Most revolutions involve chaos, confusion, even pain and violence. Those on the side of positive change must push back against the powerful opposition, those who benefit from the status quo and who exploit others for their gain. If we are committed to peace, prosperity, and a sustainable future for our children, this kind of turmoil can seem counterintuitive. How can chaos and conflict lead to peace, harmony, and justice?

When our world is in upheaval it can cause us to question what we know, what we believe, and what we desire. It shifts our perspectives and our priorities and is sometimes the only catalyst towards change. Difficult times, whether they are difficult on a personal level, on an organizational, national, or on a global level, offer opportunities for shifting our fear to courage, our doubts to hope, and our anger to commitment. Instead of responding to the negativity that infests the media with fear, we can respond with the thankfulness that we have the opportunity to create something much better.

We are experiencing a Consciousness Revolution now. This is a time that has been foretold in prophecies by indigenous people around the world for centuries. It is a time made for those who want to dreamshift their realities and in the process take actions that convert unsustainable, destructive systems to sustainable and regenerative ones. The official holiday of Thanksgiving in the US just passed, so this is an ideal time to focus on gratitude for the power each and every one of us has to foment change.

History is full of examples when David defeated Goliath. We Davids forced Big Business Goliath to clean up polluted rivers, hire more women and minorities, label foods, include organic foods in their stores, on so much more. In recent days we stopped the Keystone XL pipeline. We continue to pressure Big Business and Big Government to be more socially and environmentally conscious, and with perseverance we will prevail.

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”– Henry Ford

This is a good time to be grateful that you are here, now, to claim your role in this Consciousness Revolution. Allow yourself to give thanks for your place in the world and to delve deeper into understanding your true potential. Realize that as turmoil creates needs, you – we – can fill those needs by using our unique passions, strengths, and talents to truly make this world a better place.