The year 2012 is finally here. My guess is that a certain percentage of people reading Integrative (alternative) blogs like this one may also be exposed to disparate ideas and predictions about this much-anticipated point in time. Starting with the understanding that no one can responsibly claim to know the future, I herein venture my own opinion on 2012, because our beliefs about it may greatly impact our health.
In a nutshell, I don’t believe we will see the end of the world. Doomsayers have a poor track record, even though one big asteroid or CME from the Sun and we could be toast any day. But, I so believe we will see the end of world as we know it, that is, more sustainable practices will consolidate themselves to bring us a better way of life, closer to our loved ones and the soil. Our intuitive feeling that “business as usual,” driven by whim, egotism and materialism have never been characteristic of an enlightened society has been proven correct in the last 3 years. The financial deck of cards built on those philosophies is crumbling. No change for the better comes without pain. After centuries of unsustainable practices, any adjustment is bound to trigger spasms of realignments. This is the grain of truth in the apocalyptic visions of some.
Interestingly, “Apocalypse” means “enlightenment” or “seeing clearly.” Also worth remembering is that the Chinese symbol for “catastrophe” also includes the symbol for “opportunity.” I am betting there will be more pain, in addition to what we have already seen; but, I hope we take advantage of the upheaval to become less materialistic, more self sufficient, and that we adopt a more communal and less materialistic life style. In short, I wish for all of you to turn inward to recommit to spiritual values most of us have already embraced and that we turn outward to live closer to our loved ones and friends.
Happy New Year, my friends, HR