Flash mobs the answer to world peace?

Have you ever considered that the world would be a far better place if we focused on our commonalities, such as our ability to smile, and laugh, and cry, and feel joy and grief, and to love? If you have a bit of sense, of course you have! But, have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, Flash Mobs could be the answer to world peace?

Think about it. How does it make you feel when you watch a video of a Flash Mob executing a spontaneous public display of personal spirited abandonment? Don't you wish you were there when it happened? Don't you wish you were uninhibited enough to do it? Every time I see one I get all goose-bumpy and end up with a wistful, wishful grin on my face. Then I think, “God, I'd love to be part of a Flash Mob! How much fun would that be?” (Forget the fact that I have absolutely no coordination or sense of rhythm, but that's another story!)

What if we all decided on a tune and focused on traveling in the same direction to the beat of the same drummer, with one goal in mind? What if that goal was to make everyone feel happiness and a sense of oneness in simply being human?

The science behind it

The idea may lead some to think I've lost my grip on reality, but there is some scientific research to back up it up. Dr. Alice Cash of Healing Music Enterprises, who has a masters in social work and has spent two decades of her life studying the relationship between music and human behavior, says "when a mother sings to her infant, her brain releases oxytocin just as when she breastfeeds, and the chemical immediately strengthens the bond between mother and child."

She goes on to point out that music is a part of almost every human gathering, from sporting events to church services to ceremonies, and college reunions always feature their "Alma Mater," which means "our mother," and is sung with deep respect. A grant study by Arizona State University backs Cash up. Their ultimate findings on the psychological data showed that music generally has a positive influence on mood and brings people together.

One of the researchers, Lisa Ehlers of Herberger College School of Music, says "It seems to affect joyfulness most positively" and also boosts energy.

Could we do it?

If you take Cash's teachings and ASU's findings and apply it to the entire world (our mother?), could we achieve peace and that elusive respect for one another? Imagine yourself standing in the long line at the local Wal-mart for awhile and starting to get cranky. In this same fantasy, the guy next to you starts to dance to the piped-in music, and you give him an oddball look like he's nuts. It probably even makes you feel uncomfortable and embarrassed for him. But what if he started to sing out loud, and dance with more purpose, and then the woman in front of him started to, and the kid in the next line, and on through the store.

Could you resist the urge to at least smile if not jump in yourself?

Music is infectious, and so is happiness. I've long said there would be no wars if people were required to smile every day (and mean it) and hug one another, and I'm beginning to think that's true of Flash Mobs, as well. Could you argue about politics? Spread hateful rhetoric? Bomb your neighbors? Dwell on what makes you different when it really doesn't matter at all? How can you hate someone you sing and dance with?

Magical connection

One of my very favorite Flash Mobs took place at a food court mall at Christmastime in 2010. One voice started singing the Hallelujah Chorus. That, all by itself, was something to behold. But when one voice joined another, and another, the effect was truly magical and would have brought me to tears for sure if I was there.

Another that I love is one that featured 200 people in Central Station in Antwerp singing and dancing to Do Re Mi from the Sound of Music. I mean, can anyone not sing that song?

The thing about Flash Mobs is that they know no age, race, creed, color, or religion. The mere act of having a common purpose wipes out any differences we may think we have. It takes effort, but it pays off. It's the way life should be. Why is it so hard for us to do? Why can't we all be active participants in something bigger than ourselves? I'm telling ya, Flash Mobs are the answer.