The year 2012 is a significant date for a number of people around the world. For some it signifies a time of transformation, the end of time in the literal sense, the end of time in the linear sense, and perhaps for some it does not have significance at all and: nothing will change in 2012. But what is the motivation for perceiving this date to have one significance or another?

Sometimes it's possible to learn a lot from the perspectives that surround an event than it is from the event itself.

Transformation — how to define it

For me 2012 is an invitation to enter the Present Moment. That is a process of transformation in itself as I see it. However what does it mean when someone responds to the idea of transformation with fear, for example?

If a person is expecting the world to end then he will place that expectation over all the possible events that seem to make that outcome plausible. For example, the same fear might be attached to the end of the second millennium – in 2000. The same fear repeats itself. 

Likewise if someone is expecting nothing to change, for the world to go on in the exact same shape that it is now, then that person will dismiss all of '2012 dates'.

The Age of Aquarius

Is it possible that these events happen to us less than we happen to them? The more we focus and share this awareness of a specific date the more it indicates some kind of subconscious desire to express a need for:

• Transformation
• Change
• Ending an Era

Or whichever other desire we are looking to express. Think about what a person is attempting to point out when talking about 2012 for example:

"The Mayan prophecies suggest 2012 will be a date of spiritual transformation and I just felt like talking about this for no specific reason."

Or

"The idea of a transformation in consciousness is something worth striving for."

If we look behind the words — which meaning seems more accurate? I believe that people all over the world would not be discussing this idea of transformation just for the sake of it. There is a deeper desire to express the need for transformation on an individual and collective level.

The astrological movement into the era of Aquarius represents letting go of the existing ties to the world that limit us, but have no place doing so.

The emotions that surround change

Certain dates, names and places end up having more subjective relevance to us more often than having a tangible significance that is not related to our personal experience. Often it is the emotions that caused the strongest reaction in people. The emotional idea that transformation will cause them to give up their existing lifestyle. The emotional idea that change is negative. The emotional idea that the end of time is among us because we need to be judged for our sins.

Each significant date or event has emotions tied around it that invest equal significance into that date. For me the date of 2012 is an invitation to let go of those investments… the investments of a supposed 'escape' from the problems of this word and the investments of believing life will end. It is an invitation to be more present and less concerned with the significance of the actual date itself.

How does the idea of 'Year 2012' resonate within You?

Being Present in The Now

The Power of Now is one of the best books that I have read on being more present. It has helped me be more present rather than being concerned with looking to the past or future to find answers. I recommend taking a look at it for those who haven't come across the book before.