The 'Love-in-Action' Algorithm
It's not a poem, it's a procedure!
First published in the Collapse Club weekly newsletter. To attend a Collapse Club meeting, please visit https://www.collapseclub.com.
I don't write poetry. I'd love to, but it's a special talent, like singing, and I can neither write poetry nor sing. If I could, I would do nothing but sing beautiful poems all day! (Fortunately, some of our Collapse Club members do have the talent for poetry: Here's Kavi, for example.)
For my part, I write algorithms: processes for getting things done; step by step procedures which produce desired results. And I have come up with an algorithm to produce "Love-in-Action," which is the goal and end result of everything we do at Collapse Club. I know it sounds foolish to offer an algorithm for something as elusive as "Love," in action or otherwise. And no doubt it is foolish. But it's my way, and I must pursue it to the end!
Here is the Love-in-Action algorithm:
Find out about collapse, and freak out.
Process and metabolize feelings of fear, anger, and grief.
Figure out how to adjust your way of living, in response to the reality of collapse.
Find new perspectives that help you function in the world of collapse, which you now see clearly.
Bring whatever powers you have, to the work that is in your hands. (This is "Love-in-Action!")
In Collapse Club, we focus on steps 2, 3, and 4. In our meetings, we share feelings to help metabolize them, we talk about choosing new ways to live, and we offer the perspectives which sustain us day to day. The dry procedure written above does not convey the rich experience which attends the sharing in our meetings. For that you would need poetry, and, as I mentioned, for poetry you will have to look elsewhere.
But the algorithm does work! I have seen it work! I have experienced it myself. We arrive in a frenzy of fear and confusion. We are welcomed into an empathetic community where our feelings are validated, our challenges are understood, and our struggle is supported. Given time, we calm down. We become able to focus. We grapple with the reality of our lives and the world around us. Finally, we are ready to marshal our power, however it presents itself to us, and direct it toward the work that is in our lives, whatever it may be.
This is how we progress toward Love-in-Action at Collapse Club. Please join us!
Wonderful David!! An example of your Love-In-Action in action!!
Really true, really beautiful. Thank you for the clear-eyed write-up.