In 1970 Alvin Toffler wrote a book titled Future Shock. In the book, Toffler
defined the term "future shock" as a psychological state of
individuals and, indeed, entire societies. It refers to what happens to people
they are no longer able to cope with the pace of change in their life and the
world as a whole. It is basically having too much change in too short a period
of time. The consequences of future shock included all sorts of symptoms and
maladies, ranging from increased susceptibility to disease to depression,
erratic behavior and even total emotional breakdown.
Back in 1970 Toffler believed that society was undergoing an
enormous structural change from an industrial society to a
"super-industrial society". The accelerated rate of technological innovation
was leaving people disconnected and suffering information overload.
That was forty three years ago. It was a time before iPhones
and tablets, cell phones and PDAs. It was before there were laptops and wifi.
It was more than twenty years before the internet. It was even before personal
computers, windows, DOS and the invention of the 8-inch floppy diskette.
I think it is safe to say that the rate of technological
innovation has accelerated exponentially since then. Yet, while the pace of
change is ever increasing and expanding into more and more areas of
individuals' lives, the capacity of human beings to adjust to this torrent of
change they are experiencing, is finite and seriously limited.
So here we are in 2013 trying to make sense of a world that
seems to be changing faster than ever, much faster than we seem able to react
and adapt to. Everywhere people are facing major physical, psychological, and
social pressures that are threatening to overwhelm them.
We are in shock.
Shock is a state of being which occurs when we are thinking
about, or being subjected to unsettling events. It usually manifests when we
encounter the undeniable prospect of long-term changes in our life. We can be
shocked when we lose our job, have a car accident, or contract a
life-threatening disease. In addition, the perception of growing old can create
this feeling, as can a divorce or the death of a loved-one. These changes place
a new set of limits on life that can be quite unsettling.
I think it is safe to say that we have entered a time of
profound shock. We have reached a conflagration of stress and disorientation,
not only from information overload, but from a critical mass of chemicals in
our food, toxins in our bodies and destruction of the Earth that is
unprecedented in the history of our planet. There is no going back to simpler
times. There is no more space to maneuver around these problems. There is no
avoiding it. We have to go forward through whatever darkness lies before
us.
The primary thing to remember, as we navigate the
difficulties ahead, is that shock can be a good thing. It reminds us that if we
keep our mind open disturbing events can be positive and constructive. Instead
of reacting blindly to shock, or worse - spiraling downward into despair, we
need to adjust our attitude to accepting, even greeting, the challenges imposed
by the new circumstance. It is a time to find our center, maintain our inner
balance and stand up straight. If we
look at the challenges that face us as the necessary impulse to find a new,
more correct way of dealing with the difficulties we face we will be able to
make it through these dark times with a minimum of hardship. We need to align
ourselves with the greater good in all things.
Finding this answer often requires that we undergo some form
of deeper spiritual development. Many of us believe we live spiritual lives,
but often are quickly swayed by shocking events. Now is the time to put our
faith and power into what is right. It is easy to start making compromises when
times get difficult. Yet this only leads to trouble. In truth, the only way
forward is to maintain peace and balance in our lives as we adapt to the
ever-changing world.
Of course there are times in everyone’s lives when it is
difficult to stay on the path. Events and circumstances often conspire to shock
us in ways we never could have imagined. However, if we are sincere in our
desire to be of service to others, we must get our house in order. Without a
sincere core of integrity within, it is impossible to offer pure, positive
energy to those we come in contact with.
The time has come for each of us to walk along the path of what
is good and right and true. The time has come for us to become the true
embodiment of the spiritual essence that exists within the core of our being.
We have reached the point where our only option is to truly evolve.
As we become aware that there is a cosmic structure to the
universe to which we are meant to relate and that we are meant to find our
life’s meaning in relation to a higher form of consciousness, we need to find
the truth within ourselves.
The road ahead may seem dark and forbidding. There are new
shocks at every turn. We may have doubts as to our ability to continue. But the
shocks are meant to help us recognize our natural limitations and wake us up to
the higher consciousness of the universe. This is the time for each of us to
step up, open our hearts and shine the light of truth and love out into the
world.
Do not be discouraged. Now, more than ever, this world needs
you. We are entering a future of uncharted territory. Everyone is experiencing
shocks. Be compassionate and let the light of the truth within you be your
guide.
Wishing you much peace.
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