Compassionist or Terrorist

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I was doing some research last week on why hateful language, vitriol, and violence seems to be on the rise in our country and world. In my professional practice, I talk with clients who are high school students dealing with hate groups in their schools, adults whose family gatherings have turned into shouting matches, and service providers in international charities who worry our disregard for human life is increasing. 

And yet, I also see so many examples of us becoming more loving, compassionate, empathetic, and aware in our society. I have hope that the consciousness of compassion is rising, even though there are loud hateful voices in our midst. I find hope in the idea that the space-shuttle reverberates the most right before breaking through the sound barrier. I hope the breakthrough is near.

In my research this week, I found some interesting things on the psychology of terrorism. Terrorists are generally people who fist bond over a common enemy, fuel an obsession with that enemy, and enact violent acts upon that enemy. Many times terrorists begin as individuals ostracized and seeking to belong. That desire to belong leads to the individual losing sight of human ethics and they begin to follow a path of destruction, to themselves and others. 

What I noticed in the literature I found from esteemed research institutions were themes of:

  • Obsession with a group or person

  • Singular focus upon a foundational belief

  • Fixation upon media that supports their cause

  • Creative passion to destroy the enemy

  • Dedication to a higher power, human or spiritual 

  • Bravery in taking risks and speaking publicly

  • Intelligent design of tactics 

  • Sophistication in plans and methods

  • Sacrifice of money, time, and life toward the cause

With all of this in the back of my mind, I gave a talk on contemplation at Village Presbyterian in Kansas City last week (contemplative practices and terrorism - welcome to all of the open files in my brain!). After my talk, a beautiful soul named Leah said, “How can we love more loudly?”

How can we love more loudly?

Leah’s words resonated with me deeply. That is exactly what needs to happen right now. She went on to share her thoughts about how kind and loving people tend to stay quiet, take the high road, lead with peace, and yet the hateful voices get louder and bolder. Leah is intelligent, sophisticated, brave, and creative - all characteristics of a terrorist, but Leah has a dedication to fighting for love. She wants the voices of love to be louder than those of hate. 

So, for Leah, and the rest of us, let’s try to love more loudly by following the recipe of terrorism but for an outcome of love:

  • Obsessed with compassion

  • Singular focus on loving every living being

  • Fixation upon media that spreads love and kindness

  • Creative passion to teach and model loving actions

  • Dedication to Love, God, Ethics, Human Rights

  • Bravery in using our voices to call out injustice 

  • Intelligent design of loving tactics

  • Sophistication in plans and methods

  • Sacrifice of time, money, passions, and dedication to spread love the rest of our days

Let’s all become Compassionists focused on loving more loudly. 

We can become obsessed, brave, dedicated, smart, focused, sophisticated, creative, and loud about taking compassionate action! 

We will do it together and belong to an unstoppable force of love,