Commentary by Sally Brown Bassett
Have you ever noticed that small talk between two strangers is often either about the weather or a mutual issue to complain about? Complaining may not be a characteristic that you associate with yourself. However, it doesn’t take much to get pulled into negative conversation to just be agreeable and polite. That sounds like an oxymoron.
Our work environment is a good example of where the glass can go from being half full to half empty. When employees don’t have much in common, they will find things to criticize. Negative talk can become toxic and also become habit.
One word that Gandhi lived by was ahimsa, which means non-violence in thought, word and deed. When it comes to speaking, you probably grew up hearing one of the golden rules: If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
Another area that can keep us from being positive is the deeply ingrained judging habit. Charlotte Bell in her book, “Mindful Yoga, Mindful Life,” said “I saw how nothing in my experience escaped constant evaluation. I even judged my judgments, and judged myself for judging. The feeling that accompanied rampant judging was one of tightness and irritation.”
One of the best ways to have a peaceful and positive life where you always see the glass as half full (or even overflowing) is to create an attitude of gratitude. On days you are feeling a little blue, start counting your blessings. It works. Set your intention this week to find gratitude in nothing specific but everything in general
The following quote by Alice Walker summarizes another way to look at life. “Look closely at the present you are constructing: it should look like the future you are dreaming.” This work must start from within a person first before any tangible worthwhile life goals can be accomplished. Until next time …
Namaste!