“Sometimes things have to break down before they can break through.”
I read on the internet yesterday that our country, and perhaps the world, is on the verge of a Great Recession. Some commentaries even referred to it as a “Deep Depression,” the likes of which the majority of us have never seen. Yikes! The uncertainty of that idea is nerve racking. However, I’ve been a student of metaphysics and New Thought for decades now, and it has been teaching and speaking about a coming shift in consciousness for an equal number of years. Could this time in history be a signal of a Great Transformation rather than a Deep Depression? Is it even possible for us to consider these times in a (dare I say) more positive view? And even if it isn’t true, is it equally possible that just entertaining the possibility of a “Great Shift” rather than a recession is one of the best things we can do for our own mental states?
When you think about it, most spiritual traditions refer to times of transformation within their teachings. Christians and Jews alike talk about how a messiah will come (or at least return) at some point or another and herald in a new world. Muslims and Mormons predict an eventual “end times.” Some foretell that time as tragic and scary. Others imply it is similar to the belief that when we die we go to some heavenly paradise and all is well forever more. Even if you’re not religious, there have been other dates in history like Y2K, the Mayan Calendar of 2012 or predictions by Nostradamus that were supposed to shake things up, if not completely destroy the planet. This isn’t the first time in human history that people have wondered if profound change is near at hand.
New Thought spirituality has also frequently referred to a time of planetary transformation. Visionary futurist Barbara Marx Hubbard in particular proclaimed that, “In the next 30 years we can destroy our world. With the very same powers—spiritual, social, scientific—we can evolve our world. Our mission is to serve as catalysts for a planetary awakening in our lifetime, to take a non-violent path to the next stage of evolution.” Many other visionaries have repeatedly taught that if we can manage to not destroy each other or the Earth beforehand, there will come a time when war, hatred, hunger and fear are eliminated—and peace and harmony will reign.
But what occurred to me this week is that regardless of your religion (or not) I don’t think most of us have given much thought to the idea that during every huge planetary transformation there is uncertainty, disruption and suffering. Besides, don’t most of us want to believe that because we know it might be coming, that knowledge will somehow exclude us from all the trials and tribulation that such change requires? I know I do! Yet, I vividly recall Barbara Marx Hubbard saying on many occasions that we were right now in the process of helping to “mid-wife” the transformation to come. And, if you compare any transformation with the experience of childbirth, it is logical to realize that a lot of struggle and discomfort comes during the actual “birth.” While that might be fine in theory, it’s much easier to talk about the joys of a new child before the contractions hit and the screaming starts.
I think this is particularly difficult for many of us because we’ve gotten so used to things being comfortable. The reliability of being able to go to the grocery store for any little thing any time we want it is a very First World Experience that most of us don’t want to give up. Even if we have to work, we’ve grown accustomed to our paychecks and the fact that we have money flowing in to (at least mostly) pay for our wants and needs. Most of us have television and the internet to entertain us, and we (mostly) live in neighborhoods that are safe enough to take a walk—if we can tear ourselves away from our internet. Our climate, politics and the health care system might be a mess, but most of us are situated well enough to let others worry about it rather than taking action. We don’t necessarily want other people to suffer, but we especially don’t want to suffer ourselves.
So what can we do about it? I think it is time to admit that the vast majority of us are dependent upon a “business as usual” model in our country (at least most Western Countries.) And if anything is potentially about to transform in a big way, it has to start with changing the idea of things “returning to normalcy.”
If people can’t work and bring in money, what will happen? If so many of us get sick and we can’t go to the hospital, (even if we have the money to pay for insurance) what will happen? If weather patterns triggered by climate change create huge natural disasters, how do we recover? If we can’t keep ourselves and the people that we love safe, what will happen? In spite of what you might be thinking, I’m really not trying to scare anyone with these questions—I just think we all need to think about them so we stop being so surprised if or when things change. It’s one thing to know something is seriously wrong but accepting how things might change is a hard pill to swallow.
I really can’t offer specific support to those who follow a traditional religion. But I do know what I’ve learned and attempted to practice all these years that is helpful to me. What are some of those ideas?
