By Debbie Must

With all the recent information circulating on the web about apocalyptic doom and gloom we must all take a moment to stop and reflect on what is truly transpiring. Birds falling from the sky and dead fish washing upon the shore may be a result of earth changes that have been predicted and prophesied by ancient cultures.

Or, as many wildlife experts have confirmed, a common occurrence which usually remains unreported. Whatever the cause, the underlying question is what does this all mean in the greater scheme of things?

We are living in a time of great change and awakening in the western world. We have had incredible advances in technology, medicine and in our fundamental thinking. We have become more tolerant, enlightened and financially secure. Yet we are far more stressed and uncertain of our future than past generations. We fear financial ruin and loss even though we are surrounded by abundance. We seek out negative news to support the view of the reality that we have created for ourselves.

It is up to each individual to decide whether they choose to live in a state of emergency or in a state of emergence.

We shouldn’t trouble ourselves with 2012 predictions and visions of hardship and destruction. Instead, we should focus on what we can learn about ourselves through our reactions to daily external events.

Do we have faith in our own ability to overcome adversity? Are we open minded enough to challenge our beliefs and welcome change regardless of how it may affect us? Do we have the courage to adapt to a new reality if we are indeed in a period of monumental change?

It is up to each individual to decide whether they choose to live in a state of emergency or in a state of emergence. We all look for signs but the choice is ours alone to perceive them as troubling or as an opportunity to awaken to a more meaningful life.