - thank you - WOW! Floored me.
Thanks Greg...what a fundamentally basic concept - community, hey!