1) We are all One. That means everything is interconnected—including all living beings and even the planet/Universe herself. Of course when I say we are all One, that is far more than saying we are made up of just material matter. We are connected by an invisible thread of consciousness or Spirit that ties us together in a constantly evolving and creative experience. Like individual musicians in the grand orchestra of life, we are all creating the symphony of Life.
2) Because we are One, we are all in this together. The entire planet and all its beings are evolving and creating our future as we go. A group consciousness is co-creating the days ahead and its ultimate outcome remains to be seen. What happens next? That’s largely up to our individual choices and the state of consciousness on the planet. And while there is certainly evidence that that consciousness is in a pretty unstable place in some ways, I happen to know and believe that there are thousands of people filled with love and peace and a sense of what’s possible to help us navigate the days ahead.
3) Our consciousness matters. We are either lending our awareness, minds and thoughts towards fear and hatred, or we are contributing to ideas of wholeness and peace. We are either part of the problem or part of the solution. Like I mentioned in our Vlog last week, we all hold a bucket of water on one shoulder and a bucket of gasoline on the other. Every single time we talk to another person—on social media, on the phone, or standing 6’ away—we either throw our bucket of water on the conversation and soothe it, or we throw our bucket of gasoline on it and feed the fire.
4) Anything we focus on grows. Anything we resist, persists. In other words, the more we fight with the change that is happening and tell ourselves that “this can’t be happening,” the more it overwhelms our lives. If we want to remain a peaceful example to others and calm our own anxiety, we need to find ways to soothe ourselves and stay focused on staying aligned with our Source.
5) Transformation asks us to focus on what really matters to us and let go of all the superficial stuff we have used to distract ourselves with in the past. A New Thought minister in Los Angeles named Michael Beckwith has been talking about this for years. Our busy-ness and our dramas are actually just distractions we’ve used to keep us from knowing who we really are on the deepest soul level. In so many ways, much of what occupied our formerly current world has kept us from evolving our own consciousness and then finding and living our deepest purpose.
6) Love and compassion will ease any transformation. If you consider what gets most women through the pain of childbirth, it is the anticipation of the end-result, and the love and compassion in her heart. No it’s not easy. Nor does it always go according to “plan”. But most of the time the joy that is felt is worth all the discomfort. Barbara Marx Hubbard didn’t end her midwife analogy there either. She went on to admit that as eternal beings, the love that met us when we were born on this plane, will likely welcome us on the next. Transformation is like that too. Whatever happens in the end, all will be okay.
This week I’ve been listening to a recording of Eckhart Tolle who is reminding me of all this and more. He explains that the infection of fear and negativity in our minds is as dangerous and pervasive as any virus. He stresses that we are all contagious with our emotions and consciousness as much as we are with any physical condition. Staying aligned with Presence/Source is the best way to fight any infection. Of course we must act when necessary, but we do our very best to take actions based on Presence rather than anything else.
I realize this post is off-topic from most of my other posts. But this week someone asked the question on Facebook, “If you knew you only had one week left to live, what would you do?” Not that I believe we are entering “end times” by any means, but it did lead me to ask myself, what is really important for me to think and to do right now? That’s why I wrote this post more than anything. Maybe it is SMART for each of us to ask ourselves what really matters to us, what we want to do with the time we have left, and are we really ready for the shift, however it shows up?
I would prefer a Great Transformation versus a Deep Depression. I do believe our mental states are of the utmost importance right now. I also feel we are at just the beginning of our crisis. I think ‘profound change’ is inevitable. Your analogy with birth is interesting. I am also with you how I hear ‘returning to normal’ often being thrown around. Our normal will never be what it used to be. I appreciate all of your points and especially Number 3 and 4.
I am curious about Elkhart Tolle’s recording. I listened to a series of 10 about half a year ago. Is this a new one?
There will be a shift and I am trying to fortify myself mentally and physically for what may lie ahead. I find peace when I stay present. Great realistic, yet hopeful post, Kathy. Thank you for sharing you!xx
Hi Erica! Me too! I am definitely in favor of transformation over depression but I think it helps to realize that we can help to create either one in our lives regardless with how others view it. We certainly can’t control how others or the economy or the world handles it, but like so much, some of it will be in our perception rather than just accepting “reality” as others define it. And isn’t that a big part of #3 and #4? As far as Tolle goes, the recording came from Sounds True. I subscribe to their emails and they were offering it along with others that were available as an online workshop on resilience (if I remember correctly). I think the date alluded to the fact it was a year or so old but I didn’t catch the exact date so don’t know how you could find it yourself. Sorry I can’t more but glad the post was uplifting for you. ~Kathy
Resilience and Grit is likely very helpful right about now. Looking forward to staying connected, Kathy.?
