Sharing Brings Courage
How Collapse Support Groups Help Me Cope
“When we share with other members about what is really going on, we cut through our denial and anchor ourselves in reality. While it may be difficult to face certain facts, when we allow ourselves to confront them, we cease to give our own denial the power to devastate us at every turn.”
--From “Courage to Change”, an Al-Anon daily meditation book
Sharing in a support group has helped me to move away from denial and toward collapse acceptance. The whole experience of collapse becomes more real and personal when I share my feelings with a group of like-minded individuals.
There are times when I just want to forget that I know collapse is really happening, when the feelings are overwhelming and I don’t want to think about it anymore. Maybe it would be easier to pretend everything is fine, like most of the people I know do. That’s when being in a support group is so beneficial. Being able to share how I feel in a meeting helps me to not feel so alone. I’m not crazy – this is really happening and other people see it, too!
Many of us hear stories that are similar to our own, or can identify with the feelings that are expressed. People nod with understanding. I often hear something that sheds light on my own situation. Each member of the group brings their own unique wisdom to share the others. What they did that helped them cope. What actions they are taking to help themselves and their community “collapse better.”
I find that I have more courage to face this harsh reality and decide what I need to do next. As I have more acceptance of the reality of collapse, I have more compassion toward others - and toward myself. I find that I am becoming more emotionally resilient in the midst of our radically changing world. I can have less fear and find more joy in living, knowing that I’m not alone.
“Relations”, original watercolor by Susan Porter
Here are the collapse support meetings I have been attending, if you are interested in more information:
Zoom Meetings
Wednesdays – 5:30PM PST / 8:30PM EST
Saturdays – 11AM PST / 2PM EST
Collapse Acceptance Alliance - Zoom discussions
Thursdays @ 5pm PST / 8pm EST / 12am (Friday) UTC - Email ‘why you feel the group may be a good fit for you’ to: