Lately, when talking with friends and family, I keep hearing the words “displaced, misplaced, misalignment, and disconnected.” It seems to be a universal theme among the tribe. But again, it could be just like when you buy a car and then realize everyone has it. You hadn’t noticed it before and now that you have it you are aware of its existence.

I noticed a giant shift towards the end of 2011. I have never bought into the 2012 cosmic changes with or without the Mayan calendar. I don’t believe the world will end on 12/21/12 at 11:11PM. I want to believe that these massive shifts in emotions are due to a necessary alignment of our spiritual connections. And, yes, lately there is a huge sense of displacement. At first it was just settling into the slowness of our business, the holidays, and prelude of winter. But now it seems to be something esoteric. I don’t know if there is a theory for it all. I have to admit that I don’t know what it is. I do know that others are feeling it as well. Some just don’t know what to name it. And, I hate to even put a label on the feelings. I can only speak for myself. These holidays just seem so different. I have to work extremely hard to feel grounded.

It’s always easy to talk about changes, whether or not they are profound shifts in our lives when we can see them. However, when those changes can’t be seen but felt with anxiety, I believe it is allowing fear to take over. We all want and crave for better things. Recently, I feel like I am waiting for a bus to arrive to take me elsewhere. I have no clue what the destination or route I am to take. It’s just a feeling of anticipation. No matter how many times I go hiking, walking, or remove myself from this unknown impatience it seems to come looking for me. Meditation, contemplation and prayer help for a little while. Keeping busy seems to stop the feeling but I need grounding and avoiding the feeling seems to put me in a worst twist. I am learning to be present with the carousel of emotions.

Fear is like that. I read somewhere that fear = false evidence appearing real. If that’s so then the anticipation is a form of an unknown psychosis of my creation. I don’t really know what I fear because I am not anxious about anything in particular. Whatever it is I need to just invite it in and honor it. I’ve come to the conclusion to just sit with the displacement when it arises. Like Rumi’s poem:

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~ Rumi ~

I will sit with each incline, letting me momentarily feel its awareness. That’s all I can do when I can’t find anything else. Being grateful and allowing each visit from the emotions teaches me something. Perhaps in that space I can finally see that I have a lesson and not feel displaced. The beauty in our lives is that thoughts live in our perception. When we are conscious and mindful we can receive those feelings as guests: feed them, entertain them for a bit and then send them off on their merry way. Meantime, I have to remind myself that I am fine and that this, too, shall pass! Tomorrow is a new day.