Monday, March 15, 2010

Developing Our Positive Energy (published article)

I am neither a spiritualist nor a philosopher. What I think or say has been observed and learnt painfully, usually from life’s everyday experiences. The following is the result of much soul searching and introspection after an extremely trying and hurtful time.

Energy is not only in us but all around us, not just the energy in the sun but in the breezes, the trees and plants, the animals even in the flowing water. It links us humans with the atmosphere and all of Creation. Each day begins with a flow of positive energy that lightens and gladdens the heart. The cool morning breeze at dawn, the brightness of the morning star, the soft filtered rays of the rising sun, the sweet bird song from the trees, all are designed by nature to lighten the spirit and bestow a feeling of well being in the human soul. Nature is a store house from which emanates a continuous flow of positive energy. If we concentrate solely on it, we can grow healthy in body, mind and soul. We can develop it by our thoughts, which in turn give rise to emotions leading to words and deeds that spread this energy.

It is when the energy is turned negative that it gives rise to many ills. Negative energy springs from destructive thoughts, emotions, words and deeds. These are the result of ills like anger, hatred, spite, envy, greed, suspicion, etc. It is sad but true that it is easier and more tempting to give in to these feelings and nurture them, till they not only take deep root but grow so strong that they take over the entire personality, till a person, who has one or more of these characteristics, becomes an extremely unhappy person, unable to see good in anything; frustrated and wallowing in his self created misery.

Negative feelings make the body sick and take over the mind totally, so that a person is unable to think straight, which affects all his decisions and actions. As a final blow they totally darken and destroy the soul. A continuous flow of negative energy from a person creates an aura around them that repels others and makes it hard for the person to succeed in the workplace, in relationships, or even develop meaningful friendships. In today’s times most of us give out at least some amount of negative energy.

Most commonly of course is the instance when someone says something insulting, abusive or hurtful; the natural and immediate reaction to it, is retaliation in equal or increased measure. Thus begins a cycle that may never end as the negative energy continues flowing from victim to perpetrator and back again, many times over, till hearts are hardened and hatred develops. Later, the circle could grow if others are dragged into the hostilities.

But suppose you want to stop this before it even begins to develop. Suppose instead of losing your temper you breathe deeply a few times and think rationally. Either the words the other person has uttered are justified or unjustified. If unjustified then how to they really affect you? When you retaliate you are reacting to someone else’s conscious or unconscious desire to pull your strings. You have become first of all a puppet and when you become that, you have lost control. Secondly, you have now begun a cycle that might take its toll of your health, your wits and your spirit. Every altercation, no matter how small leaves its marks on our mind and heart. It leaves a bad feeling behind, even if it is just some rude words you may have with someone on the road. After the words are said you realize that you lost control, and just that leaves behind a feeling of smallness and shame.

So, the only thing to do is take control. You decide how much you will react, and how you will react. Breathe deeply till the first feelings of anger subside, think rationally about what was said to you. Rid yourself of your rancour and instead answer politely. One might think it is impossible to do. Perhaps it is in the beginning, but not if one thinks continuously on those lines. Remember past incidents and think of how you could have reacted in a cool way that stopped them getting out of hand. Slowly you will get used to thinking in a manner that will change your attitude and one day being cool and calm will become second nature. Your composed way of handling things will be like a shield around you that will stop negative energy from penetrating or affecting you in any way.

Moreover become a source of positive energy. Take in as much of it as is possible, through the day, from all around you. Use all your senses to absorb the beauties of nature. Lift your face to feel the cool air, touch the softness of a petal. Breathe in deeply the boquet of flowers and the invigorating smell of the morning breeze. Let your mind and heart be gladdened by the sweet strains of birdsong. Wonder at the strength of a single blade of grass that has pushed its way through the hard earth. Dwell on the persistence and patience of birds that make their nests twig by twig, leaf by leaf. Open your senses; observe, note and remember. Through the day, try to turn your mind many times to some happy thought or the other; an innocent observation by a child, a word of encouragement or appreciation, a gesture of love, a smile from a stranger, till they outnumber the moments of stress and frustration. Most of all count your blessings and be grateful for each and every one. This will not only strengthen your spirit but also keep any damaging feelings of greed and envy which lead to spite and hatred, from developing. All these are like termites that eat away the very foundations of the soul.

Finally, become the active provider of positive energy. A word of appreciation, a ready listening ear, a helping hand, or even just a smile, spread positive energy rapidly, affecting all who are touched by them in more ways than one. You will be surprised at the happiness they give, not just to others but also to you, till you finally radiate with positive energy, attracting all around by its aura.

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