Staying Positive in a Negative World

Those who know me, know that I strive to be positive. This is not always easy and, as I always say, I am a work in progress.  I attempt to see the positive in even the most challenging situations.  Lately, there just seems to be so much negativity around.  The news is a never-ending litany of unpleasant events .  So many people see the downside of life.  Daily life can feel like navigating a minefield of negativism.  For an empath like me, being very sensitive, it can be pretty overwhelming.  At these times, it is really helpful to trust yourself when you feel that enough is enough.  It is equally important to develop strategies to deal with negativity.   Remember, in your reactions, you create your own reality.

One way to cope with the stress and negativity that surrounds your everyday experience is meditation.  I begin my day with a brief meditation focusing on my intention for the day.  I have written a prior post Meditation – The Journey Inward which tells my meditation story.  I end my day with a clearing and balancing meditation, even if it is a brief one.  This is a practice that has helped me immensely in dispelling any impact from negativity, and settles me in for a good night’s sleep.

Affirmations are often used to keep focused on the positive.  I have some favorite affirmations that I rely on in addition to my meditation practice.  There are numerous resources available through an online search for positive daily affirmations.  I, personally, love the Louise Hay site and the daily affirmations found there.  A morning affirmation fosters a positive state of mind to begin the day.

Another way to direct your thoughts toward the positive is to keep a gratitude journal.  I wrote a blog post about this recently titled The Attitude of Gratitude. It is helpful to journal a few things each day that you are grateful for.  This practice spotlights your attention on the blessings in your life, which then draws more blessings to you.  This is a great way to replace negativity with positivity.

Physical activity, outside in nature, is a fantastic way to lessen the impact of the negative influences surrounding us.  A walk in the park, yoga class, and dancing are some examples of getting your body moving, bonus points for being outside.  Check out my 5 Reasons to Get Outside Today blog post for more detail.  Physical activity outdoors initiates feelings of well-being and aids in maintaining a positive outlook. Moving the physical body causes energy to flow, it can then be released.

Expanding on the dancing mentioned above, music is magical for moving energy and shifting mood.  I know that I depend heavily on music in my life.  I have many playlists.  After a tough day, I put on some relaxing music and feel my frame of mind shift.  Music is understood to be a universal language.  There is simply no room in your heart for negativity when it is filled with joy and happiness – for many people, music is the key.  Check out my post Music and Messages – The Soundtrack of Our Lives.  

Another effective tool to cope with the negative is to create.  I know some very sensitive people who are also artists and craftsmen.  It doesn’t matter if you are a painter, a writer, or what creative medium you utilize.  There is great release and inspiration in the creative process.   I know that I feel pretty good when I complete a project.  It is so fulfilling to create something.   How can you be affected by the negative when you are creating things of beauty?

I believe that we are spiritual beings having a physical experience.  I know that the negativity around us does influence our physical health and emotional well-being.  It is important to remain centered, balanced and grounded.  We can transmute that negativity and minimize its effect on us.   I hope that you find something here to inspire you when you find yourself in a funk, or upset by the negativity around you.  We draw to us what we put out.  It is important to remain focused on the positive.  The positivity you put out to the world helps all of us.  We are all connected, each of us brings our individual light to the world.

Stay positive and S H I N E your light !