I’m glad to see that you are here still blogging away, providing thoughtful analysis of our current world situation. I too think of the world as one, but many people do not see it that way. I hadn’t thought of this pandemic in terms of a worldwide rebirth, but there’s a truth to it. I wonder how much more fractured the world will become before the mending and healing will start in earnest. In the mean time I’m focusing on being in each moment with as little judgement as possible. Somehow that seems to be keeping me centered. Stay safe, be well.
Hi Ally! Thank you for popping in here to share your thoughts with all of us. Like you I truly hope that we don’t have to “break” any more to get the point across that things need to change–but, what’s the saying, “People either learn through inspiration or they learn through pain.” While I would never wish for pain for any of us, maybe that’s what it will take? And good for you for staying focused on the moment…and reminding ME of that too. So very important. Thanks for your “centering” thoughts and stay healthy! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Interesting post for interesting times. Dan and I have been having similar conversations about what this will mean for us all. I saw (and reposted) a Facebook meme something to the effect, “Do you get the feeling that this situation might be God’s way of sending us all to our rooms to think about what we have done?”
Yes, I do…no matter one’s definition of God, Allah, Buddha, Higher Power, the infinite, there are things at work in the universe that we are not in control of. As a human race we are hugely egocentric and think that we are in the driver’s seat. Nope, not all the time.
My feeling is that this global pandemic will shine a brighter light on our connectedness, and the need for empathy, kindness, shared responsibility, and a refocus on what is important, really. A move away from our materialism would be of enormous benefit for each other and the planet.
However, I confess to HUGE anxiety, mostly in regards to health and isolation. Thank goodness for the WWW and the ability to connect, at least electronically to those we love who are far away. And, I had heard about Contagion, but am afraid I would have Leslie’s same reaction. I don’t need to purposefully look to add to my anxiety level, so I’ve stayed away – and we limit our exposure to all the “bad” news. We want to stay informed, yes, but not spiral into the deep rabbit hole of coronavirus.
Do I think some things will return to “normal” – yes, I do. And some I hope for, such as eventually celebrating my son’s wedding which was shelved due to Covid 19 (and of course they and we are devastated) sometime in the future when we can all get together again. But I am also hopeful that some things will change, for the better, when we have had this time for a collective reflection and realize that we CAN do better for ourselves, each other, and the world.
I’ve not been blogging much…but I am still here, reading, writing, and thinking. And making medical masks for my 4 doctors in my immediate family (at their request!!!) who are putting it all on the line to help humanity but don’t have the equipment to protect themselves. Shame on us.
Nancy
Hi Nancy! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this. I too think we are getting a “wake up call from the Universe” regardless of what name you give to that Higher Power. While I’m a big believer in that fact that we can self direct much of what happens in our lives, we aren’t in control of the world at large or other people (thank goodness in many cases!!!) And in times like these, just doing our best to manage our own anxiety is pretty important work. It sounds like you are doing what you need to do so that’s great. I tend to believe that if we can keep our own anxiety in check we can help others do the same.
Sorry you had to postpone your son’s wedding. I think all of us having to face that what we thought we were going to be doing isn’t going to happen anytime soon. Fortunately when things do return to a better place, I’m hopeful that it will be a better version of us than before. Yes, tragic about the medical situation right now…we CAN do better than we’re doing and I’m super grateful for the people in medicine right now, I surely hope we do better in that regard too. Stay healthy! ~Kathy
It’s too bad that an epidemic like this is “needed” to shake things up a bit. Don’t get me wrong, it’s awful and I feel for everyone (myself included) suffering from financial loss, emotional challenges, physical discomforts, or medical issues.
