In the aftermath of recent global shootings, bombings and terrorism, many wonder how to prevent future violence. Now recent research reports group meditation can decrease and prevent violent crime, terrorism and war.
The researchers suggest positive societal trends may be created in a unified collective consciousness when large groups of people practice meditation.
Here's an antidote to the world's insanity and a way for us to heal the planet.
Meditation Decreases Violent Crime
A 2016 study published in SAGE Open found group practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) was linked with decreased homicides and violent crime in the U.S during the 2007-2010 study period. Scientists theoretically predicted that the square root of 1% of the U.S. population (about 1,725 people) meditating together would create a nationwide positive effect.
From January 2007 through 2010 over 1,725 participants gathered to practice group Transcendental Meditation at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa.
Researchers found there was an 18.5% drop in violent crime nationwide at the end of the study. Statistical and independent analyses showed the rising trend of U.S. homicides during 2001-2006 was reversed during the 2007-2010 study period. Other variables were ruled out such as the economy, demographics, and law enforcement.
"I understand it's a new hypothesis in the social sciences that meditation could have a stress-reducing and coherence-creating effect in society," said lead author Dr. Michael Dillbeck in a news release. "But such research is increasingly suggesting that there's a field effect of consciousness. If you get a large enough group together practicing this technique to experience the field quality of consciousness, these extended 'field-like' effects are expressed in society."
Group Meditation Promotes World Peace
In a December 3, 2015 International New York Times Open Letter to world leaders the Global Union of Scientists for Peace (GUSP) offer an alternative plan to world peace. Their scientifically-validated solution to violence and terrorism is to establish a permanent group of peace-promoting meditators to defuse global social stress.
The GUSP cites 23 scientific published studies showing TM practice by a subportion of the population can defuse societal stress, reduce associated violence, conflict, war and terrorism, and promote peace.
Once the meditation plan is implemented, the scientists predict a significant reduction in terrorism and social violence within 60 days. Furthermore, the meditating participants will experience improved health and well-being.
"There is nothing to lose and much to gain," the scientists write. "The costs are negligible: for less than the cost of a military foray, enough troops or policemen can be trained - or factory workers, civil servants, or students at one or more universities - that a marked and demonstrable effect of peace will be seen immediately."
For more about the Global Union of Scientists for Peace go to GUSP.org.
To learn more about meditation and yoga for stress relief, download a free sample from Elaine Gavalas' books, THE YOGA MINIBOOK FOR STRESS RELIEF and THE YOGA MINIBOOK SERIES RENEWAL SET.
Elaine's the author of numerous books, articles and podcasts including "Yogi in the Kitchen", "The Yoga Minibook for Weight Loss", "The Yoga Minibook for Longevity", "The Yoga Minibook for Energy and Strength", "The Yoga Minibook for Stress Relief" and "Secrets of Fat-Free Greek Cooking." You can buy Elaine Gavalas' books here.
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Elaine Gavalas is founder of GalenBotanicals.com, co-founder of Simply Centered and an exercise physiologist, nutritionist, yoga therapist, weight management specialist, and healthy recipe developer. Visit ElaineGavalas.com for more of Elaine's books, videos, podcasts, articles, recipes, and natural remedies.