Christchurch Mosque Attacks. Firstly, my heart goes to the victims, the survivors at the mosques on 15 March 2019. I extend my sympathies to the families that lost their loved ones. The dignified response of the Muslim communities in New Zealand and around the world is incredible. Like them, I wish to spread a message of peace, friendship and co-existence, as well as the need to focus on bringing light and calmness, not darkness, to the chaotic world we live in.
Time for Peace, Love, and Respect
Over the past few days I've taken time to do some critical thinking, and deep reflection on Friday's atrocities carried out by the gunman. It is all too easy for people to only blame the gunman, to deny that "he is not us" because he is Australian and make excuses for our part in him choosing to unleash his hate in our city. But the reality is that in every community, culture, belief system, etc. there will be a very small percentage who are attracted to extremism. We cannot state, hand on heart, that New Zealand "absolutely" does not have people who think as he did. To make a statement like that is utterly naive.
Having studied self-actualisation psychology for a number of years, I am an advocate for self-empowerment based upon in-depth critical thinking. I strongly believe that each person on Earth has a responsibility to find a way to co-exist with all other people, regardless of the differences. Each individual must take ownership for, and be accountable for their actions, communications, thoughts and feelings. Our justice system supports this, and this is why the gunman will be given a fair trial, and in the years to come, plenty of opportunities to learn from his mistakes, in order to be rehabilitated into society.
Right now, it is important that we do not continue to blame others, to make excuses, or deny reality. In doing so, we give oxygen to the small percentage of human beings at the extremes. Instead, we need to show our respect to all the victims of terrorism and other horrific crimes, by opening our eyes to what has happened, and is happening all over the world. It is the time to ask ourselves what we as individuals have done to contribute to such events, and how we can change our thoughts, emotions, actions, and communications, to prevent similar atrocities happening again.
Be Gentle: You are Being Human
Before you beat yourself up for some past indiscretion, such as something thoughtless you may have said or done, or a knee-jerk reaction you may have had to an external interaction or event, remember this: You are a human being being human, doing the best you can at the time you do it. Can you do better? Of course. This is part of your transformative journey.
It is important to be aware that every person has a shadow side, as well as light side. Part of being human is the continual challenge to manage and control the dark side. Fortunately, most of us do achieve self-control around others, and succeed at giving the world around us our best.
Christchurch Mosque Attacks: New Zealand Responds
to Darkness with Community Support
The evil that got unleashed on Friday has given the world yet another opportunity to transform and move towards peace. In New Zealand, more of us have stated our willingness to make this a better place by gathering together at community events in support of the victim. We have made the commitment to address the issues that are often marginalised or swept under the carpet. Therefore, it is time to start having tough but empowering conversations about current government policies and social practices. It is not the time to have knee-jerk reactions that force more rules and regulations on people. It is the time to include people from all backgrounds and walks of life, to find WIN/WIN solutions that respect all viewpoints. It is the time to mutually empower all people, so that we can co-exist peacefully, and create a much better world.
In the past few days, New Zealand has shown the world how it responds to evil - by doing the exact opposite to what was intended. We have come together, to show our united support and love to the people who chose to make New Zealand their new home, because it seemed to be a safe place. Our innocence and way of life has been shattered, but we can bring peace and safety back to our land, and the world. So, let's absolutely "do this"... "this" being keeping the conversations open and momentum towards peace, respect, fairness, and equality for all going. Let's be the most transformational country in the coming years and inspire other countries to follow our lead.
Let Our Own Light Shine and Empower Others to do the same
Do you want this to be the start of a transformative journey? Are you willing to help create a place where individuals are given the freedom, support, encouragement, and resources to pursue and reach their fullest potential? How will you make a positive difference to the world? The responsibility to do this falls upon every single one of us. We can use "the Force" and let good triumph over evil, and the light outshine the darkness.
On Friday, the gunman believed his actions would unleash our deepest fears. He didn't understand what our deepest fears are. So his darkness has unleashed the incredible power of humanity, which flickers deep within each and every one of us. It is, therefore, fitting to end my reflections on the Mosque Attack with the Marianne Williamson quote:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Further reading:Statement from the MHF: Extremism is not a mental illness
statement from the Mental Health Foundation: Extremism is not me
