Unity, Not Divisiveness

Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master

It seems everywhere we live, there is a sense of divisiveness. During the Thanksgiving holiday week, there was an article in our local newspaper regarding the discomfort many families may feel at the dinner table, especially if the topic of politics is raised. There are growing divisions within our countries; among countries and cultures; the wealthy, the middle classes and the poor; and in our workplaces. Racism, sexism and animosities between groups seem to be growing, not diminishing.

An important practice is to set judgment aside, yet learning how to address injustices in our world. Not passing judgment can be difficult at times, but it is necessary. One of the greatest lessons I learned in not judging others came to me during my first years in mental health practice (over thirty years ago). In the community mental health center where I worked, a therapist stated he wanted to start a therapy group for convicted sexual abusers. As some of the staff grappled with the proposal, the therapist imparted factual information. One impressive fact was that every member of the group had been abused himself, and he never had the opportunity to have treatment as a child or adolescent. In fact, most members had never revealed this experience until the current episode of court-ordered treatment. The men grew up in a time when sexual abuse was barely recognized, especially for young boys. The men would be held accountable for their past actions, and be challenged to change, within a supportive environment. What a lesson about judgment!

Judgment is a divisiveness activity, not a unifying process. Rather than making hurtful statements towards others’ opinions, it is more useful to speak truth. It will make the other person less defensive and hopefully broaden others’ perspectives. For example, a friend makes a false, stereotypical comment regarding a particular culture. You can respond in a positive manner, stating something like, “all human beings are valuable,” or, “every group of people will have those who are greedy or use power in the wrong way.”

When the effort is made, we can find common beliefs and principles among us, but too often we focus on the differences. There is a richness in our diversity, when studied from the lens of positive regard. If we approach each other with love, rather than fear, it becomes easier to accept different points of view. However, we can lovingly challenge opinions based in prejudice, fear and hate. But how we approach those viewpoints, both in thought and action, is essential. We must approach those views from a place of love, not hate or fear – that is when unity can develop.

Reiki practitioners, and other lightworkers, have a special role in bringing unity into the world. When there are negative energies, we can – and must – counteract them with the gifts we have been given – namely, to bring love and light to the situation. Sending Reiki into our world of divisiveness can have a large impact. Let each of us examine how we can play a role in healing our world.

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Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Distant Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at [email protected] and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.