It is obvious we are in the midst of a nationwide and probably worldwide financial crisis, which is unfolding and creating seemingly more chaos by the day.

Many of us have been experiencing our own levels of financial crisis for much of our lives. Some, perhaps born into more affluent circumstances or more skilled at manifesting prosperity, may only recently have learned what it’s like to take a huge financial loss. Still others may only begin to sense the idea of financial struggle by listening to the fears of friends and family, or by following the news.

While there will no doubt be effects in everyone’s lives, those effects will be different for each individual depending on personal circumstances and most importantly, their viewpoint. One person’s crisis is another’s opportunity.

I haven’t heard of anyone jumping out of buildings yet, but I did see a headline that suicides are up and the potential for PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) is high for this crisis, just as it has been for our returning combat troops.

Some have had a high degree of emotional pressure for years so, in a sense, this may seem like nothing new, just another crisis on top of all the rest.

Personally speaking, I have felt pressure, both specific and non-specific for most of my lifetime. While I have often felt a great deal of discomfort and disappointment swirling around and within me, the pressures that were built-up inside have often led to the birth of greater awareness, new potential and more choices for effective living.

One of my favorite pastimes is to watch films of the new islands in Hawaii being formed from the lava that is generated by the friction of the moving plates within the earth. The beauty is indescribable as the fiery lava flow shoots and roars, winding finally into a path of shiny, molten stone that will live on for thousands of years. It sure looks like Mother Earth is having fun, but I’ve been told that it really stinks, and is really hot if you’re up close while the transformation is occurring.

To apply the analogy, the effects of the pressures exerted from every facet of this financial crisis can make us or break us, as we allow. I know Warren Buffet is having the time of his life, picking and choosing bargains as if he’s on a beach full of diamonds washed up on the shore.

Our question needs to be, can we find the new path leading to the jewels that Mother Earth is leaving for us in this crisis, or do we, in our fear, become the sacrificial offering with no choice but to jump into the fire, as in the old ritual?

Perhaps the reality is some of both. Sometimes, the pathway and steps are clear and sometimes the path is discovered only when forced to jump.

My father used to tell me when I was young that “it’s better to anticipate the need for a new job before you need one. Go on the interview before you leave your current position” he would wisely advise.

If the writing is on the wall calling out for change, begin to look now and move as you are called in response to the winds of change that are stirring. Coming from a position of strength such as this, whenever possible, is like grabbing onto the next rung of a ladder before letting go of the previous.

On the other hand, sometimes it is not always possible to anticipate the change before the change happens.

How well I know this. It is, however, possible to find the path by being willing to make the jump, in faith that you are in the midst of a natural, creative experience and trusting the steps will certainly and perfectly unfold.

If you feel uncertain, or in the midst of upheaval, take a deep breath and acknowledge you are part of the greater process of creation itself.

Affirm, “I am in the midst of a Holy and beautiful creation of God. I do not know where the path is leading, but I know the path is perfectly laid forth for me with every step I take.”

If the country and world decides to call the economic situation a crisis that is fine and in relative terms there is great truth in it. I believe we will all be better served, however, if we accept that the changes which are occurring in our midst are doing so with the integrity of the Divine Creative Process itself.

We can then find more joy and abundance in the process because of faith that all is in perfect order, including the path being laid forth for ourselves.

Will the ride be like a wild raft trip down the rapids or will we go merrily and gently down the stream? With the proper viewpoint, we can have it both ways, as it occurs, along with a lot more fun and prosperity in the process.

May God Bless

Darryl Schoenstadt is a student and practitioner of the Principles of Creation. His faith in these active principals in his life has arisen from a path filled with many unexpected turns and a lot of wild and crazy guesses.

As a realtor and loan officer in Phoenix, AZ, he has realized what it is like to be on the tip of the iceberg when it slowly floats away from the mass. Thankfully, he has realized that God is the Source of his Lifeboat.