Rev Kat Carroll
If you haven’t shot your TV by now, and you still wander through the dozens of social media platforms, no doubt, you’re feeling just how chaotic the world seems to be.
Whether it’s debates around ICE and immigration, corruption within government and business, or questions about the FBI, CIA, and other three-letter agencies—information is coming at us from all directions. Add fake news and AI-generated videos to the mix, and it’s no wonder many people are left feeling raw, overwhelmed, and asking: What can I even believe anymore?
That’s a tough question!
Start by evaluating the source and evidence behind any claim. Use critical thinking and claim testing to assess whether information is trustworthy, logical, and supported by reliable evidence. As highlighted by the News Literacy Project, this involves questioning the credibility of sources and recognizing biases.
There are some who used deception to confuse the public - to hide their agendas and actions:
A quote often attributed to CIA Director William J. Casey — "We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false"
Nazi leaders relied heavily on propaganda and euphemistic language to conceal the “Final Solution”—a program of mass murder they knew the public would not openly accept.
Abraham Lincoln cautioned against mass deception: "You may deceive all the people part of the time, and part of the people all the time, but not all the people all the time."
Sun Tzu framed deception as a strategic necessity: His core principle advises "Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak." This tactic involves manipulating an opponent's perception to gain a strategic advantage.
While deception has long been used as a strategic tool in war and politics, navigating today’s information battlefield also requires inner discernment.
So, how do you stay grounded and learn to differentiate the signal from the noise?
When it comes to personal or spiritual beliefs, self-reflection and personal experience are key. As emphasized in Christian perspectives, you must engage directly with Scripture, pray, and seek a personal relationship with God. True belief is not just intellectual agreement but is reflected in actions and habits—as philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce noted, beliefs are demonstrated through behavior.
Additionally, when hearing a person that you are unsure of, consider their track record and logic. The most trustworthy people are those who both practice what they preach and can clearly explain why. Look for those with "skin in the game"—real consequences for being wrong.
Ultimately, test your beliefs. Ask: Does this belief hold up under scrutiny? Does it guide consistent action? Does it align with truth and integrity? As the quote from Cups to Crowns says: "Tasting is something nobody can do for you." You must personally engage with truth to know it.
Consider how the information makes you feel. In many cases, when the information leaves a “bad taste” in your mouth (symbolically speaking), a part of you already recognizes that something is wrong with the information, at least in part. Look to other sources to confirm the information. If it seems meant to steer you mind in a specific direction, it could be a case of predictive programming; information or imagery designed to normalize an outcome before it occurs, so people unconsciously accept or reinforce it.
There may be a rapid increase in information that will be shocking, and unpleasant. There has been talk over the years of a possible Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) – A series of videos, photos and information of crimes, who committed them, and the result of legal actions. You may learn of terrible things people in trusted positions have done. And when truth is revealed, it will shake many world views and believe systems.
But sometimes a good shake up is beneficial, as all at the top of the tree that no longer serves will fall away. This makes space for new ideas and leaders to bloom.
Staying focused in chaotic times is a skill—one that can be practiced and strengthened. Think of it as becoming a mindful Jedi… by mastering your attention and energy through deliberate strategies.
Start with awareness, which is as simple as pausing, taking a few deep breaths, and observing your thoughts and emotions in the moment.
Use the STOP practice –
* Stop
* Take a breath
* Observe without judgement from a higher Perspective… what we call the 50,000-foot view.
* Perspective
When you find your mind running on the hamster wheel of negative thoughts, redirect your attention to something positive to reset your focus. This mental practice builds resilience and keeps your attention stable, even during moments of high stress.
Take control of what you can—limit exposure to chaos-inducing inputs like endless news or social media. Schedule regular breaks to stretch or walk, practice gratitude, and maintain routines to preserve your energy.
Meditate – A daily practice, even if only for a few minutes a couple times a day, has many benefits. It lowers blood pressure, gets your heart into more stable rhythm, and increases your ability to handle stress and more. Focus on those things, people and places that you are grateful for, including your life and all the lessons you experience daily. Recognize that your mind naturally wanders; and the key is not to suppress it, but to notice when it drifts, and gently redirect it.
Get Grounded – Walk in Nature, bare feet in the sand, on the ground. Spend time near water—lakes, oceans, rivers, even fountains. Natural environments like these are rich in negative ions, which many people find calming and restorative, and which have been associated with improved mood and well-being. (Link provided below for those who wish to explore further.)
Finally, stay connected—collaborate with mentors, coaches, or trusted peers. Participate in our Ascension Connection Meetings.
You don’t have to face chaos alone. Your focus, clarity, and resilience are skills that can be trained and strengthened daily. And by learning these techniques, you can become a Jedi Master of mindfulness to help others who are struggling.
Be the Change - and the leadership - you want to see in the world!
Resources for a deeper dive
8 Traits of The Most Trustworthy People.
PTSD in the Great Awakening and What You Can Do About It
Meditation and Prayer to Heal the World
Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes
The Importance of Community and Finding Your Tribe
http://dlvr.it/TQf62h
