We have seen the recent beginning and ending of bad leadership in the world on a global level. The electing of President Trump in America has seen the divisions across the lines of race that go back to the American civil war come out into the open, somewhat encouraged by the words and actions of the President, who seems unable to be a great leader, which such a position really does demand. We have also seen the end of Robert Mugabe’s 37 year reign as President of Zimbabwe, to the joy of the people of Zimbabwe. I mention these examples to illustrate the seemingly divided world we now live in. The tone of whether society is divided or united comes from the national leaders that we have, whether this be a President or a Prime Minister, because what is acceptable in society often comes from the words and actions of our global leaders.
If we take the case of President Trump, his comments and actions have stirred up hatred of many minorities, including Black people, Muslims and Mexicans, especially with him recently retweeting videos from the far-right group Britain First. It is this type of divisive thinking that creates much of the division that happens in the world, from person to person and nation to nation, the flames of which are often fanned by the media coverage of such unpleasantness. What the American election of the current President, and the rallies and debates that preceded it, highlight for me, is the desperate need for good leaders to lead the many countries of the world. Good global leaders are people who inspire others to take positive action for the greater good of society and inter-global relationships. They create a situation where people feel safe and valued; they encourage cooperation, stewardship and integrity. But that leaves people like you and me with a problem, what can we do to stem the flow towards division and conflict.
Well, what we do and what we say shapes the world we live in. Through our interactions we co-create our relationships, which in turn creates our society, which in turn creates our nations and our cultures. How we choose to live our lives will influence everything else, even if just a little. What we need is a harmony revolution, because the only sensible way to counteract division in our own lives is to bring people together in harmony. By harmony I mean, to use a metaphor, the bringing together of very different instruments into an orchestra to create beautiful music. When we come together as human beings and we share what makes us unique, then we can collaborate, cooperate, and co-create. We can make the world a better place to be.
Taking the time, when possible, to make perhaps a bit more of an effort in ways that you may already be doing, to chat and ask after each other’s wellbeing, share a story or a joke. Our children and others will see this and perhaps change their own behaviour for the better. Even though it seems such a small thing to do, there is evidence of efforts of this kind having a genuinely positive effect on those doing this and on those around them witnessing it as well. So, I ask of you all, in your own way, to have a think about what you can do, and what you may have thought about doing, along these lines, but have not done yet, because for one reason or another you just haven’t. Make that call to that friend or relative, knock on that door. Lift your head and give a sign of greeting and even stop for a quick chat with that neighbour or colleague at work. Connect with your eyes, words and smiles. Chances are the world will start smiling back at you a lot more often too.
The Fullfilment Project 