Recently the world was abuzz because of a theory from Harold Camping, the millionaire owner of the Christian Family Radio Network, that the rapture of Christians would occur on May 21, 2011. Although Harold Camping made a similar prediction in 1994, which obviously was incorrect, thousands of people sold, or donated, everything they owned to spread this message, and wait for the end of the world to occur. Obviously the sunrise on May 22, 2011, was a devastating shock to many of those people who had so completely bought into Mr. Camping’s false message.
Beyond Mr. Camping’s debunked theories, there is a constantly changing array of doomsday scenarios, whether it be the past Y2K predictions, or the current Niburu, Planet X, Nemisis, and 2012 predictions. Also, there are a never ending string of conspiracy theories involving the Illuminati, Freemasons, Bilderburg group, Bohemian Grove, etc. and their supposed desire to control the world. When these doomsday scenarios fail to materialize, or the conspiracies are proven false, new dates are set, or entirely new theories are created to take the former theory’s place.
The real questions in all of this is why would someone buy so fully into these fringe predictions, which are solely supported by shaky math, questionable biblical and ancient document interpretations, supposed psychic messages, or even a total lack of evidence (after all if you can’t prove it doesn’t exist, then it must exist)? why do people still gravitate to these theories even after previous theories have been proven wrong time and time again? The answer is that many people want the end of the world to occur, because they are unhappy with this current life, and are hoping for something better after death. This is a risky wager of course, because no one can prove what awaits the soul after the death of the physical body, because as Shakespeare said, death is “the undiscovered country from whose born no traveler returns”. Also, rather than facing up to your own shortcomings, and rectifying them, it is easier to blame your woes on someone else, especially groups which are closed, private, and don’t release very much information to the public.
Wasting time on these theories takes time away from living in the now, and enjoying life, because it causes unnecessary anxiety and attachment to the material world. Also, these theories provide an excuse for not undertaking the vital introspection necessary to rectify your shortcomings. There is no reason to be anxious about the end of the world because if the world is really going to end because of an asteroid impact, planet flyby, alien invasion, or zombie apocalypse, there really isn’t much you can do about it. Disregarding these theories will allow you to focusing on your true-self. By focusing on your true self you will become comfortable with yourself and the world around you, which will allow you to enjoy living in the now.
Practical Tip: Don’t let yourself get caught up in doomsday scenarios and conspiracy theories, dismiss them as fanciful inventions. Take responsibility for your own actions, and shortcomings, don’t blame others for your current situation or failings. Finally, try to diminish the hold that you allow the material world to have over you by spending 5 to 10 minutes a day in a state of meditation, prayer, or quiet contemplation, which will allow you to focus on your true self, let go of the material world, and find true peace and happiness.
“Oh soul,
you worry too much.
You have seen your own strength.
You have seen your own beauty.
You have seen your golden wings.
Of anything less,
why do you worry?
You are in truth
the soul, of the soul, of the soul.”
– Jalal ad-Din Rumi
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