How we can resist despair and keep creating even in turbulent times

About this episode

The episode discusses how artists can resist despair and continue creating during turbulent times, featuring insights from various guests.

“This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.“ - Toni Morrison Actor and writer Amber Tamblyn reads comments by journalist Rebecca Solnit , followed by Solnit talking about activism for social change and not giving up. Psychologist Melanie Joy talks about how distressing media and events can be for highly sensitive people, and how our intense emotions can turn us away from things we desire to change in the world.... In the audio: writer, director, actor Amber Tamblyn reading the words of Rebecca Solnit , from video by Tamblyn. Solnit: "They want you to feel powerless and surrender and let them trample everything and you are not going to let them. You are not giving up, and neither am I. The fact that we cannot save everything does not mean we cannot save anything and everything we can save is worth saving. You may need to grieve or scream or take time off, but you have a role no matter what, and right now good friends and good principles are worth gathering in. Remember what you love. Remember what loves you…

People in this episode

Guests: Amber Tamblyn, Melanie Joy

Topics covered

• artistic resilience
• activism
• mental health
• social change
• sensitivity
• emotional well-being

Keywords

• despair
• creation
• activism
• sensitivity
• emotions
• social change
• Toni Morrison
• Rebecca Solnit

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Climate One, Substack

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