Consider two humans, miles apart, across multiple dimensions of diversity, and with no obvious connections. They live in separate spheres of existence and their lives may never overlap. As we are all one Human race, the reality is that the energy of their existence does in fact overlap. Some may call it the “butterfly effect” or a “domino reaction”. I feel it is best illustrated as a ripple in the pond; a small droplet of water causing a reverberation that extends infinitely outward.
The butterfly effect in chaos theory demonstrates the phenomenon whereby a minute localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere. The domino effect illustrates the cumulative effect that results when one event precipitates a series of like events. By combining these two concepts, we can begin to see the world and the actions we take through the metaphor of the ripples in a pond.
Small actions rooted in love can generate a series of similar actions that eventually can be felt on a global scale. Small actions, taken every day, sending the energy of hope and kindness, love, and compassion will encourage others to send out their own ripples.
Love and compassion lead us, as connected human beings, to extend kindness to other humans. We can learn to show compassion and consideration across all dimensions of our diversity and intentionally build connections that will foster hope and goodwill.
Recently I have received many messages from people all across the globe who are feeling hopeless and helpless in regard to the war in Ukraine. Their messages are filled with words of compassion and empathy but tend to end with the desire to do more and frustration at their inability to do so. I get it. I feel their pain and I share the weight of their disheartenment. In these moments we learn to find and transform into the light in the darkness. We hold onto hope and send ripples of love, generosity, and benevolence to impact the world in a thoughtful way. We may not end the war with a single act of kindness but we can make an intentional shift to bring peace and love where it is most needed.
Start with a small change in how you react to conflict and challenges. Take a moment to pause and find the ability to calm your inner narrative. In Know Justice Know Peace I expand upon this practice:
“When we approach conflicts around our different dimensions of diversity many people revert to an ‘us versus them’ or a 'me versus you' perspective. The predisposition towards disconnection has become a natural way of navigating challenges for most of us, and if we are to evolve as a species we must be willing to acknowledge our connectedness as a single human race.”
Reflect on your inner narrative and find where you may be employing an “us versus them” or a “me versus you” approach to conflict. How can you begin to change your impulse to separate people into categories or opposing forces that must be combated? What is behind your judgemental thoughts and actions? Are you looking for ways to justify your own unkind behavior?
Challenging your inner narrative is one of the first steps of the inner work. It is a meaningful step on the path toward reconnecting to our humanity and healing our fractured society.
Sending you love and light to add to the ripples in your pond.
Comments