Focusing on the positive can transform our life experience. It is through appreciation that we find joy and hope. Negative thinking and fear has the power to paralyze us. There are times, especially in recent weeks, when tragic events in our nation and world perplex and disturb us. There are times when our empathy for others or concern for our country can cloud our life. There are times when we do not know the answer to life’s problems or if we do, we can be assured it is either more complicated or simple than we think. Changing the world is overwhelming, but a certain level of change begins with you. You can feel overwhelmed and powerless. You can watch hours of news coverage as your civic duty, however this often leads to anxiety, discouragement, sadness or anger, with no plan of action. Reversing this downward emotional spiral is possible. Just take a walk on the bright side.
In response to the Orlando shooting, some examples of the “bright side” were shared in messages from cultural leaders. While there were numerous statements, two stand out as examples. Jimmy Fallon and the Dalai Lama reminded us that there is more good in this world than bad. This simple, factual reminder, from a comedian and a world leader, refocused on the positive after heartfelt condolences. Consider taking a positive lesson from an event or situation rather than putting more on your shoulders than ought to be there. Resist taking on confusion, overwhelm, anger, despair, but rather create a plan to choose your experience. This approach engages both gratitude and resilience.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsettled by any situation, consider asking yourself this question, “Am I willing to look at this differently?” Then proceed to list for yourself the evidence you have to the contrary. For example, you are on a plane and the pilot makes an announcement that it will be a flight with enough turbulence that everyone is required to stay seated and buckled. Immediately, you may start thinking “I have to get off this plane!” and feel a panic attack arising. However, if you are open to looking at the situation differently, you realize that turbulence is normal, the pilot and flight staff have experience, millions of people fly all over the world, Walt Disney made billions on the love of ‘bumpy rides’, and the list can go on and on. Choosing to see the positive in any given situation is a skill that can be harnessed for your wellbeing.
So where do you go from here? How can you experiment walking on the “bright side” when negative feelings arise?
Step 1: When feeling unsettled by a given situation, ask yourself “Am I willing to look at this differently?”
Step 2: List evidence to counter your initial position.
Step 3: Send yourself compassion and appreciation for taking the time to do this exercise and for the initial fear or negativity you may have felt. (for example, “It’s natural I would feel this way initially…)
Ultimately, we can choose what any given situation or event means to us. We can choose to feel fortunate that at this moment we are safe. Or we can choose to feel lost and in danger by evidence we see around us. We can look at horrible world events and choose hatred or choose love and acceptance. We can choose policies we believe in and appreciate that we have a right to do so.
Never underestimate the role you play in making your own inner world a more peaceful place and of course, the outer world a better place as well.
