If we look back across the centuries we can see how far we’ve come as humans. That we are evolving is evident, even if we look only at physical characteristics.

The human form seems to be ever more refined, particularly when compared to early humans. Our minds have evolved as well, as the cumulative effect of more knowledge and a developing brain have combined to produce more knowledge than one individual mind could ever hold.

We are on the threshold of another huge evolutionary leap, which will ultimately define the new Millennium. It is the transformation of the ego-centered to the soul-centered human. A strong ego may have been necessary to withstand the struggles our ancestors endured simply to survive. As the elements have been somewhat mastered, and we no longer need to struggle for food and shelter, our energy can be focused on new directions.

We have also seen shifts in consciousness, as we become more aware of our own thoughts, feelings and perspectives, taking the time to reflect upon them. We have the “luxury” of exploring them more deeply. All the while, soul has been like the butterfly quietly waiting within the confining cocoon of the ego. There is now a growing awareness that there is more to us than physical form and mind alone. We are beginning to understand our own role in co-creating most everything that happens in our lives. Many have been experiencing years of inner turmoil and struggle, vacillating between moving forward and falling back, between awareness and frustration. It is like the struggle of a woman giving birth: the contractions are painful, but they are also propelling new life out into the world.

The struggles which ego creates for us result in painful contractions of energy. If we push with the contractions, we help the process. What this means is that a contraction or struggle in life signals the need to shift something, somewhere. If we recognize that, and begin to make the necessary adjustments, the flow of life just seems to unfold. If we resist, we create more pain because we remain stuck in the old pattern. “Pushing” with life’s contractions means that if we feel pain in our lives, and see how ego has created that through either attachment, a need to control, co-dependency, judgement or blame, we push away from that old way of being. We recognize the need to change.

Resisting means we feel the pain, but continue to try to eliminate it by changing something outside of ourselves. This does not work. We have little if any control over things outside of ourselves, particularly if they are human!

Making the shift from ego to soul consciousness means transcending polarity within our own mind, seeing that we are co-creators of every experience that we have, and that we can no longer blame others for our predicaments. It is seeing that we are all mirrors for one another. Others reflect our capacity for loving kindness, or our inability to be compassionate. They reflect those places where we need to go.

We may try to camouflage our darker sides or unhealed places, and it is often those closest to us who will shine a bright light directly on what it is we prefer to deny or disown. What we fail to recognize is that they are helping us. Like the mother who looks under the bed or opens the closet door to reveal what we chose to hide when cleaning up, they point out what still needs work. The child does not like this because it means more work.

Adults generally do not like it either, when their unfinished and unhealed parts are exposed. They may react with defensiveness, denial, anger, or may seek to retaliate. These responses cause the situation to deteriorate, as well as blocking any possibility of positive growth. We can welcome the feedback if we can recognize that we are all here to help one another to take the next evolutionary step.

If we cannot see where bits of the ego-cocoon are still stuck to our emerging wings, we will never fly. The relationships and situations in our lives reveal just that, if we are open to seeing. As we release more and more ego, there is room for Soul. Soul consciousness is that place of awareness: awareness of our oneness, our inter-connectedness, and the powerful energy that is love. It reveals itself as compassion, understanding and acceptance. The soul consciousness in one will gradually melt away ego-consciousness in others. Like the morning sun sweeping across the county-side at dawn, the light of each emerging soul will brighten our world. Forget the dire predictions: it’s going to be a very good Millennium. Welcome it with joy!

Gwen Randall-Young is a psychotherapist and author who bridges the worlds of psychology and spirituality. Her books include Dancing Soul, The Voice of Spirit Evolving, Echoes Through Time: A Message of Healing for Men, and Baby Soul. Audiocassettes: Healing the Past: A Meditation for Wholeness, After Recess: A Calming Meditation for the Elementary Classroom, and A World Of Kindness: Experiencing Personal and Global Harmony grandall@telusplanet.net or gwendall@home.com