Published in Odyssey Magazine : February/March 2010

A new world is in the process of emerging, but not without severe labour pains. Natalia Baker looks at the characteristics and qualities of the ‘new human' and how levels of mastery and self-love are necessary to be in tune with the emergent energy.

We are clearly in a deeply transformative cycle, undergoing a quantum shift. The outer systems of our world – economies, health care, environmental issues, education and so on – only change to the degree individuals awaken. It might therefore be valuable to look at who we are becoming and what qualities we express to assist in making these changes so as to participate fully in the new consciousness.

There has been reference made in some sources to our bodies moving from carbon to silicone base in order to ‘hold more light', changes in body and brain function, our DNA ‘increasing to 12 strands', higher dimensions, crystalline states and much more. I am not going to write about those but would rather keep the content of this article practical and accessible. It may be helpful to use some of the following points made here as a measure for where you are now and where you can still develop. Personally, I found these qualities a useful gauge when writing this article.

Let me first say that adopting new behaviour patterns is not usually instant. There are periods of recognition, awareness and understanding, followed by application and practice to integrate a new pattern.

The ‘new being' has to be healed of fears of lack, unworthiness, victimhood, failure and so on in order to be free to experience a deep, reverent and loving relationship to the planet and all it's life forms. The foundation of this connection is trust – an absolute knowing that we live in an intelligent, compassionate and supportive system.

This knowing brings with it a heightened responsibility to care, nurture and heal past abuse. We feel accountable. These feelings are mirrored in the various but potent movements of civil society, promoted by individuals and leaders in many fields. The idea behind this movement is that governments can no longer mend society on their own and therefore private individuals must step forward and initiate projects which address our current problems, including those of the dispossessed and the environment. In South Africa , there are many such examples. ‘Men on the Side of the Road' is one such project.

In this new energy, life is lived from choice and decision. We become skilled manifestors creating our lives and expression in the world. We know the only limitation is what we impose on ourselves and anything is achievable at the right time and place. Miracles and synchronicities are commonplace and we manifest co-creatively with spirit. We state clearly what it is we wish to achieve and ask spirit to assist us to bring that about. One could just as easily say that we open ourselves to the natural processes that underpin the functioning of the universe. Understandably, we need to be crystal clear in expressing what we want for ourselves or for the whole.

For most of us, we are not free to consider the whole until we have undergone a substantial amount of our own healing, stilling the voice of the negative ego and allowing the soul to shine through. There is an Islamic scripture which says, ‘There are two wars, the Little War and the Great War. The Little War occurs in the world, The Great War occurs within you.' We recognise that life out there is a reflection of our inner world and as we dare to honestly acknowledge, understand and heal the ‘Great Wars', we heal the hostility around us. This work is an imperative and we are not able to step into the new energy until we engage with it. Do not for one minute imagine that this work is ever done, even as new beings. It is on-going, but becomes more subtle and sometimes also more difficult.

There is a parable of two travellers. One leaves to go on holiday with his family. Every step of the journey, every day, every moment is planned. He can never be far from resources, accommodation, food, medical help. It is a regimented sojourn within rigid structures. I have a sister who scheduled the family vacation to the point where every restaurant was decided and a time allotted for every meal and activity before they left home.

The other traveller could not find it in himself to do this. He is in trust: he trusts himself, he trusts the universe and is spontaneous and open to new experience which will feed his soul. He realises he is a creator and all the resources are ‘in his pocket', so to speak. He has understood that energy follows thought, so when he needs something he stops, states his intention and desire clearly, knowing what he wants and needs will manifests in a perfect form. When circumstances beckon him in one direction or another, he feels the energy and responds appropriately. He is connected to his Higher Self, in the flow, listening to his intuition and in charge of his own life. He is a master – or a master in the making. Instead of focussing on, ‘How do I get there?' his attention is on the magical manifestation of the goal. This is truly living in a way whereby the energy of the ‘Unified Field' can serve us. Could you relate this way of being to your everyday life? It would surely be transformed if you could.

As always, there are ambiguities as we take this giant leap into ‘new consciousness'. In truth, it's not ‘new' at all and has always been available to those who could aspire to this way of being, except that now it is accessible to an ever greater number of ‘ordinary' people. These ambiguities are particularly highlighted in the area of self-love and care. How do we balance the two apparently contradictory requirements of offsetting self-nurturance against the caring for others' needs. It's a tricky one. In the ‘new energy', the connection with self is paramount. Pain, suffering, reactions and resistance alert us to the fact that healing is required. Ultimately, we aim towards being fully present and self-aware in every moment. This awareness of self is not egotistical. It is the platform from which we are able to run our lives by intuition. Being present enables us to be in tune, hear – and to address our personal needs: rest, recreation, exercise, correct foods and so on. Personally, I have been one who has always extended my energies to the point of burn-out and breakdown. It was a sharp reprimand when a loving friend said, ‘But you are not being responsible if you are not taking care of yourself'. Since then, I have taken responsibility for caring for myself. I believe I am more effective in my service when I am doing so.

