The Christchurch Mosque Attack brought terrorism onto the city’s doorstep on
March 15, 2019.
Firstly, my heart goes to the victims, the survivors at the mosques on 15 March 2019.
I am extending 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 am spreading a message of peace, friendship and co-existence. Most importantly, we 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. It is all too easy for people to only blame the alleged gunman. People are denying that “he is not us” because he is Australian. However, this does not excuse us for any part we may have unconsciously played in his choosing to unleash his hate in our city.
Certainly, the reality is that in every community, culture, belief system, etc. there will be a very small percentage who are attracted to extremism. Therefore, we cannot state, hand on heart, that New Zealand “absolutely” does not have people who think as he did. For anyone to make a statement like that is utterly naive.
We Need to Co-Exist with All People
I have studied self-actualisation psychology for a number of years. As a result, 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; so this is why the alleged gunman has the right to a fair trial.
How Can You Make a Difference?
Most importantly, we cannot 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. Above all, 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.
We do this by first asking ourselves what we as individuals have done to contribute to such events like the Christchurch Mosque Attack. Then secondly, we ask how we can change our thoughts, emotions, actions, and communications, to prevent similar atrocities happening again.
Be Gentle: You are Being Human
However, before you beat yourself up for some past indiscretion, for example, 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.
Certainly, 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.
