Alex Shalman . comPractical Personal Development

Something tells me that philosophers and religious leaders have thought of this idea thousands of years ago, but it struck me again today while driving in my car. In the past, I held the belief that if everyone learned to communicate on a higher level then wars and violence could be eradicated. After all, if we have a deep understanding of each other’s needs and wants we would be in a much better position to compromise and work together for a greater good.

Today I see that communication is not the answer, but merely the number one tool to accomplish this admirable goal. As with everything, the simplest answer is usually the best answer. Today, I have put my finger on the fundamental (the core idea) of stopping racism, prejudice, and violence.

Part of the way I choose to live my life, and what makes it so exciting for me, is that I often do experiments by altering my paradigm (the lens through which I see life). Such experiments are the key to living life by design. While driving today, it occurred to me to do one such experiment, to see if I can alter the way I view every person that comes into my field of vision.

Changing My Views Of People - The Experiment

The experiment went as follows. For every person passing by me in a car, if the person was in my field of vision for even a minute, I would think “I love this person” to myself. By thinking this way, towards random people I have never met before, and may never see again, it made me feel a deeper level of connection with them, and with everyone around me. After all, the more people that we are able to feel a deep love for, the more love that will exist in our lives. Would you agree?

Whether you believe we are all creatures of god, particles of matter, or otherwise connected within the universe, you might be able to see that all humans are connected in some way. If not, maybe you can, if only for a moment, imagine that we share this connection, this oneness.

If you are choosing (if only temporarily) to adopt this paradigm, then you could see how it does not resonate with your new belief system to think, feel, or otherwise experience thoughts that promote racism, prejudice, violence or bigotry. You are only putting those thoughts and energy out towards someone or something that is part of yourself, part of the one.

Wouldn’t you agree that allowing yourself to be consumed by thoughts of love would not only allow you to feel lighter, brighter, and better but it would also influence the way you act towards or treat other people? What if every person on earth experienced such thoughts? How would your day to day look then? Would you be willing to take responsibility for this change?

This paradigm was greatly influenced by Neil, my amazing life coach.

If you liked this article, please bookmark it on del.icio.us or vote for it on Digg. I would appreciate it!