Is it New or Old Age?

Is New Age making its reappearance? Maybe we should call it “Renewed Age.”
But perhaps it’s just me. I went to a seminar over the weekend which was put on by an almost baby boomer old friend and his wife. They live in a newly established retreat center not far from Zion National Park in Utah. She, who admitted to being a hippy “back in the day,” was inspiriting and gave all those in attendance a wonderful message of what good we can begin expecting from the future.
It’s no accident that we are here and that you’re reading this blog. She convinced me that we are living in a very special time. She called it “a time when we are entering the doorway to the Age of Aquarius.” I believe her. I am seeing more and more things going on around me that are making sense and giving me hope.
Especially in business. The other day I received an email from a business coach that read like he just left the graces of his guru. Here is a little of what he wrote:
“I realize as a subject, achievement of goals through a conscious effort to raise your awareness, strengthen your willpower, and if you subscribe to it, call on universal principles to help you, is very compelling. Who wouldn't want to know how to change aspects of their life for the better? Creating positive change and discovering the nature of the universe are two subjects I've studied for most of my adult life. Often during times of crisis or great challenge is when I call on this interest the most, because it can be a very grounding force if you are willing to take on the ideas.”
This was from a guy who is always all biz and is usually trying to sell some new book or tape.
In my own industry – promotional marketing products – I receive lots and lots of emails from hundreds of factories wanting me to take an interest in their products and use them in an upcoming campaign for a client. That’s fine and for the most part I appreciate being on their lists. But lately I’m noticing this New Agedness rhetoric inching in to the copy. Here is one more example:
“Knowledge is based on moral and intellectual virtues. It can be defined today as an abstract, intangible combination of emotional intelligence, social intelligence, and the ability to recognize in others how their unique set of experiences and responses contribute to the good of all.
This abstract skill is essential to both learning how differences benefit the team and achieving cultural synergy. The acquisition of this abstract skill begins with a heightened knowledge of oneself. Only through self-awareness can we hope to more fully understand others in the quest to expand our global comfort zone.
Know yourself”
Frankly, I’m pleased by this “Renewed Age.” But I’m wondering am I just noticing it because of my weekend experience? Has this been going on all this time without my being aware of it? Let me know. Are you seeing more and more lately and am I just finally getting it? I would really like to hear form you.