Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master
“We could be the healin’
When you’re feeling all alone
We could be the reason
To find the strength to carry on
In a world that’s so divided
We shall overcome
We could be the healing
We can be the flower in the gun
We could be the healing
We can be the flower in the gun”
Earlier today, I heard the above chorus in the song, Flower in the Gun, written by Michael Franti & Spearhead, for the first time. It touched my heart so much, and the timing of my first encounter with this song was not an accident. There has been yet another shooting in the United States, where Virginia Beach municipal workers were killed. It has been just a few weeks since I wrote about a college campus shooting.
Violence occurs all throughout the world, and there is so much work to be done to change laws – and the hearts of people. What can one person do to change the world into a nonviolent, peaceful place?
We must realize the truth – one person can make a difference. We can start with what we already know and love – the healing power of Reiki. It can have a profound effect, on the individual and on the world.
For ourselves, we can grow in understanding of people who make derogatory and hateful statements, or commit violent acts, towards others. Often, those who commit acts of violence have been victims of violence sometime in their lives. Feelings of unworthiness and being unlovable permeate their beings, and they pass on the pain and hurt to others. Sometimes, they cope with these feelings by becoming involved in drugs and alcohol. Or, they develop major mental health disorders.
This is not an excuse for violence, but rather an explanation. The victimized person, who becomes a victimizer, must be held accountable for his actions. As each of us understands the origins of hate and fear, we can combat it with loving and healing thoughts, and Reiki.
Each of us must become aware of our thoughts and emotional reactions when we witness, or become aware of, a violent act. While anger and upset are normal reactions, we can move beyond this into a place of positive thought and action. Using our anger as a motivator to take action is positive indeed! For example, if we live in a country with liberal gun laws, we can write our lawmakers, provide information about the law or participate in peaceful protest. Or, we may want to work with abused children, or prisoners, to aid in their healing and know they are worthy of love and acceptance. We can break the cycle of violence.
Another major aspect of violence in our world is the lack of understanding that all people are connected. Anything we can do to promote the idea of global connectedness is vitally important. Even though the Internet has made it possible to connect with many people from other cultures and continents, many people still do not grasp the concept of interconnectedness. Let each of us become teachers of this truth.
Do you want to be a “flower in the gun?” Do you want to be part of the commitment to world peace? Ask for guidance in what your role can be – and it will be given to you.
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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 deb@deblloydhealing.com and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.
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