The recent attacks on the city of Mumbai, the financial capital of India has sent shockwaves around the world leaving one numb in the wake of violence, death and destruction. This inhuman act committed by a few misdirected elements has brought fear and sadness to millions around the world. There is feeling of helplessness, insecurity and vulnerability.

Seeing the images of extreme destruction flash on television, I wonder what goes on in the mind of a terrorist. How could anyone ruthlessly mow down innocent people? What psyche allows such unthinkable acts of violence?

Though deeply affected by all that’s happening around me, I still look for something positive and some streak of goodness that can emerge in the face of crisis. As they say there is always some good that comes out of the bad…I am a born optimist and designed to look at the brighter side of life.

What is good about this terror attacks? Here are some of my thoughts and feelings that I would like to share with you.

We all are interconnected: These kinds of attacks show that all of us are extremely vulnerable. A terror attack can strike anyone and anywhere in the world. No matter how strong or weak a country might be, we all are vulnerable to the consequences of terrorism and militancy. Be it New York, Mumbai, Iraq, Afghanistan or any other place – the whole world gets affected in someway or the other by these terror attacks. Whether or not we are directly involved in the violence we pay the price if we are not united against these negative forces.

War brings Need for Peace: Each terror attack makes us stronger and brings us closer to world peace. It is seen that when under a terror crisis, the whole world becomes one. It brings out the best qualities of unconditional love, compassion, kindness and generosity towards fellow human beings no matter which region or country they belong to. It takes a crisis of this dimension to bring nations together and work in harmony to create a kind of oneness which never happens under normal conditions.

Darkness disappears with Light: Though negativity appears larger for the moment and the situation looks desolate and dreary, but when the whole world comes together it seems to shrink away and appears very small. Every attack like this reduces it and strengthens the need for the positive forces to come together for survival of humanity.

War brings More War: We can never win a war on terror. War can only bring more war. It is not the physical being that needs to be destroyed; it is the mind that needs to be enlightened. Love is the ultimate weapon that can remove darkness from this world. Problems can only be solved by the process of dialogue and taking measures to create a positive environment.

Laughter Yoga movement stands for bringing world peace through laughter. Breathing is a very powerful tool and life giving force of the universe. We all breathe in the same environment and in a way we're connected through breathing.

I appeal to all the Laughter Yoga club members and laughter lovers around the world to close your eyes and reflect on your mental screen the images of those people who have lost their lives during these attacks and breathe for them and send out your energy of healing and love. Let us also breathe for those who have done this heinous crime to bring some sanity to them.

My prayers are with all.
Love,
Dr. K