Yet, as you kind of point out – people have gotten too comfortable in their lives, with their routines, with getting what they want. I hear the millennials in particular are suffering right now. Even though the have high-speed internet and all the amenities they desire. I’ve always thought they are too spoiled and entitled. I hope they learn from this event. I hope we all learn from this COVID-19 and will be able to figure out our priorities in life and in regards to Mother Earth.
Weeks ago, I saw a quote on Facebook, basically inferring how people in wars are asked to risk their lives, while all we are asked is to stay at home and practice social distancing. It think that puts things in perspective.
Hi Liesbet! Yes, I completely agree. I’m thinking our grandparents would be thinking we’ve all gotten pretty soft. Of course, I’m the first one to admit i like most of the conveniences that modern life offers, but I think we also need to consider the cost. This pandemic is a chance to sit and reflect on what’s REALLY important. And I know you’ve been doing that for most of your life so it probably seems strange. But hopefully we will all be better, and our country will be better, and our world will be better, when we finally make it through. I’m hoping you’ve found a peaceful and safe place to land through all this–i hope that for us all! ~Kathy
Kathy, I appreciate your approach to SMART living and the thoughtful insights you share here. I am not sure that this event will be the catalyst that prompts the world to change, but it is causing people to pause and think. Will society be overwhelmed by the realization that we are not in control, and return to a life of excess and greed, or will we begin to apply lessons learned?
There are so many broken systems that seem beyond repair, beginning with the very basics, the family unit, respect for authority, a sense of responsibility beyond ourselves, communication, contribution, selflessness, consequences, the list goes on. I’m going to sound like an old fart now, but I miss the old days when teachers, Sunday school teachers, grand parents and parents were the “community” that molded children into responsible, caring adults.
I don’t think we can begin to make progress with big issues like politics, healthcare, and global warming until we figure out how to get back to basic civility.
The following quote is too sad to be funny, but there is a grain of truth here. “Look on the bright side people, at least we now know that we can live without televised sports and the Kardashian’s”.
Hi Suzanne! Funny you mentioned the “good old days.” I’m bet you’re not alone in that. Because our worlds have gotten so big, and so complicated, it does make us all long for times when life wasn’t so complicated. All that civility and clearly defined roles had some advantages. But I recently listened to a Jungian Analyst named James Hollis (I wrote a blog post about him) that said though the temptation is there, those good old days were extremely restrictive and difficult for millions of people. Chances are that in your and my world’s (especially in happy childhood versions) everything seemed loving, kind and wonderful. But as we know, people in other races, religions, sexual orientations, etc, had it anything but. In fact it was downright scary. Sure civility, respect and a focus on human dignity needs to make a comeback, but let’s avoid romanticizing the past as a role model. Hopefully we can come though this better than now, and better than then. and OH YES…living without televised sports and the Kardashians is a HUGE plus! ~Kathy
I can relate to your statement that anything we focus on grows. We are on day 7 of self-quarantining after a flight to and from Kentucky in the last 2 weeks. We are on day 3 of shelter in place here in El Paso. Today I felt more anxious than I have to this point. Did some projects around the house this morning but felt really jittery. My daughter suggested we watch a movie, “Contagion.” We did and it was the story of a virus similar in many ways to the Covid-19 crisis. I found myself getting more agitated and anxious the longer the movie went on. Actually sighed with relief when it was over and credits began rolling.
Moral of the story, I don’t need to be watching shows that parallel what we are living through now. And I don’t need to keep the news on 18 hours a day. Going to start limiting myself to watching the news and find more uplifting ways of spending this newly found free time. Stay well.
Hi Leslie! OH NO! Don’t watch and apocalyptic movies right now!!! Maybe your daughter could handle it but I’m searching out positive and uplifting movies (and comedies) right now. No wonder you are feeling anxious. Of course, I will confess I’ve had some days better than other days myself. I think it comes in waves for us all. Treating ourselves as though we were a bit more “delicate” than we actually are might be good too. Instead of telling ourselves and each other how tough we are, maybe being more vulnerable is a good approach. Hmmm….I think that might be another blog post…thanks for that. And yes, stay well and calm. ~Kathy
Most of us are feeling like the ground is shifting beneath our feet and we aren’t sure what is solid enough for us to hold on to. I have two concerns (I don’t want to call them fears) about the eventual outcome of this crisis: that the world and our lives will change in unimaginable ways, and that they won’t. It appears that the powers that be are very anxious to have everything return to “normal” (the normal that they are very comfortable with) and are ignoring the dire warnings of the health care professionals. Just like so many of the financial rules and regulations that were put in place after the last recession have now been watered down or done away with, I worry that the systemic problems and inequalities this global crisis has laid bare will be ignored once again when it is over… until the next time.
