This question can be answered from many different perspectives.
I believe we are at a point in our evolution where the planet, after going through its energetic shifts and changes, has taken a momentary pause for the consciousness of humanity to catch up. The global energy has shifted and now every person on the planet is going to experience a similar shift. For those who have been on a spiritual path, letting go of old beliefs and patterns, this will not be a surprise. Yet for those who have not been aware that there is a spiritual side of life, this energy shift has been a great surprise. It has generated fear, feelings of lack of control and lack of security.
So for the present we get to watch the show as the world shifts, as the economy rebalances itself and the consciousness of each individual moves to a higher frequency.
Those who have been waiting for 2012 for the big shift are going to be in for a surprise as the expected shift of 2012 is happening right now.
