The planetary climate right now is featuring a tremendous amount of intense energy and everyone is feeling it on one level or another. Tsunamis, air raids, nuclear threats, wars, famine and continual unrest are some examples of how this energy is unfolding. The intensity is naturally affecting each of us on personal and community level. As mindful beings how do we make sense of the unrest and assist in transformation and healing? On what level are we supposed to assist in change or to surrender and trust?
Originating in Mayan tradition the year 2012 signifies an intense year of change and possibly destruction. The year has taken on all kinds of focus in various new age streams and has become mainstream enough that even Hollywood has jumped in and produced a movie called, “2010.” For the most part, I don’t pay much attention to whether people interpret the significance of 2012 as the end of the world or the beginning of spiritual enlightenment. I find getting involved in ideas or theories disconnecting, and it doesn’t allow me to stay in the flow of trusting myself. I also find distaste with the perspective that some people will be saved and others will be left behind. This perspective feels so judgmental and has the potential to elicit fear. I align myself with the belief we are all equally loved and seen as worthy no matter what.
So how can we witness so much occurring in the world and be on the brink of 2012 and not feel like there is a connection? We certainly are going through some level of transformation on a planetary level and whether this is connected to 2012, I don’t know. Yes, one hopes that current predictions fuel waking up to appreciate the now, rather than being paralyzed by fear because it’s impossible to know precisely what will unfold and what shape these changes will take. It seems like throughout history there have been intense cycles, some more intense than others. The connection to one date or time, again, I am not sure, but I do know I want to focus my personal energy as constructively and healing as possible.
The question that continues to occur for me is how can I be a contributing productive citizen in all this change. Do I become active or surrender? To actively participate we can financially support movements to assist people in the recovering from the Tsunami, we can stay active in politics, or join prayer circles or dedicate our daily practices to help support the transformation. However we decide to hold the change, it is important to recognize the need to stay open. We may feel powerless in the midst of the turmoil but each action we take with an open heart has a positive effect on the world.
On a personal level this may be challenging to feel ease and comfort in our own skin when the intense energy may cause fear and doubt to appear. Years ago, I read a transformative book called, “How Then, Shall We Live,” by Wayne Muller a therapist and minister who worked with terminal AIDS patients. In working with this population, Muller found that the patients were discovering a key component to living in the presence of their terminal condition; life is precious so be in the now. The book really woke me up to how often I am not paying attention and feeling gratitude for my experiences. This is not meant to feed fear, but it can open an interesting point and dialogue about how living with the presence of our mortality changes the tapestry of our existence.
With this, how do we keep coming back to the preciousness of each breath, each experience, challenging or easy, and really take stock in being present. How do we ground our energy, see the changes in the world in a way that we can help shine light, pray in a new way. It begins here, with each of us, staying centered and growing and changing.