Hi Janis! Yes that ground beneath our feet is pretty wobbly these days…and we in California are sort of used to that right? I agree that it isn’t a “given” that we will see tons of positive change out of this situation, but the possibility exists. I’m hoping that the seed of needed change is being planted in everyone around the world…but it will take all of us insisting on that change before we can be assured it will happen. Will we? Like you said, who knows? ~Kathy
Over these days it has become clear that we will not be going BACK…we are all in this together… I sure look forward to “a time when war, hatred, hunger and fear are eliminated—and peace and harmony will reign.”
Hi Gary, I truly hope you are right that “we will not be going BACK” but I’m not 100% positive. I don’t think any of us know. One thing is for sure is if the “powers that be” do everything they can to go back to “normal” that it will take years to do that. And who knows what could happen through all of that. Something that John Lennon and Yoko Ono said, “The war is over when we say it is.” I think that applies to much of what is not right in our world today. ~Kathy
I find comfort in knowing that all the struggles now might lead to some form of change that is better for us and better for our planet. In the meantime, I try to stay in the now, not worrying over things I can not control, and focusing on what I can do in this moment. Some days it is easier than others!
Hi Michele! Having the mindset that “all the struggles now might lead to some form of change that is better for us and better for our planet” is a wonderful way of addressing the situation. Thank you for that! I’m not AA but the serenity prayer has been going through my mind a lot lately…and yes, some days are easier than others. `Kathy
Hi, Kathy – Once again, our thinking is in sync. I woke up this morning with an old quote replaying in my head, “Change without a paradigm shift is like moving deck chairs around on the Titanic.” Your post was beneficial to me in sorting out my thoughts. Your writing, hard work and commitment are greatly appreciated.
Hi Donna! Isn’t it funny how we hope for change (positive of course) but we really prefer that change come under our terms! Thank you for letting me know this post was helpful to you….I wasn’t sure about how it would be received, but like so many of them, I needed to think things through for myself and I hoped it might help others do the same for themselves as well. ~Kathy
I think you’re right that, as a culture, we promote comfort or stability over many other things. I share in that, especially as I get older and feel more vulnerable. Rough conditions didn’t bother me when I was twenty (living rough, without electricity, not changing clothes very often, etc.) — in fact, I sought them out. But now . . .
So I hope our transformations are positive, gradual, and gentle. I hope they tilt us toward more kindness and compassion (which is by no means common in quick transformations).
Whatever happens now or next, it can’t hurt to be part of the solution! The world always depends on people doing their quiet best….
Hi Nancy! You are SO right that it is far more difficult to “rough it” now at this age than when younger. Yes, we slept in a tent (not often but we did it) and we drove a VW Volkswagen Bus for the longest time and even slept in it in a few rest stops when necessary. No, it didn’t have A/C and was a stickshift on the floor. We ate just about anything, anytime, anywhere…of course that’s changed for the better IMHO but what it’s made us is much more picky about just about everything. Being picky and settling for convenience is a big part of the problem for sure. We can certainly hope for a gradual change, but I think that is out of our hands. But most importantly I too hope that we “tilt us toward more kindness and compassion.” Thanks for your thoughts on this. ~Kathy
Thank you for this thoughtful post, Kathy.
I am reminded of someone (can’t remember who) who said something to the effect of (in relation to business, but applies to every aspect of life): Anyone can manage a company in the good times. It’s when times get tough that you see a person’s real character and leadership abilities.
We are seeing that in leaders and governments around the world right now.
