Seeds of Change

Learn to relax and let go amidst rapid change. This is actually a skill that most people must work at.

by Dr. Larry Wilson — 

A profound shift is taking place on planet Earth and it is unlike anything that has ever occurred before. This shift is one from scarcity to abundance, from oppression to freedom and, in psychological terms, from fear to a more loving and fulfilling life for many people. This article seeks to explain the causes and nature of these seeds of change and how to cope with them successfully.

 Causes of change

For the most part, this shift is a positive force; however, it can also be disruptive to many people and may cause them to become anxious or even depressed. Some of the causes of these changes are as follows:

A high level of industrial capacity worldwide — Until the past 20 years or so, most people on Earth lived in poverty, with only the privileged having access to material goods. This disparity has created endless wars, envy and hopelessness in many.

Yet, this is no longer the case. Millions upon millions of people around the world now enjoy automobiles, TVs, computers, cell phones, refrigerators and other symbols of comfortable lives. In large measure, this is due to a far greater ability of companies to produce goods cheaply and efficiently. Methods such as assembly lines, automated factories and excellent transportation and distribution methods by air, land and sea have made this possible.

Unprecedented worldwide communications — Personal computers, cell phones and other new technologies are revolutionizing communication. People all over the planet now have the ability to potentially connect with each other. They can or soon will be able to talk directly with anyone, without having to go through “official channels.” This is a unique situation that has never before been historically possible.

The birth of wise and gentle souls — This may be the most subtle, but important shift on the planet in recent years. Some people are aware of this change and deem these special children as wise souls who are truly the hope for a brighter future.

The effects of these changes on our lives

From scarcity toward abundance — This is the major societal effect of greatly increased industrial production, coupled with modern communications. Each of us must adjust our thinking. Yet this can be difficult because poverty, disease and famine are still common, and the media broadcast stories about these on a daily basis.

Western nations are facing serious financial problems, so it seems that a lack of resources and poverty are still the realities of our world. More than likely, the old ways of doing things need to be replaced with better alternatives.

The welfare states, which include the United States and most of Europe and Japan, have engendered laziness, sloppiness and ignorance in their populations. This undoubtedly will result in anger and resentment among those people whose “benefits” must eventually be cut.

Other older institutions, such as labor unions, are not working well because they, too, were products of the past scarcity era when workers had to band together just to survive. The unions are now standing in the way of progress in most nations, insisting on over-employment and increased benefits for their members, to the exclusion of everyone else. This strategy simply no longer works.

From oppression and corruption toward freedom and justice — Another effect of this shift is a much lower tolerance for government oppression and corruption. The Internet, cell phones, fax machines, satellite television and other new technologies are making it consistently harder for corrupt leaders to maintain their power. People simply have too much access to the truth.

From war toward peace on Earth — Though it is not taught enough in schools and colleges, the Earth has become a far more peaceful place. Only 25 years ago, the United States and the Soviet Union were locked in a terrifying arms race to see who would win the battle of Armageddon. Thousands of nuclear missiles were produced at a record pace and were stationed all over the globe.

Less than 70 years ago, Adolf Hitler slaughtered 12 million innocent souls in Europe, while Mao Tse Tung slaughtered some 70 million Chinese people. At the same time, Joseph Stalin murdered untold millions of innocent people in Russia, and Pol Pot killed several million in Cambodia and Laos.

Global tolerance for genocide and mass murder simply will not be tolerated, as more diplomatic ways are available to solve problems. We are moving from an age of solving problems by conflict to an age of negotiation, cooperation and collaboration.

The pace of change is dizzying. New technologies, new products and new ideas can be brought to the marketplace almost overnight, whereas before, this would have taken years to accomplish.

From almost total isolation of nations toward connectedness and the creation of the global village — This development is quite astonishing and has never occurred before in recorded history. It means that someone thousands of miles away can be as easy to communicate with as a neighbor down the street.

This also enables like-minded people and those with mutual interests to come together from all over the world via online communities, social networking sites and video conferencing. The old geographical, political, cultural and language barriers no longer separate us as they have in the past.

From an old-fashioned, top-down educational system toward using the Internet — A new education system is emerging via the Internet. Anyone with access can use it — at any hour, in any language, to learn anything they wish.

Governments cannot easily censor the Internet, and there are no barriers to entry such as high costs, grading systems or other prerequisites. Small children are using the Internet and becoming much more knowledgeable than their parents or teachers. Students are realizing that they do not need the old structured institutions for learning.

From hierarchical societal structures toward more flexible and democratic institutions — Again, modern communication methods and other changes are causing the rapid downfall of the hierarchical ways in which society is organized. Examples of this are the bankruptcy of government bureaucracies, serious problems in older educational methods and hierarchical health care systems in America, Europe and Asia, as well as changes in religious hierarchies, unions and other social groups.

From more closed societies toward transparency and much less privacy — This is another important aspect of these changes. Life is not as private; we are all like neighbors and friends who live on a much more connected and united planet.

Other effects are also occurring, but the aforementioned are among the most important.

