2012 – No Ordinary Time

“The real job is to lay the groundwork for a deep change of heart on the part of the whole nation so that one day it can really go through the metanoia we need for a peaceful world.”
—–Thomas Merton

Metanoia. I stumbled across the word several years ago, and fell in love with the sound and the “feel” of it. Derived from the Greek word metanoiein, it means to change one’s mind; to repent; to transform. The transformation referred to is an inner transformation; a change of consciousness. Viewing this change of consciousness from a global perspective, it appears that our time – our metanoia – may be on the horizon.

Much has been written about the changes predicted for our world in 2012. While some of these predictions might be considered “dire,” others are more in line with a positive view of the world and of the inherent good of people. As someone who believes that we manifest that on which we focus, I choose to rely on the latter type of prediction, knowing that transforming our world will only require that sufficient numbers of us choose peace over violence; love over hate and greed; freedom over slavery; and the common good over individual gain.

Seeds have been planted in 2010. Individuals and groups are taking stands and taking action. Groups like Anonymous; Occupy Wall Street; and Change.org are but a few of 2011’s standouts. While you may not always agree with their methods, there is no question that they (we) are having an impact. Movements such as these have not been seen for decades. Clearly, their time has come, and the momentum is building. We are fed up with the status quo; we are taking action; and our actions are producing results.

“We must not wish for the disappearance of our troubles but for the grace to transform them.”
—–Simone Weil

Each of us has a standing invitation to participate in this transformation. Individually and collectively, we are being called to “be the change we wish to see.” So choose your cause; follow your heart; and take a stand. Let’s make 2012 the year when, finally, great numbers of us act together to effect the metanoia needed for a world that will be a joy to live in now and to leave to future generations.

“How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment, we can start now, start slowly changing the world! How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make their contribution toward introducing justice straightaway. . . . And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!”
—– Anne Frank

     HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Tags: 2012, common good, freedom, love, metanoia, peace, transformation