We are standing at the threshold of a profound change in human consciousness. Look at the political divide happening throughout the world. There seems to be a distinction between people who want to progress toward something new, and others who wish to stay the same or return to the past. It’s like there is a chasm between the two states of being, with an old, rickety bridge lying between them on the verge of collapse.

On the one hand, some people see poverty and injustice and want systems and structures designed to end them. Others see those systems and structures as part of the problem. They feel that they prevent people from moving out of the places they are stuck, keeping them down versus empowering them. These are fundamentally different ways of seeing the world.

I recognize this is simplifying a complex topic. And that the path forward is anything but simple. At the fundamental level, this isn’t just about differences of opinion, this is about how we see and experience the world. Some people focus more on individuality and the need for self-sufficiency, whereas others focus more on the interconnectedness of humanity.

It’s not difficult to see that societies across the globe are shifting. And just like birthing a child, this transformation is going to be painful. We cannot predict what is going to happen, but we can support one another as we are going through it. Most importantly, we can work together to move toward something that unites rather than divides.  

A vision for the future

I see a future beyond our current understanding. Something outside all of the systems and structures humanity has built. A place where everyone is valued for their uniqueness and celebrated for their differences. A time when humanity has healed and sees one another in a new and beautiful way. A future where everyone’s needs are met and no one person or government has ultimate power. A place where we can be our best selves, contribute with our passions and innate skills, and celebrate together, prioritizing love for each other and our planet.

I hold on to this vision. No matter how bad things might seem, this is in front of us. We must act as though this isn’t a distant future, but rather our present reality. And only then can we co-create it.

The time is now

This is a time to unite and create spaces that celebrate our shared humanity.  We need to work together to demonstrate kindness, compassion, caring, love, generosity, and support for our neighbors. We must recognize and embrace our uniqueness and acknowledge and mitigate the disparities that exist between us. Some of us are comfortable and have been our entire lives, whereas others don’t have the time to even conceptualize how they feel. They’re working multiple jobs just to try and stay above water, but even then, they drown. Some among us are more quickly seen and heard, and others among us fight to even be seen, respected, or valued. This is the current state of our human condition – and this contributes to our divide.

To move through this, we must work to dismantle this disparity. We must become willing to listen to differences of experiences, opinions, and values, even from those with wildly different points of view. We must get comfortable with being uncomfortable and we must do our work of healing and understanding so that we can be present and available for one another. Together we can unite, rather than divide.

Together we rise

To usher in a new paradigm, we will need everyone. We need to help one another face the fear, move through the pain, and transform society. We need to be willing to walk into the unknown. We need to embrace honesty, integrity, authenticity, vulnerability, and courage. We need to do the work today to heal, move through past trauma, and prepare to stand arms linked as we shift to this new paradigm.

We arrived here together and can move forward together. There will be many who resist, who do not share this vision, and will not see beyond today. We shouldn’t reject them, regardless of what they say or do to us.  We must create enough space at the table for everyone. We must stop shaming those who disagree or who are different. The future will require acceptance, only then can we collectively heal. This does not mean tolerating harm or hate. It means creating space for forgiveness, love, and understanding.  We cannot transform until we foster a culture that transcends division. Only then can we unite as a collective force ready to tackle the world’s challenges

If you feel a stirring within you – if this vision ignites something resonating inside – you are already on your way. Listen to that inner voice and understand what it is calling you to do. Learn to embrace your true self—the full spectrum of your beauty and wholeness—so that you can contribute to something greater than you can imagine. Work to silence the external influences and connect with the authentic you beneath the surface. We unite in our authenticity.

It is on all of us to rebalance our energies and align ourselves with our future, not our present. We must work together, not by forcing change upon others, but by transforming ourselves. It’s time to look in the mirror and confront what we project—the shadows we cast. Only through this introspection can we begin to heal, and from that healing, we can realize a new way forward.