Disruptive effects of these changes

Overall, the changes occurring are positive; yet many people find themselves inexplicably upset, anxious or even depressed these days. Let us examine some reasons why.

Fear about the end of the welfare state — As the money runs out, many people are worried about their government and union entitlements, such as retirement funds, social security and “free” medical care. Others are tied to businesses or governmental programs that will end as soon as fiscal responsibility returns to our nation.

Rapid change is always stressful — This is a psychological fact of life. It causes anxiety, worry and depression. It is not unusual for people to feel totally lost, as though they are living in a whirlwind or tornado that they cannot necessarily see, but certainly can feel.

The media are not helpful in this regard. Instead of investigating and discussing the rapid pace of change today, the news often focuses on the same old stories and little else. Schools teach many subjects, but not enough about positive change in the world and how to cope with it.

Having to face fears and prejudices — The growing interconnectedness of people around the world is making it clear that prejudices, as well as bigotry, are just wrong. This is hard for many people because they harbor secret prejudices, but now they are having a more difficult time blaming society’s failings on “them” — whoever “they” may be.

Many people are being forced to face their problems squarely. This does not usually feel good, and as a consequence, a lot of people are left not knowing what to do next. Sadly, some people’s health is so poor, they just do not have the energy to face their demons. Traditional coping methods such as counseling or talking to one’s pastor or priest are not working fast enough to undo personal traumas, fixed ideas and years of flawed thinking.

As a result, many individuals, especially those in America and Europe, are turning to recreational or prescription drugs, such as antidepressants, as an escape from their problems and emotions. While drugs may sustain them for a while, in the long run they frequently worsen their health.

Confusion about the Internet for education — Many people are excited about the Internet, but others are having difficulty adjusting to this new tool. They are stuck in the belief that a school requires a building with a teacher standing in front of the class. The shift in how we now learn and gather information is very disruptive to some people.

Difficulty understanding the end of traditional hierarchies —  This is especially true for those who have risen up through the ranks to positions of authority and power. These people cannot fathom why the system must be changed, so they are fighting to maintain the status quo. Because they are often fighting the tide of change and losing, this makes them feel even more threatened.

New business, government, medical and legal models (and others) are desperately needed. Until such models are established, tested and found to work, some chaos will ensue in society.

The end of secrecy and privacy is also threatening for some people — Electronic eavesdropping, surveillance cameras and other technological advances of the electronic age can seem intrusive and frightening.

Interestingly, however, many young people seem unafraid to display their photos and personal information for the entire world to view on social networking websites and other places.

Even peace on Earth is disruptive for those who believe in the inevitability of strife and conflict — This may sound strange, but many people believe that chaos and war are our destiny, as predicted in certain texts. Others believe that the prophecies have been changed and war is no longer the fate of the planet, and that a new era of peace, creativity and love is beginning.

 How to cope with the changes

To enjoy the abundance that is new on Earth, work on becoming healthy and relaxed. Focusing on your health is a wonderful objective. Today our bodies are more toxic and depleted, meaning that we all require a high-quality diet that chiefly consists of cooked vegetables. Note, however that this does not mean raw food or vegetarian diets.

Most people also need more rest and sleep, as well as three quarts of spring water daily, as opposed to other types of water such as reverse osmosis, which does not hydrate the body as efficiently. Everyone needs basic nutritional supplements including extra omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, kelp and a digestive aid. These simple measures will help in handling the powerful changes taking place on the planet.

Learn to meditate and pray daily. These practices will calm the mind and bring about relaxation in the midst of rapid change and confusion. Meditating and praying also help release old feelings, ideas and prejudices in a painless manner.

The meditation exercise I recommend is the one taught by Roy Masters. It is very safe and simple to learn and can be done in the privacy of your home. Masters teaches how to move energy downward, which is very important. It is Judeo-Christian in its origins, yet does not require any dogma or other trappings. It is described on my website in an article entitled “Meditation.” You can also go on the Internet and find a wide variety of meditation videos and instructions.

Be on the positive side of the changes taking place on planet Earth, as much as possible. In other words, be open-minded and accept that change is inevitable. This is a lot more fun, much safer and can bring you prosperity. It means becoming more informed, more positive, and being willing to accept ridicule and even rejection by some who favor the status quo.

Learn to relax and let go amidst rapid change. This is actually a skill that most people must work at. The pace of change is not going to slow down, and pretending it is not happening will not work well.

Drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana or gambling away your worries are not good solutions either, although many people may use these as temporary escapes. Instead, fasten your seat belt tightly and hold on as our old world shifts to a state of greater happiness and joy for all.

Dr. Lawrence Wilson has a medical degree and has been in the health field for more than 25 years. His books include Nutritional Balancing and Hair Mineral Analysis, Legal Guidelines for Unlicensed Practitioners, Healing Ourselves and Manual of Sauna Therapy and The Real Self. He also co-authored Toxic Metals in Human Health and Disease and contributed to The Dangers of Socialized Medicine. www.drlwilson.com or 928-445-7690.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 30, Number 4, Aug/Sept 2011.