On Tyranny - community journaling practice | March 1 - 21, 2025 + Optional Zoom Session on March 24
A 21-day community journaling and reflection practice inspired by On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder.
We are living in a moment of profound uncertainty—where democracy hangs in the balance, authoritarianism looms, and the narratives shaping our world are being distorted in real time. In moments like these, writing is more than an act of reflection—it’s an act of resistance.
Challenging the Narrative is a new quarterly community journaling practice designed to create community as participants process the complexities of our current moment, challenge the stories we’ve been told, and reclaim the power of our own voices. Each quarter, we explore a different theme, drawing from history, literature, and political thought to deepen our understanding of power, truth, and being human.
This quarter, we turn to On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder, a stark and urgent guide to recognizing and resisting authoritarianism. In the book’s prologue, Snyder reminds us that history does not move in a straight line toward progress; rather, it is shaped by human choices. Drawing from the lessons of the 20th century, he warns that democratic institutions are fragile and that tyranny is not a relic of the past but a recurring force that exploits fear, division, and complacency. He urges us to learn from history—not as passive observers, but as engaged participants who understand that democracy requires constant effort and vigilance.
HOW IT WORKS:
Each day, you’ll receive a reflection prompt in your inbox inspired by one of the short essays in On Tyranny, inviting you to reflect on Snyder's points within the context of our current crisis, confront the mechanisms of authoritarianism, and identify your role in the movement for justice. This practice is about more than reflection—it’s about building community and discovering concrete actions you can take to be part of the resistance. Everyone’s place in the movement is different, but all are needed. Together, we’ll deepen our understanding, strengthen our resolve, and take meaningful steps toward collective care and resistance.
This practice is low-pressure and flexible—you can write as much or as little as you want each day.
📧 Daily Prompts: Delivered straight to your inbox
💻 Community Chat: Hosted on Substack for daily discussion and connection
🎥 Optional Zoom Gathering: A live conversation at the end of the 21 days
While you won't be asked to share your writing, we’ll have a dedicated space using Substack chat to discuss the day’s reading and reflections, creating a shared space for dialogue and insight. The time commitment is 30 minutes or less per day:
⏳ 10 minutes – Read the short essay from On Tyranny
📝 15 minutes – Reflect and journal on the day’s prompt
💬 5 minutes – Share key insights on Substack & engage with others (if you choose)
If you want to spend more time journaling, reflecting, or engaging in discussion, that’s totally up to you. At the end of our 21 days, we’ll gather virtually via Zoom for an optional community care + discussion circle to talk about insights, takeaways, and how we carry this work forward.
📖 It’s highly recommended (but not required) that you have a copy of On Tyranny so you can read each essay before responding to the prompts. The essays are short, making them easy to integrate into your daily practice.
BY THE END OF 21 DAYS, YOU WILL:
Gain deeper insight into the warning signs of authoritarianism and how they show up today
Use journaling as a tool for processing complex emotions like fear, anger, and uncertainty
Explore your own role as a truth-teller and changemaker in this critical time
Engage in thoughtful, meaningful discussion with a community of like-minded individuals
Walk away with greater clarity, resilience, and a renewed commitment to action
THIS PRACTICE IS FOR YOU IF YOU'RE:
Feeling overwhelmed by the current political and social landscape
A thinker, activist, writer, or leader looking for a guided practice for reflection and action
Seeking a structured but flexible way to process and engage with history in real time
Someone who values deep thinking, shared dialogue, and intentional community spaces
TIME, INVESTMENT, AND PLATFORM:
30 mins per day (approx) (see breakdown above)
90 minute community care + discussion circle via Zoom on Monday, March 24, 2025 from 7:00-8:30 pm EST
Registration costs $129, which includes a one-year paid subscription to /rōot/ by dimple dhabalia (a $100 value).
If you want to register but aren't in a position
Your place in this movement matters—let’s gather in community to reflect, write, and challenge narratives together.
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