I’m channeling my inner Tom Petty tonight listening to his “Breakdown” while chilling out here on our patio on this beautiful South Florida January night.

It reminds me of what’s going on in the outer world with all the crime, corruption, war and power games going on. The powers that be that do it or allow it to happen don’t give a damn if we like it or not. And it’s too freaking bad if we don’t.

We’ve been born into a reality where we have the illusion of free will, where we’re only free when we don’t step out of line or on the wrong toes. We certainly aren’t free to set the course for our common future.

That’s a real shame, because many of us came to show how to exercise that free will and assume the responsibility that comes with it. But expanding the consciousness be damned, the controllers don’t want that to happen, and that’s that.

I know I sound rather cynical that humanity will break its chains any time soon. That’s because I am. Even from my hermitage I put my ear to the ground and check the pulse of the collective consciousness. And while it’s still beating, it’s so slow you’d barely know it.

Much of that is because we’ve allowed ourselves to be lulled to sleep and led to believe that the System is our savior, and there is no higher power than the State. It giveth, and it taketh away – so we go along to get along and thank our lucky stars for the few crumbs that come out way.

What a mess we’ve gotten ourselves into. Descended masters trying to remember our divinity and recall how to mobilize the energies of creation, we can’t even muster the will to live lives that free us of all the struggle, suffering and conflict that makes life what it too often is in this world.

Yet spiritual teachers tell us to be in joy and at peace regardless of how high the shit piles up around our ears. Why is that, pray tell? Because they raise our individual vibrations and determine the nature of the energies we contribute to the collective consciousness, which by the way creates this reality. Good vibrations raise it, and good things happen. Bad things happen and down it goes, and we keep getting more of the same.

Why do you think the media is filled with fear porn and stories designed to shock, anger or depress you? Who would give them a moment’s notice if things were seen as good out there? We’d be out getting our highs on, instead of letting them bring us down.

If you’re a lightworker, I know you’re tired, and have had your share of frustrations just being yourself and doing what you do. Try as hard as you might, no matter how many you help along the way, there are always more waiting to suck the life out of you just to make theirs go a little better for a little while.

They don’t mean to. It’s just their vibrations are so low they can’t help but siphon off some of your good ones, and leave you wondering why you volunteered for this job. Gluttons for punishment we are, one and all. But that’s why you’re here, to do your part even if it never changes the big picture. And sometimes not even the little ones.

Somehow, though, we’ve got to find a way to marshal the forces needed to get us over the hump and uplift humanity once and for all. Unfortunately, that may not be up to us pawns in the great war between dark and light.

Our lot is to be stoic warriors for the light, to do our thing and do our best to keep our vibrations high while we do, despite the price we pay to do so. If enough of us do, maybe God will smile and raise this world into 4th density consciousness. And if not, perhaps at least relieve us of our duties here and let us ascend without them.

I won’t hold my breath. You probably shouldn’t either, regardless of the prophets who claim some event of mass Ascension is right around the corner.

I’ve heard that tale for thousands of years now, and frankly I’m tired of choking on the carrot they keep dangling. But hey, you do you. If it gives you hope or joy to believe, you just keep right on believing.

Me, I’ll suck it up and keep fighting the good fight, just like you probably will, too. It’s why we’re here. Never quit. That’s why they call it eternity.

“So long as sentient beings remain and suffering reigns . . . ,” as the Bodhisattva vow goes. Or something like that. You get the idea. We’re here for the duration, no matter how long it takes.

To paraphrase Tom Petty, “It’s alright if you love it. It’s alright if you don’t. I’m not afraid of you running away, but I’ve got a feeling you won’t.”

Your contribution is in your blood. It’s why you’re here. It’s why you’re awakening now. So keep on keeping on.

Whatever happens, don’t stop trying. Never quit. Take a break if you must, then get back in the game. It’s not like you have a choice anyway. That voice within won’t give you any peace until you do.

Happy New Year, my friend. Live it in love. Start with yourself.

God bless you indeed.