Creating a Positive Attitude

In the April tips, you learned how to change your thought pattern in order to develop a positive attitude. Since being positive is pivotal for healing and serenity, I have decided to discuss some additional ways to develop a more positive outlook in your life. This month I will share some effortless ways to change your environment or behavior and increase your positive energy.

1. Retreat from low-energy situations whenever possible, choose to be in close proximity to positive people, (”A” level individuals), and upbeat situations. In the Journey Back to Self CD, I defined “A” level people as those individuals who tend to reflect your goodness, celebrate who you are, and make you feel more carefree.

Make this choice about circumstances in your life or at least be conscious of the impact that a given situation may have on you. Once you can gauge whether a circumstance creates high or low energy, you can make healthier choices and be more self protective. When I am in a low-energy point in my life, I try to avoid or postpone almost everyone or any situation that will drain my energy. When you become conscious of energy exchange, you will find that low energy people or events will tire you, while a positive atmosphere will increase your energy level.

2. Become aware of your Environment. Remove some of the clutter in your home, your closet, or office and see how you feel. In his CD, The Secret of Inspiration, Wayne Dyer suggests that you give away any clothing that you have not worn in a year. Decide to incorporate Feng Shui, an ancient practice of arranging objects or furniture in a way that will make you feel calmer and harmonious, then add simple, soothing objects to your home or office. Notice how these simple changes will make you feel more serene and happy.

3. Pay attention to your habits of daily living. Be aware of the music and TV programs that you watch and the energy that you absorb from it. I have stopped watching shows that feature murder and violence because they make me tense and zap my energy. They have been replaced with sophisticated comedies that make me laugh.

I have also discovered this phenomenon with music. Recently, I kept listening to the soundtrack of a Broadway play that has intense and dramatic music. I discovered that my sleeping became restless, as I continued to play the songs in my head. I switched back to lighter songs and more meditative music and the restlessness disappeared.

Slow down. Give yourself enough time to get to your destination so that you are not always rushing to get to work, to pick up the kids, to make dinner, or to accomplish your next task. When you are feeling rushed, it would be a good place to insert the affirmation “I have all the time I need”. (See February Tips)

A final fun suggestion is to pay attention to the clothes that you wear. On days that I am less than chipper, I consciously put on a colorful outfit or a favorite piece of jewelry and I find I leave the house happier.

4. Practice Random acts of Kindness and ask nothing in return. You will find that positive energy is contagious. We have all heard the story of paying the toll of the person behind you, but take it a step further. Help an older person get the cereal box off the top shelf. Pick up the piece of paper blowing around and throw it away. Let a car pull out in front of you or invite someone to go ahead of you in the grocery line. Make a meal for a sick neighbor or bring donuts to work!

5. Smile as often as you can. View strangers benevolently and smile at them and you will notice that they will usually smile back. Even if you are not in a great mood, make the decision to put a smile on your face and you will feel more joyful and happy. In a May 1, 2008 New York Times article, a study about this phenomenon was featured. The head researcher, Dr. Paul Ekman, concluded “that even when artificially induced, the smile can produce the same brain changes that occur during spontaneous moments of joy and delight. This suggests you can access a pleasant emotion by mechanically turning on the right facial muscle pattern.”

6. Change your thought channel. We are all human and sometimes have negative or judgmental thoughts. When I get like this I give myself a shake and decide to change my thought. I remind myself that I want to feel good and I will not let someone else’s negativity get in my way.

I also find it helpful to note my thought and feel my “negative” feeling fully then let it go by silently saying, “I honor your Spirit and wish you well”. I like this response much better than “whatever” because I am surrounding the difficult person with a blessing just as he/she is.

7. Movement changes energy. When you feel yourself stuck in a depressing emotion, a non-constructive mind-set, or having an unenthusiastic reaction get moving! Movement is an easy way to change your energy and help you become more buoyant. If you are around negative people, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom, go outside for a walk, or, if you can’t move away, do some deep breathing. If you are feeling a bit pessimistic go for a brisk walk, a run, work out, sing or start dancing! Movement can release inner tension and effortlessly help you to begin to feel better.

Refection Questions or Blog Comment:

1. Name one person who sees the funny side of life. What is it like when you are with them? Let us know.

2. Choose 1 of the above techniques and use it for a week. Feel free to check back in and let us know how it improved your positive energy.