Deb
Hi Deb! Ahhh…that’s a good one. Yes, it is always easy to stay peaceful, happy and generous when things are going good. But it REALLY counts when the “rubber hits the road.” We’ll see where it goes right? Sending positive thoughts and good health your way! ~Kathy
It struck a chord when you said you didn’t think most of us “have given much thought to the idea that during every huge planetary transformation there is uncertainty, disruption and suffering.” Because (not fitting in the majority), I have given it a LOT of thought. I believe in the Mayan and other prophecies of a world shift. I do believe there was a shift in 2012 that ushered in new possibilities. And, I’ve asked myself many, many times “How uncomfortable am I willing to get to see the shift happen? What am I willing to sacrifice?”
I guess the answer has finally come to “almost anything.” I really feel we need a COMPLETE change in governing structures – not just here, but all around the world. The greed and corruption has to stop. I really believe that we need to sit up and respect the planet. I’ve prayed thousands of times for a shift that would wake people up, do away with existing structures, and give us the opportunity to build new ones on different values. And I’m prepared to give up nearly everything to have it happen.
As a teacher, I’ve seen the education system breaking down, especially over the last 5 years. Teachers are working so hard to create a learning environment amongst behavior that has escalated to students telling even the principal to “f*** off” and smoking weed right in class, getting up and walking out of class whenever they want, failing every class without caring. I just knew it couldn’t go on, or teachers will flee the profession. I can’t help wonder if maybe setting up distance learning, as so many districts are doing now, won’t become more of a permanent idea. I wonder how many students will come to hold a new appreciation for school.
Anyway, thank you for the prompt and for getting us thinking about the positives. And for reminding me about Michael Beckwith and Agape! I believe I”ll join their online service tonight! See? People have time to figure out new approaches and try them now!
Stay safe and, as always, my warmest wishes to you and yours,
Jamie
Hi Jamie! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and perspective on what’s happening with you and the world right now. I think if any of us are honest we KNOW things have been messed up in politics, the climate, inequality, the environment, greed, etc. etc. etc….and I think deep down most people want change…but who has the best plan to ‘fix’ it is usually questionable. I still remember a story by Michael Beckwith who got deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the 60s. Then one day he was sitting around talking strategies with the others in his group and he heard the anger, hatred and justifications in their words and he realized then and that if they “won” and got everything they were fighting for they would likely be as oppressive as what they said they were fighting against. Yes, things are messed up and yes things need to change. But like Thom says (and wears the T-shirt) “We don’t know enough to be a pessimist.” Where we are going it is hard to say. Keeping our hearts and focused on connection, love and possibility (without attachment!) is so very important. I hope you continue to be safe AND healthy through this all. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy. So many truths in your post. This pandemic has brought in to sharp focus, how we are all interconnected, as you say. Our world has been turned upside down and there is no one to blame, even though some ill informed politicians try to blame China. I love the positive perspective you offer at the end of your article. Take good care. We need people like you.
Hi Diane! Thank you so much for checking in here…we bloggers ARE connected in a special way beyond what’s available to others. But we are all still connected. And blame? While I’m all for action if it actually helps others and/or myself…but otherwise it is a pretty wasted form of energy at this point. Hoping you are staying well and calm in these times. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy – there are some huge questions that have come to light in recent weeks and you highlight a lot of them here. The future that most of us were so complacent about has now become a vast unknown. We’ve been wrapped in cottonwool and life has been so predictable, and now a giant spanner has been thrown into the works and everyone handles it differently.
I’m choosing to focus on the “now” and to look for the good and the positive. If we look for the ugliness and the uncertainty we’ll find it, but there’s also a lot of good and grace and kindness being shown by the majority. I want to be part of that, to go into the future believing that God is in control and what will be will be. My aim is to be a part of the solution – to act in the best interest of those around me, and to hold hope in my heart that we’ll come through this wiser and better than when it started. Things are changing so quickly, but I believe it will pass and it will be interesting to see what our new normal is in a few months’ time.
Thanks for your very considered thoughts – it’s always interesting to see what the wise women are thinking and discerning. Stay safe and stay well x
Hi Leanne! Thanks for pointing out something that I think is really important (at least for me) and that is staying as focused on the now as possible. Right now I am living in a comfortable place, I feel healthy, I have enough food, I slept well and I just got back from a walk with my dog and my husband. As for tomorrow…who knows really? Best to keep my mind focused on what I have right now. And yes, it will be REALLY interesting to see if/when/how things change in the future. Sending good vibes to you on the other side of the planet! ~Kathy