In peacebuilding work, arts, music and dance provide mediating processes between the rational and the irrational, providing processes, media and frameworks whereby we can work holistically with mind, body and spirit. 'What goes on here?'
To start, I must clarify what I mean by the field of systems thinking. Here I am referring to the field of study, discourse and practice that has its roots in the second world-war when scientists from different disciplines found themselves working together on military problems. A system is considered to be one whose elements are interconnected and interdependent to form the whole and display properties of that whole rather than those of the component parts.
Local peacebuilding, at a small or even micro scale, is critical in revitalising and reconnecting people within communities. The process is an essential prerequisite for larger scale project and initiatives, which are often led by external agencies and those high up the power hierarchy.