2012: The End of the World, or The Beginning of an Enlightened Era?

As we enter this new year, a thought on the minds of many is "What will happen on December 21st, 2012?"  Like much of the free floating information on the web, this date is connected to EXTREME PERSPECTIVES so I'm going to try to bring what I feel is a balanced point of view to the discussion.

One side of the "End of the Mayan Calendar" debate is a fear based perspective that the world will end.  If you've seen the film 2012 with John Cusack (or even a trailer for it) then you pretty much get the idea.  I don't believe for even a brief moment that this is our fate.  First of all, the end of the Mayan calendar, to my understanding, was never intended to predict the end of the world.  It is simply the end of a cycle, as we are experiencing tonight as we enter a new year in terms of our culture's most widely accepted calendar.  Secondly, even if it was intended to predict the end of the world, since when has the Mayan culture been wise seers of future events?  To many in the West, any other culture is seen as "mysterious" but there's no reason in my mind that their calendar has any more importance than any other culture's system of tracking time.

The idea of the "End of Times" has had a great deal of attraction by the ego throughout recorded history.  The idea that everything is coming to a close allows the ego to stay in control through fear, and also gives people an excuse for not continuing to put energy into improving their lives since "it's all going to end anyhow."  In other words, it's escapism.  I recall a lot of paranoia in the U.S. leading up to "Y2K" with people even buying guns and stockpiling food...and it was all for naught.  I believe 12/21/12 will have the same neutral outcome.

But what about the "light" side of this upcoming date?  There is another somewhat popular view going around that the end of the Mayan calendar will serve as a portal to higher vibrational energy that will help the planet become enlightened.  Personally, I don't give this much credence because I believe that evolution is a very personal process.  If I only surround myself with people who are spiritual seekers who radiate authenticity and good intentions, it can be easy to believe there is some planetary shift on its way that will affect all of humanity.  However, if I look at footage from some conservative Megachurch, or read about cultures that still punish women for adultery or for even being raped, I am reminded of what a longgggggggg way millions of people on the planet have to go before they're even close to enlightenment.

All of us sensitive types are tired of the brutality on the planet, and would love a shortcut to a peaceful world, but whether we like it or not, there are a lot of people stuck deep in ego, low vibrational religions, and fear.  It may take them many lifetimes before they reach a state of peace and tranquility.  So instead of waiting for an entirely peaceful world, I sense it is a more fruitful endeavor to find peace with the world as it is.  We don't have to wait for a Utopian planet to feel calm within.  We can simply continue to work on our personal growth and accept what we can't change.

One nuance to 12/21/12 being a portal to good stuff...

The power of belief is very strong.  If there are people who strongly believe that they will feel an energetic shift for the better on that day, they very well could, at least to some degree.  We are spiritually interconnected so the combined energy of the focused thoughts of many people envisioning more peace and so forth will have some impact.  I don't believe the impact will change the personal karma of everyone in the world...but those who believe things are shifting are likely to feel something on that day.  And, if that is the case, why wait til 12/21/12?  Why not just tell yourself that personal evolution is possible right now, regardless of Mayan timekeeping?  Why not tell yourself that change is possible on 12/31/11?  In this moment we can grow if we believe we can and are receptive to inner guidance.  Concurrently there is no need to expect all 7 billion people and their various culturally-influenced minds to join along.  This is a planet of incredible diversity, and we have to eventually respect (or at least accept) how long it takes individuals to grow if they've been clinging to ineffective beliefs and values throughout their entire lives.

Peace,
Chris

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What is Genuinely You?

For many people on a spiritual path, there is a period of "undoing" during which we recognize that we have been performing throughout life to get certain rewards from the systems in which we participate.

In order to differentiate between what is yourself and what is simply your participation in various groups, ask yourself the following questions:

1. How am I not participating in the rules of my family of origin?
2. In what ways do I disagree with mainstream culture?
3. How do I differ from my community, friends, co-workers?

If you have a hard time finding anything unique about how you're living your life outside of established systems, that may be a sign that you're spending too much energy performing roles in order to fit in.  Of course, there may be overlap between your authenticity and certain systems (perhaps your parents went to the same college as you chose, but you decided to go there because it best fit your desires...not because it was expected of you).

Often times we find ourselves in systems that give us an opportunity to define ourselves through contrast.  For example, you may be born into a very conservative family, in a geographical region that generally embraces what they call "family values" so that you can better figure out who you really are by observing what you are not.  You may synchronistically find yourself in situations where you can witness the dysfunction of the old paradigm so that you may more clearly envision ways in which you would like to embrace new thinking.

To become more authentic, reflect upon which of your behaviors are motivated by fear.  The fear of rejection, isolation, or judgment may be keeping you in your roles.  However, the rewards that come from a disingenuous performance will never satiate you, even if it feels comforting to receive approval.

Attaining a peaceful, congruent mind only arrives when who we truly are is aligned with how we're "showing up" in the world.

Peace,
Chris

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Empaths & Mindfulness About The Entertainment We Choose

I haven't watched a horror film for years.  Before I was an empath I loved scary films.  It was fun to be startled or even shocked.  When I was more armored, anything that made me feel "something" was entertaining.

I still enjoy suspense, thrillers, and action genres if they're well-written.  So I apparently don't mind being over-stimulated to a degree.  But I'm no longer looking to be frightened as much as I used to be.

Recently I've been realizing that another "genre" isn't really working for me:  depressing stories!  I used to study film and was always on the lookout for great cinema, including documentaries that revealed dark aspects of life.  I'm now finding that because I'm so sensitive to energy, a depressing documentary can leave me with a very deep feeling of sadness.  As an empath, I feel the emotions of others so strongly that it's hard to simply observe others who are suffering without experiencing the same feelings.

