The default program in human thinking
when it comes to differences seems to be to focus on what the
other, individual or side, is doing, or has done, that is wrong.
It is a short step from there to good guy/bad guy thinking and
before we know it, we have created an enemy. Of course, then,
everything the enemy does is wrong, or at least suspect. The
fire of hostility is created, and both sides continue to throw
logs onto it.
As we have seen, this can go on generation after
generation within and between families, nations or religious
groups. The young are taught who is good and who is bad, and
so the hostility continues. Interestingly, however, even within
polarized groups there will be those on both sides who simply
want to live in peace, and are not interested in conflict.
What can we do? The first thing we can do is to recognize
that we do not have to take sides. There are enough people out
there adding to the energy of polarity. Instead, we need to add
our energy to those who are striving for solutions, balance,
broader perspectives and civility.
Then, we can use our intelligence to generate win-win
solutions. We can do this on a small scale within our families,
or on a large, global scale. I do believe that small scale polarities
in the home or office energetically contribute to global polarity.
Our world seems increasingly polluted with the negative
energy of war, conflict and fear. We can use our own consciousness
as an energy purifier. With global technology we can influence
others all over the world. We must first be that which we seek
to see in our world. If we want fairness, balance and understanding,
we need to give that to others. In order to do that, we first
need to release our hold on the idea of anyone being right, and
instead focus on what it is we would like to create. We need
to understand both sides before we can build a bridge connecting
them.
Gwen Randall-Young is an author
and Chartered Psychologist in private practice. She is the recipient
of the Psychologist's Association of Alberta John G. Paterson
award (2003) for excellence in portraying psychological knowledge
to the public.
Visit her website www.gwen.ca or contact her directly: gwendall@shaw.ca.
Books and CDS available online and Community Natural Foods.
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