Once again we are reminded of the negative aspects of life as we witness the senselessness of another mass shooting. We watch and we are aghast at the reality of another 9 lives lost in a scenario that never should have happened. The why's of this situation, like so many before it, will never truly be known. Even if they could be known would we ever accept a reason that makes the unfortunate event any better or any easier to deal with?
As we scramble for answers and solutions on different sides of the debate about what to do, we are likely to see the same stagnated rhetoric with lawmakers. They most likely will let the hysteria die down and hope they don't have to deal with this again soon. It's a frustrating and helpless feeling for everyday people who want to see changes that put the proper systems in place that make for a better world.
What we are learning about the shooter is that he was a loner. He was depressed and despondent with life. Lost in a system overwhelmed by too many that carry the same burdens of mind. He just happened to have given up in the worst kind of way. If only someone could have reached him sooner.
The similar profile of so many around the world that act in evil and destructive ways are leading us to an answer. It's time to take a different approach. It's time to look at life from a new more empowering perspective. It's time to embrace a new way of contributing to real change. This path may require you to open your mind to a new way of looking at the world. It requires a trust and faith at an entirely new level of demonstration that may at first seem counterintuitive. We have to find a way to reach others before it happens again.
From the most fundamental perspective of life everything in the universe is energy. Therefore, we must become more aware or conscious of the energy generated by our own thoughts to see whether we are producing negative energy or positive energy. The thoughts we have are either contributing to the collective fear and hate in the world or they are contributing to an increased amount of energy of love and faith.
The one thing each of us can do to help change the world is to spread positive, loving, kind energy wherever we go. Your contribution to the world is self-evident in your state of mind. What energy are you demonstrating each day? How are you affecting those around you? You matter and have an impact and you contribute in one way or another to the state of mind of others in your world.
It is for this reason that it is really important to watch your energy at all times. Even when you hear of a tragic event. Feeling depressed, helpless, hatred, vengeful or fearful by the events of the world is a big trap. The trap is the negative energy you are generating by allowing yourself to be affected this way. Your state of mind is priceless. Let no person or no event affect it. Going to the "dark side" as it is called in any way of mind is counterproductive on every level to what you ultimately want to see in your world. To quote a famous line from Star Wars, "Fear is the path to the dark side...fear leads to anger...anger leads to hate...hate leads to suffering."
I know how it feels to lose a loved one to a mass tragedy. In April of 2009 a man walked into the American Civic Association in Binghamton New York and shot and murdered thirteen people. One of those was Roberta King, my wife's aunt. Roberta, a mother of ten wonderful children, was substitute teaching that day. It was a helpless and horrible feeling to hear this news. However, when asking what my wife and I can do to help create change, the answer was clear. While we cannot change what has already happened, we can commit to doing what we can to help make sure it doesn't happen again. Everyday the commitment is to spread as much love and kindness as possible to everyone we meet. One can never know whom it will affect and how it will make a difference in the unfolding of life's events. It may very well prevent another massacre. If it seems too far-fetched then ask yourself, "How do you know?" It is impossible to calculate the influence of genuine kindness and a good heart.
"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another" - Napoleon Hill.
The world is a creation of a collected consciousness of thoughts turned into actions. While you can't control the whole world you can influence the people you connect with in your specific world on a daily basis. Do not underestimate this power. Your influence has a big impact. Like the ripples of a pond this affects how the people you affect impact the lives of others. The key is to be consistent with your love and positive energy. To know without a doubt that you are making a difference and not to allow any unfortunate events of the world suck you into a negative, fear dominated mindset or sense of hopelessness, which ironically is the exact mindset of those who commit these horrible acts. Instead, use it to further increase your resolve and commitment to offer faith and love to the people in your world at new levels of expression and positive energy. Everyone loves a smile and a kind hello. The next person you meet is waiting for it. This expression is one hundred percent your choice and in your control. Make the commitment today to be this love and this change everywhere you go.
Your world can change one person at a time, and that one most important person is always you.
Howard Falco is a spiritual teacher and sports performance coach to college and professional athletes. He is an expert on mindfulness and embracing the creative power within. He is the author of two books on human understanding and potential; I AM: The Power of Discovering Who You Really Are, and Time in a Bottle: Mastering the Experience of Life (Tarcher/Penguin Group). You can more about his work on his website ( HowardFalco.com ) on Facebook at facebook.com/HowardFalco.IAM instagram @howardfalco or twitter @Howard Falco