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Disharmony has
"many faces"-- the range is from war
or genocide to community and domestic
violence and includes conflict of any sort.
Tie diversity amongst peoples is the nature
of humankind.
Reactions to this diversity occur in the form
of what we can call "differences,"
which is anything
perceptual or conceptual which can divide peoples.
The movement to embrace a way to survive our
reactions to the diversity dates back to the
beginnings of what has been called "civilization."
However, resolving these perceptions of "us
and them" has become more and more complicated
in
our ever increasing mechanized world. Our ability
to survive harmoniously has become more and
more difficult.
The effort to create a world in a culture of
peace in the midst of diversity and in the midst
of
differences marks the beginning of what has
been called "peace psychology." However,
the issue is
not within the purview of psychology alone--because
the overall and underlying concern is in regard
to humanity as a whole and to the survival
of the human race. Peace, therefore, becomes
not just the
absence of war, nor even the resolution of
conflicts, but the presence of qualities, values,
and
approaches in human relationships that build
greater harmony. This harmony occurs through
the
generation of acceptance and understanding
of diversity and understanding ways to share
the
resources, both those which are seen (e.g.,
minerals), and those which are not seen (e.g.,
values). It
also involves ways of creating more understanding
toward the resolution of differences which would
interfere with our abilities to understand
our natural diversity.
A preventive approach to disharmony or conflict
is essential; that is, any and all differences
which
intervene in relation to conflict resolution
and peacebuilding. It is this dimension, often
hidden from
view, that makes peace on any level possible.
This spiritual dimension has been and is essential
to all
religions and humanistic endeavors of all forms.
It is always compassionate. In addition, it
is slowly
being recognized as the only way to survive
and thrive into the 21st century.
Caregivers of all kinds, be they medical, psychological,
administrative or financial, all over the globe
are beginning to recognize that without a vision--a
concern for humanity--the issue of material
survival is not possible. Without this concern,
without this orientation, there is no strength
to
overcome difficulties. There is no place to
give both inside or externally in the world
in order to get
beyond the difficulties at hand. Helping people
in any way as an "attitude" and as
an "action" is a
unifying force globally. Therefore we are all
members of a supportive community regardless
of our
expertise.
We, invite all of our colleagues who are concerned
and committed to helping others to come forth
and generate a new commitment to this purpose.
For further information, please contact: Steve
Handwerker, Ph.D., D.Div., 7300 W. Camino Real,
Suite 229, Boca Raton, FL 33433; e-mail:
peacewk@peacewk.org; phone: (561)447-6700.
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