Sometimes we start out with the best
intentions to think and speak only positive thoughts, but the people
around us throw us off course. Not everyone fully understands the power
our thoughts and words have, or even if they do, they may be stuck in
old patterns of negativity. Much of our habitual communication takes the
form of complaining and criticizing, and it can be hard to find a way
into certain conversations without lapsing into those old habits.
However, we always have the option not to participate in negativity or
to find a way to influence the situation in a positive direction. In the
right company, you may even be able to directly acknowledge the fact
that things have taken a negative turn, thus freeing yourself and others
from the negative pull.
Not everyone will respond to your cues, and there's no need to become
overly attached to the idea of changing other people, because people
have to choose for themselves how they will be in the world. Many people
choose negativity because it is familiar to them and feels safe. It is
important to give people the space to find their own way, but you can
always set an example, subtly representing the power of being positive.
At times you may interject an affirmative statement into the
conversation, and at others you may simply change the subject. You may
also simply withdraw your energy and presence, which also makes a subtle
statement. If you feel comfortable enough with somebody that is always
negative, perhaps you can have an honest conversation with them; after
all, awareness is the first step to change.
A powerful way to free yourself from the negative pull is to enlist
allies who are similarly minded. You and a friend, coworker, or family
member may agree to work together to continually shift the energy in a
situation in a positive direction. The power of two people working to
promote the positive is exponentially greater than one person working on
their own. As you and your allies work together to lift the energy
around you, you will be amazed to see how quickly the positive pull
begins to draw people into its orbit, freeing one mind after another
from negativity into light.(Daily OM}