the visionary’s corner

In an earlier post, I wrote about the visionaries of today and their commitment to hope and peace, as well as their belief in the goodness and possibility of the universe and humankind. 

As I wrote those words, I couldn’t help but think of all the evidence that suggests that we live in a world that is far from peaceful and tolerant (war, poverty, reality TV!) and things are actually getting worse.  

So what are some indications that there is a shift underway and that we are collectively awakening to a new vision? 

Here are some examples that I see:

1) Spiritual consciousness is moving beyond religious doctrine and reaching the masses.  With the help of media mogul Oprah Winfrey, contemporary spiritual teacher and author Eckhart Tolle is sharing his message from A New Earth with hundreds of thousands of people around the world.  During their ten week live webcast (also available on demand), Oprah is facilitating a sort of “web-classroom discussion” that explores Tolle’s thoughts on:   

• - “How transcending our ego-based state of consciousness is not only essential to personal happiness, but also the key to ending conflict and suffering throughout the world.”
• - “How our attachment to the ego creates the dysfunction that leads to anger, jealousy, and unhappiness.”
•  - “How to awaken to a new state of consciousness and follow the path to a truly fulfilling existence.”

This new vision of spiritual consciousness creates connection and self-empowerment. 

2) Social consciousness is taking new forms of action.  Social entrepreneurs are revolutionizing the model for doing good for those in need.  Clever organizations like GlobalGiving.org and Kiva.org have transformed the act of charitable giving by allowing the donors and lenders to choose exactly who and where their money will go - a farmer in Tanzania, a school in Bolivia, an after-school program in Washington, DC. 

This new vision of social consciousness makes it clear that yes, every bit makes a difference.

3) Environmental consciousness is going mainstream.  This past year I noticed something new - green stories on the morning talk shows became a staple in the weekly line-ups (okay, maybe bi-weekly).  It appears that thinking green is no longer considered just for hippies, treehuggers or the mainstream on Earth Day.  Whether it’s a sincere concern or simply a desire to be trendy, I cannot imagine minds aren’t being expanded in the process.  

This new vision of environmental consciousness suggests that we are ready to ready to take responsibility and change our habits. 

What evidence do you see?