Living Fully in an Age of Decline (Sanity 101, Cliff Notes) Essential Wisdom for Hard Times

This 30-min "CLIFF NOTES" version of "Sanity 101: Living Fully in an Age of Decline - Essential Wisdom for Hard Times" gives voice to a decade of research into (1) the unstoppable nature of denial regarding biospheric and civilizational collapse, and (2) how we can live fully and contribute meaningfully even in the worst circumstances.

DESCRIPTION: No one needs convincing that we are living in hard times and in an age of chaos and breakdowns. Even those with no understanding of the runaway nature of biospheric and civilizational decline feel the stress. Just to read or watch today’s propaganda, formerly known as “the news”, is a sobering (or un-sobering!) experience. So... How do we cope? How can we stay positive? And, perhaps most importantly, how can we be of support to others who are confused, angry, depressed, or filled with fear, blame, or guilt? That's what this "basic training" in living life fully and loving the life you live even in the worst of times is all about.

THESIS: The stability of the biosphere has been in decline for centuries and in runaway (unstoppable) collapse for decades. This “Great Acceleration” of technology- and market-driven ecocide is an easily verifiable fact. The scientific evidence is overwhelming. Evidence is also compelling that the vast majority of people will deny this, especially those still benefitting from the existing order, those legitimately concerned about the consequences of collapse, those who fear that accepting reality means “giving up”. The history of 80+ previous boom and bust societies clearly reveals how and why Homo colossus (industrial civilization) is in terminal decline and destined for near-term extinction. Paradoxically, acceptance of collapse and its inevitable consequences may be the single most important thing any of us can do to live fully, fearlessly, and inspiringly in this Age of Decline: at TEOTWAWKI (The-End-Of-The-World-As-We-Know-It).

00:00:00 Introduction, Overview, Thesis
00:05:22 Trust / Stages / Overshoot
00:17:31 Denial / Universal Human Needs
00:09:35 Collapse and Civiizations
00:14:18 False Solutions / Hopium
00:16:17 4 Drivers of Collapse, Ecocide, NTHE
00:16:57 Calm Gratitude at TEOTWAWKI?
00:17:38 Naming Reality for good or evil
00:20:22 Acceptance, Trust, Post-doom No-gloom
00:21:49 It's NOT too late... / It IS too late...
00:22:32 Cultivating Calm Gratitude
00:23:16 Benefits of Acceptance, Trust
00:26:22 Final note of encouragement
00:27:17 Feelings of acceptance and denial