Conscious Evolution
Few people today can deny that we are at an extremely critical juncture in human history. We have the scientific and technological capabilities to destroy or enhance our life support system on earth. When Barbara Marx Hubbard wrote “Conscious Evolution” (ISBN 9781577310167) 14 years ago, it was an urgent call to action to change our self destructive patterns. Her message is even more relevant today as our habits of environmental destruction, war, and overpopulation are reaching a perilous climax.
I was intrigued about Barbara Marx Hubbard and her work as a futurist after seeing the recent movie “Thrive” in which she was featured during an interview. She was also recently featured in Bella Spark magazine discussing her new book “Birth 2012 and Beyond” (ISBN 9780984840700) which will be released on May 1, 2012.
Most people have heard of the human potential movement whose advocates adhere to the concept that in all humans lie an untapped and extraordinary potential for individual creative greatness. Hubbard’s work is aimed toward expanding that movement toward more of a social potential movement. The idea is that when we find ways to co-create with others then our collective potential is exponentially expanded. “Conscious Evolution” attempts to lay down a blue-print for a co-creative society that enhances and connects social innovations and breakthroughs in an attempt to bring humanity safely through these uncertain times.
One of the most hopeful ideas presented in the book is that in our whole evolutionary history, crisis has always preceded transformation, and it is the nature of nature to transform. With this in mind, we can rest assured that our present systemic and societal breakdowns are a natural evolutionary process. I always like to think of it in terms of labor pains. It’s not a pleasant process and certainly is dangerous, yet something beautiful is being born. We are at a point where we can consciously guide our own evolution. We know now that we affect our evolution by every thing we do; collectively and individually. Never before in human history have we had the capacities and knowledge to understand our own evolutionary process. We can now cooperate with these processes instead of fighting against them.
With the advent of the internet, our interconnectivity is at an unprecedented level, and growing. Great ideas can be shared almost instantaneously, advancing humankind in all aspects. Sharing what works and what still needs to be done in the sectors of science and technology, education, justice, health, spirituality, infrastructure, environment, media, governance, relations, arts and economics, can further enhance positive changes and discard old systems that no longer work for us. Fortunately the internet, cell phones and social media make this possible.
Hubbard uses the analogy of a caterpillar morphing into a butterfly to illustrate the genetically encoded pattern of our planetary evolution toward a higher consciousness. The collective fate of humanity need not end in an apocalyptic scenario. According to Hubbard, the crises and opportunities for change we face today are normal and part of the inherent pattern in nature.
In “Conscious Evolution” a coherent plan of action is put forth on how to help humanity become more globally minded through integrating spirituality into social policy. At the end of the book there is a detailed (and maybe a little outdated) list of resources, organizations and media outlets who are participating in this change. The book is very accessible and the ideas presented are easily understandable.
Barbara Marx Hubbard is calling for a global awakening. The earth’s first “birthday” as she calls it in her new book “Birth 2012 and Beyond”. A day of mass celebration when we realize that we are going to make it and prosper, can help launch us into a new paradigm. This day, which will be full of scientifically proven methods of meditation and prayer, has the potential for a global heart and mind change to nudge us into a new co-creative society. Hubbard proposes that we use December 22nd 2012 (the day after the end of the Mayan calendar) as earth’s new “birthday”. Many ancient and religious traditions point to this time in history as an era of great change and the start of a new cycle. Hubbard suggests that we have the power to make this happen.
Many organizations and groups of people actively participating can catalyze this change. Imagine a society where everyone’s needs are met, where we can collaborate and co-create with each other, helping each other to find our life’s purpose and fulfill our creative potentials; where conflict is no longer an issue, scarcity is no problem; we would be free to explore space, inner and outer, to our heart’s desire. This is the future where Hubbard’s idea of conscious evolution could help lead us. Through hope, determined effort and cooperation this is possible. I highly recommend this encouraging and inspiring book to everybody who wants to participate in the outcome of humanity. In today’s cynical world, it is desperately needed.
Interested in learning more?
Check out Hubbard’s websites www.birth2012.com and www.evolve.org
or check out Barbara Marx Hubbard’s new book “Birth 2012 and Beyond” set for release in May.
Other recommended resources of organizations incorporating and sharing positive change:
Institute of Noetic Sciences http://www.ions.org
Yes! Magazine http://www.yesmagazine.org
Alternative news http://www.alternet.org
Thanks for reading!
Matt
