A person and society
grows only under stress

Ilya Prigogine

Nothing grows without stress - no rock, no plant, no person, no family or group. Any organism that is protected from stress ceases to grow, and becomes stagnant. Whether a single cell or a complex human, whether biological, chemical, physical, psychological or social, every structure must undergo pressure to evolve. It was the Belgian physicist Ilya Prigogine who had observed that biological organisms evolve only when pressure is exerted upon them. In other words, friction is a necessary component in nature. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for his theory of "dissipative structures."

The American philosopher, inventor and cosmologist Buckminster Fuller spoke often of integrity - the ability of an organism to hold its shape, even through times of stress, and to refine itself to its core components. The challenge for us humans is to face the stresses of our times, and to refine ourselves to our highest - or most core - concept of self. In the increasing stresses of our changing physical landscape, we are pushed not only as individuals but as a collective to re-evaluate and strengthen our core beliefs. We see this reflected in our homes, our schools, our government, national policies, economic climate, world scenarios, and finally, in our own hearts.

Psychologically, we are faced with shifting ego structures and emotional demands. Spiritually, we are called by our inner hearts to trust, and to step forward in creating the society and planet we've yearned for in our quiet moments. Mentally, we are confused and uncertain as we seem ill equipped to
carve out a new personal foundation, much less a new world order. Fortunately, times of confusion are often harbingers of change - the darkest light before the dawn, if you will. Transitions are not times of certainty but times of niggling doubts, unsettled fears, small and large worries. But transition is nothing more than the time "between" one reality and another. And the key to mastering the transition gracefully is to understand - but not fight - its nature, and to use tools to shift the changing energies with as much tranquility as possible.

It's All Energy

Energy is the key component of life. As Einstein pointed out, "it's all energy." In simple terms, our physical environment is made of molecules, composed of atoms and as-yet-unnamed particles, which all vibrate at various rates. Physical matter in fact is not solid - it's particles in motion. As we learn to manipulate moving matter, we can change our environment. Thought is energy, and the energy of a commanded thought builds worlds. This concept is the connecting bridge between science and spiritual wisdom. This is the piece that allows us to understand that we in fact are Creator, "made in the image and likeness" of the original Creator. As someone once posed, "Science will prove God before religion does."

Tapping into Energy Tools

The earth is a spiritual entity, just as you and I are. Earth is energetic. In order to tap into its power, indigenous peoples performed ancient rituals that embodied principles of energy management and connection to the Creator.
Based on ancient techniques of the early Essenes that were later held sacred and handed down by Buddhist, Rosicrucian and Mayan traditions, practical and easy energy techniques can bring people into a deeper state of inner knowing, purpose, and joy.
The primary tool for shifting any energy you wish to release is the grounding cord. By "connecting" - through your mental, intentional command - an energy cord from the base of your spine (first chakra) to the center of the planet - you send unwanted energies to be recycled.

Further tools in the energetic toolbox include tools to identify and maintain our energetic boundaries; protection tools (to prevent unwanted energies from entering your field); communication tools; relationship tools (to understand how our energy fields automatically and unconsciously connect with others); and tools to maintain a centered, neutral demeanor even in the midst of difficulties.
In ancient cultures, these energetic "wisdoms" were given deference and rolled into people's daily lives through practices such as talking circles, sweat lodges, smudging, and blessings. Even curses were founded in an understanding that the power of a passionate emotion - even anger or fear - can generate an energetic shift that can become reality.

Benefits of our time

The benefit of living in the modern millennium is that we have scientific understanding of these ancient wisdoms, which allows us to resurrect and recreate ancient rituals to bring about true change. In tandem with the changing Earth, humankind is on the edge of creation at its highest level, by bringing eternal truths and new understandings into daily practice.
Energy tools honour earth traditions. When we take the time to ground ourselves, key into the energies of the planet and align ourselves with the natural cycles of life, we pay homage to the greater spirit that connects us to both the earth and sky. Scientific knowledge of energy and spiritual practices using energy exist in harmony like musical notes in a chord.

Gail Lash, Ph.D., and Pamela Black co-teach energetic tools and life skills.
For info, email bpamela@mindspring.com.