The challenge that I'm facing is that so many sad documentaries are well-reviewed, and considered "great" films, that it makes me want to watch them all.  One such film, which prompted this blog, is titled One Day In September.  It was about the terrorist attack that occurred during the 1972 Olympics in Munich.  I had heard bits and pieces about the event, but didn't really know much about it...so I wanted to learn more through this documentary.  It was very well done and interesting, but left me feeling very sad and hollow.

Another example of how a film recently affected me emotionally was how I felt after watching Exporting Raymond.  I had heard a glowing review of this documentary, and it was, in many ways, comedic.  It was about attempting to get the show Everybody Loves Raymond produced in Russia...and explored the cultural differences between mainstream humor in America and Russia.  It was entertaining for the most part, but I noticed that it left me feeling mildly depressed, simply because the energy of the environment in Russia, as well as the energy of many of the Russian people, felt rather bleak to me.

In one of my all time favorite films, My Dinner with Andre, it is suggested (I'm paraphrasing) that when you show people through your art that life is meaningless, pointless and frightening it confirms what they already suspect.  But by showing them stories that are more empowering and positive, you give others a vision for a more enjoyable life.

I would never advocate not making films that address darker subjects, but I would suggest that for those like myself who already understand that life can be full of pain, misery and confusion, mindful consumption of media can improve one's sense of well-being.  For people who are not so highly sensitive, I understand how "upsetting" films can actually open their hearts, create more compassion, and actually help to develop greater empathy.

As for myself, I decided today to remove some darker films from my Netflix Queue, all of which are supposedly very well done, including:  Rabbit Hole, a drama about a couple coping with their child's death; Trouble the Water, about New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina; and Touching the Void, a documentary about a guy who broke his leg while climbing a mountain.  The last one may even have a happy ending...I don't know.  But I realized that due to my empathy I don't really feel like watching something that takes place in a cold environment during the winter.  It's been cold enough, lately.

My choice to filter what I view creates some inner-conflict within me, because I do enjoy being moved by portrayals of the human condition.  However, I feel as though I'm already aware enough of the negative aspects of life, and it'll be more enjoyable to watch films that are a little more "light" or "inspiring" in some way.  The next 3 films in my Netflix Queue are Midnight in Paris which I heard is Woody Allen's best work in years, Moneyball, about improving a baseball team, and Our Idiot Brother, a comedy.  I have a feeling that this change, despite some feeling of loss, is for the best...at least for now.

Peace,
Chris

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If We Didn't Lie To Kids About Santa - A Poem by Mystic Life

No need to indulge nostalgic illusion
because it's cute or familiar,
or for the vicarious high of magic.

If we didn't lie to kids about Santa
they'd trust the vulnerable truths
we'll later share to ease their confusion.

If we didn't perpetuate red and green deception
to add mythical joy to children's lives,
they'd find more peace with what is true.

Honest from the beginning with those we love,
less covert grasping for attention behind partners' backs,
fewer secretive well-timed emails and texts.

Everyone would be clear about
who's receiving our milk,
and our cookies.

- Mystic Life

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Transcending Increased "Unconsciousness" During the Holidays

I've noticed in recent years that unconsciousness increases during the holiday season.  By "unconsciousness" I mean patterns of thought and behavior that are less present, patterns that stem not from awareness but from ingrained socialized beliefs.

In much of the Western world, Christmas gives people warm fuzzy feelings if they had warm memories of receiving gifts, and not having to go to school.  Nostalgia is a force that sustains many people, though it doesn't truly satiate anyone.  If we're not content with our life situation, nostalgia can be a temporary escape that we use to find a relief from the fact that our career and/or relationships are not satisfying.  I believe that life can be enjoyable every day, and so I advocate that people don't use escape (including living in the past) because only in the now can we find the answers to what will align us with our true path.

For those who don't have warm memories of the past, or who are no longer close with those they once enjoyed the holidays, this season can increase feelings of isolation.  The feeling that one doesn't "fit in" can be deeply uncomfortable because of our biological programming related to tribal survival.  In reality, it doesn't matter if we have a "tribe" in the traditional biological sense as long as we have self-love...but to understand this we have to overcome a great deal of conditioning.  When we learn to love ourselves with a huge unconditional embrace, we increase the likelihood of attracting relationships that won't drain our energy.

I personally stopped celebrating Christmas several years ago when I stopped believing that Jesus was a real person.  It didn't feel congruent to celebrate a mythological figure, even though I like many of the teachings that were attributed to him.  I also found the holiday's emphasis upon happiness coming from material things to be off-putting.

Much of my spiritual path has been about deprogramming my socialization to get to what is real.  There aren't any holidays to which I have any strong attachments anymore, so I find the best way to utilize them is to witness my thinking while most of the Western world "does their thing."  If any shame arises from not feeling like I "belong" in a cultural sense, I observe it, grieve any feelings of loss, and return to my wholeness.

I encourage others to utilize the holiday season for self-reflection.  Are your work and your relationships with others nourishing your development?  I used to live for weekends, holidays, and vacations when I didn't enjoy my work.  When I began living in alignment with my values and beliefs, I was guided to a life that is easy and enjoyable on a daily basis.  I believe this is possible for everyone, as long as we avoid the trap of buying into socialized concepts about what life should look like, what we should "live for" (such as materialism, nostalgia, and numbing our emotional unfinished business with family members by using overeating and alcohol during the holiday season).

A life that isn't fulfilling every single day still needs some work.

Peace,
Chris

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