There is a shift occurring within the global consciousness. We sense it inside ourselves and we see it all around us. This shift is played out in the media and in our personal relationships, both with self and with others. What we are vastly uncertain of is exactly what or where we are shifting to? What are we becoming?

I don’t have to tell you that the world is experiencing turmoil of all kind as world leaders seek solutions that will carry us out of and beyond the damage that has been caused by greed and loss of integrity. It is in these times that we may find it so easy, almost enticing, to become angry. I don’t just mean to feel the emotion that is anger and to manage it in a constructive, healthful way. As I observe local, and global events, I don’t see that happening very often, it at all. Instead, I see people becoming anger. It is a path not chosen consciously and one that can only lead to darkness, as illustrated by the mythology of Star Wars:

“But beware of the dark side. Anger... fear... aggression. The dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will...”

Jedi Master Yoda advises young Luke Skywalker in Star Wars.

As individuals and members of the global society, are we becoming so consumed by fear that we are blindly starting down a dark path, one that will dominate not just our individual destinies but the fate of the world? In The Phantom Menace episode of the Star Wars saga, Master Yoda inquires with little Anakin Skywalker about whether or not he is afraid. Anakin, afraid he will be viewed as a coward—when what he wants most is to be a brave Jedi—lies to Yoda about his feelings. Yoda foreshadows, “In you, much fear I sense.” Anakin was not able to accept and acknowledge his fear; in a child this is understandable. As Anakin grows into manhood and follows the Jedi path, his inability and unwillingness to let go of fear—despite the consequences Yoda shows him—leads to his tragic and terrible transformation into Darth Vader.

“Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate.
Hate leads to suffering.
Train yourself to let go of that which you fear to lose.”
Yoda counsels Anakin in Jedi Chambers in Star Wars:

-The Revenge of the Sith

We have every right to feel angry. We have every right to want to do something to effect change in the world in which we live and to expect that those who are in positions of power greater than our own can and will lead us down a path of integrity, peace and justice. I believe it is the responsibility of each one of us to begin the process of change by first beginning with the self. If you are angry, feel it, express it and let it go. Do not allow your fear of loss, especially of material things, to drive you to hateful, vengeful behaviors. As Yoda points out, “quick and easy they will flow,” and will only create suffering within yourself and in the world around you.

So, what can you do? I asked a number of my colleagues in the holistic health, spiritual counseling and life coaching fields to respond to this question. The overwhelming response was that there is much you can do, even as you face concerns for personal security and well-being (financial, physical health so forth). You can maintain your personal integrity—remain committed to your values, and be consistent in word and deed and the motivations that underlie your thoughts, feelings and actions.

Sandra Diamond, a spiritual counselor from Newington, CT, spoke to me about the Toltec Teachings, The Four Agreements. “The very first agreement, ‘be impeccable with your word,’ has a strong application to managing transition. The teaching is that you speak to yourself first and foremost in impeccable words and thoughts.”

If you are dwelling in thoughts of fear, that is unimpeccable and will create fear-based responses, to which “you are prey, not predator. Toltec teaches you to become an ally with your fears, then those fears diminish and you are no longer prey to those fears. We are always in transition—it is part of nature. Some transitions have more impact than others; fear will not ease your time through transition.”

Wellness Coach, Michele Gentile (Long Island) and I chatted about “walking the spiritual path with practical feet.” She emphasized that, in times of transition, you need to engage in the activities that help you feel centered and grounded, such as meditating, attending spiritual service, prayer, creative arts or exercise. “There are so many resources available, from the local library to support groups, fellowships, therapy and coaching sessions. A person who decides they can learn or grow or heal, will take the action steps necessary to do it. Worry and anxiety, like a rocking chair, give you something to do but don’t get you anywhere. [So why not] choose to learn how to improve your situation, take educated action. You have a whole lot of control over what you do with your own life.”

In a world in the throws of enormous change, which path will you choose?

However you change and create change, nothing happens in isolation of all that is around it. Everything is connected.

Will you choose the Path of Integrity?
Will you choose the Path of Fear?

Michele Gentile, M.A. OTR/L, Certified Wellness Coach, Author of Special Treasures: The Hidden Keys to Positive Personal Development can be reached at www.specialtreasures.us.

Sandra Diamond, M.A., Ct. H, RMT is owner of Dragonfly, LLC and experiential healing center: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .