Finding Hope in an Insecure World
By Judith E. Lipson, M.A., LPC
The challenges that Earth and our society face are all around us: diminishing rain forests, herbicides, pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply, terrorism, superbugs, etc. It can even bring unease to an eternal optimist, like myself. Some of my students and adult clients have expressed their worries. They are concerned about the state of our world, and the youth often wonder whether they should bother setting goals for a future more than 10 years away.
I suggest we look at the situation from a different perspective. Human nature recognizes problems primarily when they are distinctly apparent, and it seems we have been given numerous opportunities to be enlightened. What if it didn’t need to be so obvious and instead, we allowed ourselves to recognize a problem before it was seemingly out of control?
Some people sense that change is approaching, yet they only know how to language it in terms with which they are familiar. As a result, they assume a fear-based model and believe that the end of the world is imminent. I remember that in response to Y2K (the transition to the new millennium on January 1, 2000) people filled bathtubs. In December 2012 there was fear about the “ending of the Mayan calendar”. Yet, we are still here!
We are not coming to the end of time, however we are moving into a new age. History informs that we have already moved through the industrial and technological ages. Future historians will describe the present times as a new age.
Some see change as different and respond with fear. Though they know the current situation is unacceptable, it’s all they know and they hold on too tightly. These individuals avoid change to something unknown. Yet when an unhealthy relationship or an unfulfilling job is finally let go, the outcome is appreciated and embraced.
Keeping our head in the sand is not protective. Worrying does not create change. Action creates change. These are monumental problems, and I realize that I am one person, just as you are. Each of us can identify one thing to work on and encourage others to support, or we can encourage them to find their own thing. Maybe your one thing is feeding the homeless, recycling, or not using disposable water bottles. You can use your expertise, financial resources or time to bring change. It can be close to home or across the globe. Action is the solution. Action also alleviates depression and anxiety.
You can learn to embrace change as exciting. Realize that different assuredly does not mean bad. Different is necessary and not to be feared. Change agents across the globe are intuitively recognizing that the status quo is not acceptable and are embracing change. A weeklong course being offered by Harvard University in 2014 says, “A change agent uses creativity, power, and authority to intervene and mobilize people to face tough realities. One does not have to be the boss to be a change agent. Leadership is an activity, not a position.”
Many change agents are intuitive, empathic and tired of waiting for the systems to make the necessary and needed changes. These Indigo children (youth and adults) are encouraging a return to our awakened state: being present, focusing on peace and striving to deeply connect to others. Indigos realize that change is at hand.
Some say that we have a window of a few hundred years to make significant changes for our sustainability. Jean Houston is one of many visionaries who has shared the good news that she is witnessing large numbers of people in third world and industrialized countries generating the changes that we need.
I see change agents everywhere: children and adults, in my practice, in my family and in my social circles. Look around you, at your family, your children and in the mirror. Who are the change agents that you know?
Today’s Indigos and other change agents know it is important that we create and support the coming of this new age. It is expected to bring an era of greater peace and sustainability.
For the healing of our planet and for peaceful coexistence, we must push fear out of the way and embrace the limitless possibilities. Awareness is not the enemy. It is the seed for change. Worry can be used as your catalyst. Join the other change agents across the globe. We are each the solution. What will you do to maintain hope in this insecure world?
Judy Lipson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and educational strategist in West Bloomfield. She helps clients of all ages who have learning difficulties; work or school related anxiety; ADHD; Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorders; and those who wish to Remember and Become Who You Really Are. Contact Judy at 248.568.8665 and judylipson@spiralwisdom.net, and visit www. SpiralWisdom.net for more information.
Published in My Metro You July 2013
