Fearing the worst - by Asha Hawkesworth

Fearing the worst by Asha Hawkesworth
"Transition," by Sulamith Wülfing An article in The Oregonian described the steps that some people are taking to "prepare for the worst" by stockpiling food, guns, and ammunition. These "survivalists" anticipate a breakdown in systems that will cause people everywhere to start behaving in a manner reminiscent of Lord of the Flies. There are two problems with this theory: first, whatever thought we give energy to, we manifest more of; second, this cynical view of human nature is more often found to be incorrect than otherwise. So let's start with the first issue: we manifest our reality with our thoughts and beliefs. If you believe that the worst possible outcome will happen to you, it probably will. By focusing on what you don't want, you ensure that you get it. The people who expect to suffer during this shift are going to. This is their choice. How is suffering a choice? The only thing we control is how we think and react to the things that happen. That's it. If we choose to give energy to our fears, if we can only see the negative, if we personalize everything that happens, we are not going to be happy. We will, in fact, suffer greatly. On the other hand, we can choose to overcome our fears, view difficulties as challenges, and take a more positive view. Cynics are seldom happy; optimists usually are. It is true that there have been times in the history of our one race when people have fallen into a "group think" that led to tragic consequences. This still occurs: in Darfur, within Al-Qaeda, and in urban gangs. When this happens, however, it is usually because people are looking for something they lack, or for something to belong to—some form of community or family that they did not have. They may actually be uncomfortable with the actions of the group, but lack the courage to speak it. This abdication of personal power is also a choice. But "group think" or the energy of the mob works the other way, too. Positive energy creates more of the same. It's very attractive; we naturally gravitate toward it. An energetic tide of good will is far more powerful than any wave of negativity, and we have seen numerous examples of this throughout history, too. When an earthquake devastated the Kashmir province of Pakistan, India responded with aid and supplies, even though relations between the two countries have been tense. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, American volunteers brought aid and relief even as the federal government struggled to meet the need. When people in our communities need help, we help them. Human beings are generous and selfless more often than not. Those who envision an apocalyptic breakdown in which dog eats dog are projecting their own fears onto the world. Those who feel the need to defend their food supply with a gun are envisioning a world of lack instead of a world of abundance. In all likelihood, they will manifest lack, because that is their fear and their focus. Our systems are changing, out of necessity. They are coming back into balance. This means that we must come together as communities once again. Instead of hoarding food, share it. Instead of isolating yourself, meet your neighbors. Instead of doing without, exchange an item or service with someone else. Instead of distrusting, trust. As a nation and as a world, we face great challenges. But challenges can be met and overcome. This is hardly the first time we have found ourselves in challenging times. When the twin towers fell, there were numerous bumper stickers that read, "United we stand." This is still true, even though some people seek to sow division and fear. We do stand united. We are united. We are One. In his inaugural address, Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." Each of us has a choice, every day. We can choose the path of fear, and we can be paralyzed and suffer. Or we can choose the path of optimism, of hope, of Love. We are creating our future, right now. Which would you prefer to experience? Related articles: Is our economy failing, or is it healing? Why integrity matters Redefining employment Expand and accept your abundance

Fearing the worst
by Asha Hawkesworth

Mayan calendar

"Transition," by Sulamith Wülfing

An article in The Oregonian described the steps that some people are taking to "prepare for the worst" by stockpiling food, guns, and ammunition. These "survivalists" anticipate a breakdown in systems that will cause people everywhere to start behaving in a manner reminiscent of Lord of the Flies. There are two problems with this theory: first, whatever thought we give energy to, we manifest more of; second, this cynical view of human nature is more often found to be incorrect than otherwise.

So let's start with the first issue: we manifest our reality with our thoughts and beliefs. If you believe that the worst possible outcome will happen to you, it probably will. By focusing on what you don't want, you ensure that you get it. The people who expect to suffer during this shift are going to. This is their choice.

How is suffering a choice? The only thing we control is how we think and react to the things that happen. That's it. If we choose to give energy to our fears, if we can only see the negative, if we personalize everything that happens, we are not going to be happy. We will, in fact, suffer greatly. On the other hand, we can choose to overcome our fears, view difficulties as challenges, and take a more positive view. Cynics are seldom happy; optimists usually are.

It is true that there have been times in the history of our one race when people have fallen into a "group think" that led to tragic consequences. This still occurs: in Darfur, within Al-Qaeda, and in urban gangs. When this happens, however, it is usually because people are looking for something they lack, or for something to belong to—some form of community or family that they did not have. They may actually be uncomfortable with the actions of the group, but lack the courage to speak it. This abdication of personal power is also a choice.

But "group think" or the energy of the mob works the other way, too. Positive energy creates more of the same. It's very attractive; we naturally gravitate toward it. An energetic tide of good will is far more powerful than any wave of negativity, and we have seen numerous examples of this throughout history, too. When an earthquake devastated the Kashmir province of Pakistan, India responded with aid and supplies, even though relations between the two countries have been tense. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, American volunteers brought aid and relief even as the federal government struggled to meet the need.

When people in our communities need help, we help them. Human beings are generous and selfless more often than not. Those who envision an apocalyptic breakdown in which dog eats dog are projecting their own fears onto the world. Those who feel the need to defend their food supply with a gun are envisioning a world of lack instead of a world of abundance. In all likelihood, they will manifest lack, because that is their fear and their focus.

Our systems are changing, out of necessity. They are coming back into balance. This means that we must come together as communities once again. Instead of hoarding food, share it. Instead of isolating yourself, meet your neighbors. Instead of doing without, exchange an item or service with someone else. Instead of distrusting, trust.

As a nation and as a world, we face great challenges. But challenges can be met and overcome. This is hardly the first time we have found ourselves in challenging times. When the twin towers fell, there were numerous bumper stickers that read, "United we stand." This is still true, even though some people seek to sow division and fear. We do stand united. We are united. We are One.

In his inaugural address, Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." Each of us has a choice, every day. We can choose the path of fear, and we can be paralyzed and suffer. Or we can choose the path of optimism, of hope, of Love. We are creating our future, right now. Which would you prefer to experience?

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