2012 changes?

Clearly there is nothing new about the new year.

Man (emphasis on man) continues to kill man in the name of peace.

The environment continues to be destroyed in the name of development.

The rich get richer, while the poor get poorer in the name of that's just the way it is.

Unfortunately, it's not going to be the best year of prosperity, happiness and peace that everybody wished for just a few weeks ago. The turn of a page on what is mostly a meaningless calendar, can have no such effect. 

What is different is the intensity by which human consciousness is moving, evolving, churning.

There is a change that you can feel on the inside.

It's as if very fundamental areas where we are stuck, where there are tangled knots, are being untangled by some invisible yet very direct force.

It's painful, as any true process of change is. Imagine being in a deep sleep, then all of a sudden being woken up at 2am by somebody storming in and turning on all the lights.

That degree of change, that degree of pain is going to vary for everybody.

For those that have been doing their homework for the past many years, the changes might actually be pleasant despite their unpleasantness. You will have not only have the know how but the actual self care ability to work with them constructively.

For those that have been grossly engaged in the material nature of the world's artifical society, the changes will be more violent. Crazy making and potentially destructive

This intensity, this velocity is to embraced first and foremost. We are seeing the actual carrying out of the following.

"But there is nothing carefully concealed that will not be revealed, and secret that will not become known. Wherefore what things you say in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you whisper in private rooms will be preached from the housetops." — Luke 12: 2, 3

It is a change being sponsored and carried out by Mother Nature herself and as such, is in the most sublime state of perfection and harmony that can be conceived of.

There is nothing to fear.

What is critical to remember is that no man or woman will be given more than he or she can handle at any given time.

As the doses go up and up—as they will—and it feels like too much, you can handle it.

And you will be given a break when you need it, the change will back off.

Nature knows you and your limits.

Don't fight the power.

Trust the power.

When it seems hopeless

Could be some predicament or situation in your life.

The state of the world.

What's important to remember in such times is that you are in a precious moment.

This, of course, is always true and always the case.

The moment you feel hopeless, know you are a step away from a potential breakthrough, a potential realization.

That you are not in control.

That your limited mind cannot see through to all ends.

It's time to let go and relax into the moment.

You have a great excuse to do so if things are really hopeless, no?

What you find in this letting go and relaxation into the moment, is that the information you need will be there. You're unable to hear it now because you're too active doing. Too active trying to find a solution. Using personal effort and will power.

It's the kind of information that might lead to some kind of solution.

More importantly, it's the kind of information that lets you know all is well, despite being in what you may think is a hopeless situation.

Becoming a Black Belt

In Shotokan karate, Brown Belt 3rd stripe precedes Black Belt 1st degree.

You can spend a lot of time at Brown Belt 3rd stripe—years—learning and perfecting the katas required to pass the test to become a Black Belt.

Interestingly, the technical skill level between a Brown Belt 3rd stripe and a Black Belt is not radically different.

If either had to defend themselves, they would do quite a job.

What can be radically different is the difference in character between the two ranks.

It’s why you can spend so much time waiting for Sensei to give you the opportunity to test for Black Belt.

He’s waiting for your character to mature.

Becoming a Black Belt is much more than just your technical aptitude.

It’s mostly about how you will wield your skill and for what purpose.

How well you represent the sacred tradition and all those who came before you.

Really, the Sensei is waiting for your ego to dwindle, almost to the point where there is total indifference to earning the ultimate title.

Photo: Takahashi Sensei, Black Belt 8th degree, highest attainable rank. This was the author's Sensei, the author who made it to Brown Belt 1st stripe way back when. :)