In periods of relative stability, the consciousness of individuals does not usually play a critical role in the behaviour of society as there is a generalized level of social consensus. However, when there are signs of cracking and chaotic moments in a society, or societies, life becomes more sensitive and responsive to the consciousness of the people. There occur fluctuations in the values, beliefs, worldviews, and aspirations of the people and, as Margaret Mead famously said: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has’. It is the mindset – the consciousness – of people during transition times that will be challenged and, it is hoped, found responsive to the challenge. Human consciousness, how one perceives the world and our part in the world, needs to evolve in order to better adapt with the requirements of a changing planetary world. In what may be deemed a remarkable ‘coincidence’ (or agreement), emerging planetary change seems to be in fortuitous alignment with the date predicted by the Mayan civilization for epochal change. The Mayan calendar indicates that the ‘Age of Jaguar, the thirteenth baktun, or long period of 144,000 days, will come to an end with the fifth and final Sun on December 22nd, 2012. That date, according to the Mayan system, will mark the ‘switch’ to a new era of planetary evolution, one that requires a radically different kind of consciousness. Although I find it difficult to prescribe to an exact date for such a radical shift, I do agree that these indications portray an upcoming – and necessary – period of transformation for all life on Planet Earth.
It is also important to remember that it is not the end. There never is an end; there is always transition and transformation. And the transformation requires that we, collectively and individually, participate through our own creative and positive energies.
