Two Paths to Transforming Our Violent World
The Choice:  Individualistic versus Natural Systems
by Edwin L. Young, PhD
July 13, 2009

The article below (in italics) appeared on the web site http://www.care2.com/ as “Peace is the Tie That Binds” and was posted by Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine Jul 10, 2009.  I am using this article to illustrate the dramatic and crucial difference between the traditional ‘cult of the individual’ approach and the “Natural Systems” approach” to peace and a wholesome and humane world. 

When I was consulting with the Harris County Youth Village (1993-1994), the Director of the Probation department frequently made speeches enunciating a traditional approach similar to that stated in the final paragraph of this article, which was a ‘one person at a time’ approach.  All the while, I was training the Village staff in the Natural Systems approach which was that it is the structures and systems that are unnatural.  Change the structures and systems to be more natural and all of the persons in the institution will improve.  After the new structure and system called “Stars and Stripes” was inaugurated and fully functioning, the entire population of residents, 120 in all, began to act like model youths.  These youths were thrilled at what a peaceful and mutually supportive community they had created.  Staff that previously had dreaded coming to work were now delighted to come because they could see the great progress they were helping these youth to make.  This demonstrated that the old “one person at a time” simply did not work. 

Designing and implementing an institutional program in which the entire structure of the institution facilitated the positive growth and maturation of all of the youth on a twenty-four hour a day, seven days a week, basis was demonstrating that the old approach actually had been making each individual youth’s problems worse.  On the other hand, the new “Stars and Stripes”, Natural Systems, approach was making life and behavior better for everyone, residents and staff included.  Furthermore, the surrounding neighborhood and the Probation Officers to whom youth returned after release from the institution all voiced the same enthusiastic conclusion.

I describe ‘Natural Systems’ as somewhat like the discoveries of Copernicus and Galileo that the earth revolves around the sun rather than vice versa.  In this case, it is a matter of the structures and systems of an institution changing and facilitating positive changes in all of the individuals in the institution, rather than attempting to induce positive changes one person at a time. 

This principle can be extended to other types of institutions, agencies, departments, our nation, or international organizations.  The key to change of these organizations lies in understanding the nature of their structures and systems and the way they interact as entities encompassed within larger systems.  When the nature of the structures and systems are analyzed, then it can be possible to go further and determine which aspects or parts are shaping the inner processes and overt behaviors of persons under their jurisdiction, and in what ways they are doing this.  Finally, it is possible to experiment with those aspects or parts to see if they can be re-designed to induce positive changes.  As new structures are found to make beneficial changes, these can be built upon as the process of analysis and alteration of aspects is continued until a truly natural, wholesome, and humane environment, which is self-perpetuating, is attained.

“Stars and Stripes” is still functioning as great as ever after fifteen years!

“At every stage of society–families, communities, and ultimately nations–it’s time for a leap in collective consciousness: from devastation and hostility to preservation and mutual respect; from anger and hatred to peace and love. Humanity is capable of such an evolutionary step. We’ve done it before. The age of science transformed life from horse-drawn carriage and death from minor infections to steam engines, vaccines, and antibiotics. The way of peace carries that same capacity for change.

Now, perhaps more than ever, we have reason to unite in peace. Simply: War must end, or we will. A peaceful world is made of peaceful nations. Peaceful nations are made of peaceful communities. Peaceful communities are made of peaceful families. And finally, peaceful families are made of peaceful people.

You may argue that the violence in our world is too deeply ingrained to erase. And there is evidence to support that belief. At every level of human existence, we’re so conditioned to cruelty and destruction that it seems we have a war habit. It’s as if violence has become an unconscious default. On the surface, violence is an easy solution. Striking out in violence and anger relieves us of the responsibility to consciously communicate with each other and fully understand each other’s point of view. Rather than seeking mutually beneficial solutions, violence chooses brute force and seeks vengeance.

However, we can forge a new trend away from violence–not by passively ignoring it or hoping to remove it, but by actively placing in its stead an alternative that offers at least as much familiarity and satisfaction. Violence may be a fundamental part of human nature, but the opposite, peace, is also inherent in humankind. Violence is powerful, but so is peace. In action, peace is love. And love carries a power that war can never match. It is active love and peace, then, that offer the alternative for our allegiance.

The communal change will not come easily, but that’s even more reason to make the commitment now to this transformational shift. How do we proceed? Three ancient Vedic principles pave the way to peace–one loving thought, one loving word, and one loving act at a time.

Seva brings a joyful assurance that your daily actions harm none and benefit all.

Simran illuminates your unique reason for being, your unique path to humanity’s higher purpose.

Satsang is the deeper wisdom that joins you in community with others sharing a vision of peace.

It may seem an insurmountable challenge, but peace can claim its rightful place through the united efforts of peacemakers across our land. These ideals are within our reach; indeed they’re already at work. Altruistic efforts like charities and other volunteer groups are based on selfless service for the common good (Seva). Human rights movements seek not to diminish the individual but to uplift and transcend (Simran). Places of worship and prayer groups have long existed as communities for peace and spiritual wisdom (Satsang).

Through evolving expansion, Seva, Simran, and Satsang exert their strength from the level of self, to our higher purpose, and ultimately to a new kindred community. One person at a time, we must surrender our spirits to these values of love and peace. To individuals the impact may seem small, but every historical global shift in consciousness began with a few and spread to the many. When our daily actions and true purpose celebrate the sacred, we find peace. When we find peace, we find spirit. It is then that we become powerful enough to join hands and hearts with those in our inner and outer circles to create a new world order.”