There is but one scientifically proven human activity that has significantly reduced crime in at least 25 US cities over the last 30 years. Before I begin to reference the research and process, you should know I do not represent nor have any affiliation with the group that published this actionable plan for reducing violence and crime. I have however, over the same 30 years, personally witnessed and participated in the process with thousands of people in both small and large groups.
AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THE REFERENCED STUDIES
“I think the claim can be plausibly made that the potential impact of [the following] research exceeds that of any other ongoing social or psychological research program. It has survived a broader array of statistical tests than most research in the field of conflict resolution. This work and the theory that informs it deserve the most serious consideration by academics and policy makers alike.” — David Edwards Ph.D., Professor of Government, University of Texas at Austin
BACKGROUND
In 1960, a then obscure Indian Yogi predicted that if one percent of a population practiced a technique for coherence, it would produce measurable dramatic improvements in the quality of life for the whole population. Specifically, the prediction was that the violent crime rate in the same city would drop significantly.
In 1993, in Washington, D.C a two month experiment was put to the test under the careful scrutiny of a distinguished review board which included the Mayor and Chief of Police. (see link 1) The decrease in violent crimes over the period peaked at 23.3%. The statistical probability that this result could reflect chance variation in crime levels was less than 2 in 1 billion (p < .000000002). The dependent variable in the research was weekly violent crime, as measured by the Uniform Crime Report program of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; violent crimes include homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. The effects of the group could not be attributed to other possible causes, including temperature, precipitation, weekends, and police and community anticrime activities. The 1993 Washington experiment followed twenty-four other cities that before 1972 conducted similar experiments, each with comparable results. (see link 2 below)
A COMMON DENOMINATOR
People of all faiths understand and appreciate the notion of the “power of prayer”, especially when it comes from us as an expression of the deepest part of our being. We also know that in group prayer, miracles can happen. And yet, despite our rising crime rate, we have not considered the possibility of a unified type of practice as a demonstration of peace.
WHAT IS NOT BEING SUGGESTED
Before we go any further, no one is advocating the specific yogi’s method be taught to 1% of the population. In fact, after 30 years of practicing the yogi’s method, I can say it is one that requires training & practice.
At the same time, we have discovered a greater secular opportunity, one that can fully engage the entire community cutting across all socio-economic and other persuasions.
Above are 25 miracles that significantly affected violence and crime because a group of committed people took the time to stop and collectively choose to participate in a timeless moment for peace, simple as that. In each case it was the group’s committed movement into a timelessness moment for peace that effected the crime rate.
How can your city engage its diverse community of people, to in their own way, in unison, embrace a timeless moment for peace, and see the results?
WHAT IS THE SOUND OF PEACE ?
a series of coherent sound concerts for peace
Coherent sound, is a particular type of secular sound or musical expression that diverse populations of humans respond to uniformly with deep relaxation, introspection and profound inspiration.
Coherent performances are done either as pure instrumentals or contain instrumental music with vocal toning without english words. What sets apart coherent peace concerts is that there are no speeches, no introductions, no applause, no religious bias, no credits.
As the audience comes in, they are given a simple program that requests no words, explains the intent of the gathering and how the evening is structured. As lights dim, artists come to the stage and after there is total and complete silence, each engages the crowd with his/her musical expression of peace. When finished, the artists visibly become part of the audience to support the next artist. At the end the artists will offer their own recordings or CD's recorded for the event could be of benefit to the public.
I am certain that a well planned series of these secular concerts for peace in your city will have even more dramatic benefits than the studies above simply because it requires no technique or practice and will therefore engage much more than 1% of the population.
USING A GRASSROOTS approach, I am willing to demonstrate for any small group you choose, one form of the answer to the question of WHAT IS THE SOUND OF PEACE? In 30 minutes, this will give you, or any small group you designate, a direct experience of coherent sound and a lasting impression of the simplicity and power that we all have when we collectively experience coherence together. I am aware of dozens of other coherent artists internationally that are committed to participating in peace projects like this. I can predict today that the first handful of people will organize and fund a larger group and then a larger group until the only thing left will be to raise funds to use a public venue.
This opportunity reminds me of a report of a martial arts instructor at the drive-in at Starbucks listening to an impatient car beeping behind him. Rather than get upset, he thought “What could he to transform this negativity into something positive. As he paid the cashier he also paid for the car behind him. Shocked at the kindness, the man in the second car paid the cashier for the car behind him. The report ended in a statement about the power of simple things....."from this one act, the chain of kindness ran all day long".
I look forward to meeting you all,
Blane Land
3970 Julington Creek Road
Jacksonville, FL 32223 904-521-3839
http://coherentconcerts.com info@coherentconcerts.com
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Philanthropic partner needed
to sponsor a 6 month, bus tour to promote public Coherent Concerts and Zenspiration Sound Entrainment Evenings.
See more about the special event Zenspiration outreach programs to existing churches as a prelude to secular public Coherent Concerts.
The journeys are conducted by Hideo Izumoto, a Japanese Shinto priest and Karma Dorje a Tibetan Sound Healer.