The person of tender heart is often weighed down with the ills of the world and the problems and suffering of friends. Energy is leaked to anyone or anywhere, indiscriminately. The ‘new being' is clearly able to discern, ‘what is thine and what is mine' and does not take on that which does not belong to them. Ironically, this makes us more helpful because we are clearer, non-attached and can see the bigger picture – we can see both the problem and possible solutions to it, instead of being so wrapped up in identifying with the other party's issues.

This principle has interesting implications for the whole. Donors are already withdrawing their aid from Africa saying that it is time for Africa to stand on its own feet and find its own way. It would seem that any institution or organisation that does not promote self-mastery and self-reliance does not belong in the new dispensation. Please be clear here, it does not mean that we do not give and serve. Service is a natural, spontaneous expression of the soul, but there is discernment and wisdom as to how that energy is used. The question to ask in any situation where aid/service is being given is, ‘Will this help the person, community, nation to grow and become responsible and independent?'

We are moving towards knowing too that the greatest service any of us can give is to be fully present, in our authentic, peaceful, joyful and loving selves. The energy of our presence with an open heart is more powerful than we can possibly ever imagine.

I am drawn to the word ‘emerging' because in these powerful times of transition, the real self, the being self, is emerging out of the shadows of prejudice, restriction and inhibiting social and religious conditioning, suppression and mind-control.

Let's explore this further. When we meditate we use the term to “go within', meaning we are going somewhere but, in truth, we don't have to go anywhere because we are already that which is within. Once this is realised and lived, we may start to experience ourselves as multi-dimensional. We live on Earth as a physical beings and yet the part of us existing in the subtle spheres beyond the physical is vast – beyond the incarnational bodies (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual), we are a Higher Self connected to Source in which exist many dimensions and worlds. More of us are becoming increasingly aware of them as we slip out of our bodies at night for teaching and exploration, and when we meditate deeply.

Just as we explore new dimensions, perhaps some more consciously than others, in the ‘new energy' we can change their brainwaves at will. With this skill we experience the expanded self and live in oneness with ‘All that Is', moving towards what might be called states of enlightenment. Mastering this ability enables us to move more deeply into peace, stillness, deep silence, and ultimately bliss as our brain waves slow down.

We know we are here to grow, expand, deepen, love and serve. The heart becomes the centre from which abundance, joy, harmony, compassion and oneness are experienced. The mind is understood in correct context, as a powerful tool used in service to the soul. It is no longer the destructive, insidious and persistent ruler of our kingdom, feeding and igniting all our problems.

There comes a deep recognition that we are not alone. In the ‘old consciousness', this perhaps sounded spooky or irrational. Now, there is acknowledgment of the assistance of hosts of non-physical beings from many dimensions assisting, guiding, inspiring, supporting and teaching us. What a relief. What a blessing.

There is honouring and respect for every individual, from street sweeper to greatest leader. This is not about agreeing or even liking them, but recognising the soul and the choices they have made for this life. Acceptance and tolerance shine forth with deep knowing that beneath the variety of exteriors, all are one. From the level of mind we manifest distinctions and differences but in the realms of our spirit and heart we are in love and unity. ‘Divine equality' is an apt term. When fully expressed this means we see the God in everyone and are incapable of making anyone a victim, let alone being one ourselves.

Our purpose becomes two-fold. Firstly, to be the qualities that radiate from our presence: peace, strength, love and so on. And secondly, to find the expression that gives us meaning and passion. This is unique to each person. I know a midwife whose stated purpose is to bring children into the world without trauma, a man who plants trees, another who is learning to be a transmitter of light through just being – and how hard that is. Our purpose will always be to move consciousness forward through inventing, healing, teaching, supporting, initiating. When we find this purpose it defines and guides our whole life. We could not consider anything else.

On this menu is also fun. This does not mean partying all night, but doing whatever we are doing ‘lightly', enjoying ourselves, having pleasure whether it is washing dishes, going for a walk, talking to a friend or bathing in one's successes – humbly, of course. Fun is one of the characteristics of the real self, the magical child, and we have not yet arrived in the ‘new energy' until life is fun. When our reality is working and we are successful, manifesting, abundant, intuitive and growing, we are having fun. I recall the words, ‘What we deny, subtracts. What we enjoy, adds'.

There are many more facets to ‘the new being'. The sensing and understanding of energies, the marriage of sexuality and spirit, the new dynamics of relationships, and the balance of the inner male and female, are but a few. Each of these is worthy of articles in their own right.

Finally, let me attempt to express the ultimate flowering of this ‘new energy being': everything changes. It's as though we've won the game of life and we can let go and let it happen. We know exactly where to go and what to do and we need no external teacher. We are whole, complete, living abundantly, with joy and at peace. In the words of a Sufi Master: ‘We recognise we are love, we come from love, we are made of love and we cannot cease to love.'

Natalia Baker