The Synergistic Effect: The Power of the Group

There is no denying the fact that our literature, whether it is scientific, spiritual, or even an article in one’s favorite magazine, that there is something magical and wonderful that happens when two or more are gathered. In fact, there are even accounts of miracles that have taken place! What we are actually seeing is that our individual intentions are being multiplied.

It is what I refer to as the Synergistic Effect.

This is when 1 + 1 = 5. And the beautiful thing about this is the fact that as the number of people increase so does the effect. According to Gregg Braden, the minimum number people that it will take to "jump start" this is the square root of one percent of the population. For example, a city with a population of 300,000 would require at least 54 participants in order to have a positive effect. Therefore, imagine 54 people in this city praying, meditating, or focusing their energy with positive intent. This is not a lot of people if you think about it. Of course, the larger the number of people the stronger the effect will be. In the literature, there are many examples of how acts of crime and terrorism were reduced when groups of individuals were engaged in prayer or mediation. Dr. John Hegelin, Ph.D, featured in the groundbreaking film "What the Bleep Do We Know?" relays an extraordinary message regarding the power of group meditation:

"There is far more evidence that group meditation can turn off war like a light switch, than there is evidence that aspirin reduces headache pain, for example. This is scientific fact!"

The Transcendental Meditation Program (tm.org) shares the incredible amount of scientific research that has been conducted over the years:

"More than 600 scientific studies verifying the wide-ranging benefits of the Transcendental Meditation technique have been conducted at 250 independent unversities and medical schools in 33 countries during the past 40 years."

We can also see the synergistic effect work in a negative manner. An example of this would be the mob mentality. People seem to forget they are conscious beings when they take part in this unconscious behavior. They may destroy a city without thinking of the consequences. However, this type of behavior serves no purpose. It only makes matters worse. On the other hand, since we are powerful creative beings, we can use our wonderful imaginations to think of positive and constructive ways to bring about transformation. As I have already mentioned, prayer and meditation are powerful tools that we can all use. We can also join groups or even form our own. In addition, we may be drawn to certain organizations. Perhaps there is an organization that feeds the hungry. Or maybe you are drawn to individuals that want a “Green” world. It doesn’t matter. Whatever you feel drawn to that can make a positive difference in the world is what really counts.

What is really amazing about groups is the fact that they attract people of a similar nature. Those that are very serious about their spiritual work will attract similar people. I am sure you are familiar with the expression “Two birds of a feather flock together.” It is much more difficult to work with individuals that operate on a different level of consciousness. If you are interested in forming a group that shares positive and uplifting messages, it would not make much sense to join a group that loves to put out negative and disempowering messages. Instead, it would seem much more logical to join a group that you resonate with. As Sting said in one of his songs, “Let your soul be your pilot.”

The wonderful thing about the group dynamic is that you have a number of people that bring a unique perspective to the table. For example, some might be experts in science and math, while others might be visionaries, or gifted speakers. The possibilities are endless.

What unique gifts and strengths do you bring to the table?

We can also change how we approach problems. Instead of thinking of them as problems, why not see them as opportunities for transformation. As Einstein has stated so beautifully and powerfully, “We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results. However, the group can pool its talents together to rise above the so-called challenges and come up with several plausible solutions and act on them.

There is something powerful about the group in that it brings people together. Whether it is an AA Meeting, meditation group, or even a group that helps the less fortunate, these individuals love and support one another. I remember a time when my wife and I were required to check out an AA Meeting for a class project. I was absolutely blown away by the love and support that each and every one of the members showed to one another. Thinking about this has brought tears to my eyes. Groups can create a win-win situation.

When we help another, we are helping our self in the process.

These last few years has seen a tremendous amount of change in the world. Large groups of citizens were able to overthrow dictators; stand up to corrupt corporations; educate and empower the people; support one another during times of crisis; and the list goes on. This is only the beginning, my friends. As more and more people wake up, the stronger the effect we can all have on the world. It is already clear that we are powerful creative beings. Plus, add in the factor of the group. Now we are talking Quantum Transformation!