Recently, I thought of the words from a ‘70s hit song “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye. Gaye's lyrics explore themes of racial strife, drug abuse, poverty, and the Vietnam War taking place at the time. The song and same titled album tell stories from the viewpoint of a Vietnam veteran returning home to witness hatred, suffering, and injustice in his own country. Through his lyrics Marvin appears to be having a personal conversation with God. He sings about the challenges taking place in the country at the time, and throughout the song, he asks, "What's going on?"
As we look around our country and the world today, we can say we have our own "What the heck is going on?" question for the Universe. To name a few, we are going through an intense political divide in which the only common ground appears to be Twitter, where politicians hurl insults and attacks across the aisle. Bizarre conspiracy theories are held and espoused by people who should know better. Main Street is taking on Wall Street, as epitomized in the ongoing GameStop stock saga. There is a widening economic divide across the planet. And yeah, lest we forget, all of this is wrapped up in a global pandemic we are addressing.
So, we may ask, since the Universe is continuously growing and evolving, aren't we supposed to be doing the same? After all, we are made in the image and likeness of The Creator and have all its qualities. If we’re evolving God, why is all this stuff going on? Well, Emily Cady gives us a clue in her text Lessons in Truth. Cady claims when we evolve from one state of consciousness to another stage of consciousness, there is a clash between the old and the new. The result of the clash is agitation and disruption. It is a process in which something is about to be dissolved and replaced, but this process does not happen without putting up a fight.
Cady was applying the idea to individuals. But the same principle applies to our collective society. When we seek to evolve - whether it's individually or collectively, consciously or unconsciously - the old vigorously kicks against the next stage of evolution. To the surface mind, it is discouraging and distressing. It may even evoke fear because it feels like a dark night of the soul.
But, there is good news. The "dark night of the soul" is often part of the process as we progress on the spiritual path. It is when everything seems to be falling apart. However, it is not the first step in the process; it is the last step until the next stage of the evolutionary process begins. It then repeats itself as we move through the spiral of spiritual growth and development. Remember that it is a process, and it is often darkest just before the dawn.
So perhaps the Universe's answer to the question, "What's going on?" is this: The external world appears to be shaking, rattling, and rolling. But know it is part of the process of growth. In the meantime, continue to be interested and centered in Spiritual Truth - God is all there is. Do not lose your peace or joy that is always with you. Know that you are forever married to unchanging Spirit. Spirit imprints your soul. You can never lose that imprint, and all is well.
Peace and Blessings,
James