By every indication, 2012 will be a year of change – a lot of volatility with big ups and downs. We will see these changes working out at every level: globally, nationally, locally, and personally. We can expect this to be a time of personal trials — although not a “negative” thing, each of us will have to find a way to deal with the turmoil.

If we allow the unpredictability of the highs and lows to trigger our fear-based egoic reactions, this will likely be an unpleasant and painful experience. All of us will experience periods where we are gripped by ego – that is normal. The goal, however, is to reduce how often this occurs and how long you stay “hooked” by the ego’s reaction. Set a goal to maintain yourself at your highest state of consciousness and take steps to smooth out the ups and downs.

Here are two tips to help you to gracefully surf these waves of change:

Raise Your Perspective

When we experience a personal trial, we tend to magnify the effects and make them bigger than they really are. When you find yourself emotionally triggered, imagine floating upward above yourself and see yourself standing on your life’s timeline on a place called “Now.” As you continue to move higher, taking in an increasingly broader swath of your timeline, take note of this event relative to the rest of your life. You will probably see that you have experienced many such upsets over time and not only did you make it through them, you have long forgotten them. Say to yourself, “This is a small matter, and it too will pass,” and notice how easily you return to your higher state of being.

Hold Your Center

Folk singer and songwriter John Prine penned these timely lyrics:

That’s the way that the world goes round,
You’re up one minute and the next your down,
It’s half an inch of water and you think you’re gonna drown,
That’s the way that the world goes round.”
– “That’s the way the World Goes Round,” by John Prine

Life is full of ups and downs. It is important not to make too much of the “downs” OR the “ups.” They are simply the way of life. You can navigate these more easily if you will stop, breath deeply, and put your awareness in your heart center. Feel the unconditional love of God/Goddess in this space and the certainty that everything will be all right. Remember that events are UPs or DOWNs because you have labeled them as such – mentally let go of your judgement of the situation as either good or bad. Then, from this calm and peaceful center, take what comes with joy and grace.