Four ways to create a feel-good environment

By Polly Campbell on January 25, 2012

Want to feel more creative and inspired – raise the roof, literally. Research by the bigwigs from the University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing showed that ceiling height can affect the thought process.

People were more detail oriented when working under an eight foot ceiling and more abstract when the ceiling was raised to 10 feet. You want focus? Bring down the ceiling. Innovation? Raise it up.

It’s interesting to note the impact our physical environment has over how we operate in our lives. Not surprising though. Most of us have a space that just feels good, a place where we feel connected to our essence and better just for having been there. Mine is standing alongside the ocean. In my home, my bedroom is a soothing spot, my office inspires me to create.

But since cubicles can’t accommodate salt water and most of us do not have an adaptable roof to leverage, it’s important to note there are plenty of things you can do easily to feel better in the space you’re in. Here are some things you can do:

Bring in a potted plant. Any connection to nature eases stress and having some tangential living object around helps hone focus on the tasks at hand.

Watch the sharp edges. If you do bring in a plant look for one with round leaves. Not kidding. Sharp –edges along counters, desk tops, tables, or even plants leave us literally feeling edgy. Rounded shapes are more comforting and calming.

Check out your color combinations. People are very sensitive to colors so if you want to invoke a particular mood, pay attention to the paint. Red raise blood pressure and heart rate and can ignite excitement and passion, but crimson just makes people irritable — probably because of the heavy-handed teachers we had that were armed with red Bic pens. Green is restful, relaxing, soothing. Periwinkle and other bright blues are feel-good colors that lower respiration and blood pressure and can ease stress. Watch out for the icy pastel blues though, they invoke cold feelings. Yellow can makes us feel excited and sunshiny, but might cause you to flip out a little more often. ‘Spose you could always blame your bad temper on the wall colors. Or you could always go with the multi-colored polka dots and just see what happens.

Let in the natural light. Build your workspace around the windows and open the blinds to let in the light. Natural light is a natural mood-booster and amps up our creativity. Also, keep the clutter, bookshelves and empty pop cans away from the window to create a sense of openness. If you can’t finds a window seat, take regular breaks and go stand by one or head outside for a few minutes a day.

The external environment does impact our internal space find creative ways to care for both.

 

Posted in , , , , , | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a response

How a change in scenery changes your brain

By Polly Campbell on January 23, 2012

My space is cozy and tidy. The papers that are on my desk are in neat piles. A few loose newspaper clippings are scattered about. Three books sit stacked on the corner and box of pens lays along the outer edge of that desk. This is just about right. Too much clutter, and I become restless and distracted. Too little, feels, well uncreative and stifling.

Environmental psychologist — one of those bigwigs who study how people live in their spaces — Sally Augustin says: “we are better in spaces with moderate visual complexity.”

There are clear links between our physical environment and our well-being and productivity. So, if you feel stressed out surrounded by waist high piles of laundry, now you know why.

The idea that external space affects our internal landscape is nothing new. The Ancient Greeks often incorporated gardens and fountains into their temples and gathering spaces as a way of building harmony among people. Their structures also had good acoustics and places for music so that they could rock out in an effort to foster feelings of peace and calm among those who ventured in.

In the last 10 years, through an emerging field called Neuro-Architecture, there’s been a new, unified effort between scientists and architects alike to understand the connection between brain function and structural design and then develop structures, as in hospitals and offices, that can improve health, productivity, and cognition.

Science has proven that people feel less stressed and healthier when they are closer to nature, surrounded by pleasant, natural sounds, and plenty of natural light, says Eve Edelstein, an architect and neurophysicist who is a Bigwig researcher and member of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture. Through functional magnetic resonance imaging scientists have seen the brain actually respond and activate (or slow down) in response to its environment. A change of scenery causes changes in the brain.

For centuries the ancient art of Feng Shui has also explored different ways to orient and decorate a room in order to promote positive energy flow. Good energy flowing naturally through a home or office leaves people feeling better, healthier, more productive and more connected to the higher energies, according to Feng Shui principles.

But, if you’ve ever worked in a cubicle without a window, you already know that. Without a view to the outside world we begin to feel limited, less creative, constricted, slightly insane (maybe that’s just me).

So if you are feeling stifled and stuck, take a look at the space you occupy. Simply tidying your desk, shifting a little furniture, getting your husband to fold the clothes, or adding in color or a potted plant might make you feel better.

Wednesday I’ll share some very specific things you can do to make both feel better. Here’s a hint: stay away from red.

 

Photo by: Stock.xchng

Posted in , , , | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Response

Kindness is a quick pick-me-up and you can try it at home

By Polly Campbell on January 18, 2012

Feeling low? Go do something for someone else. Not kidding.

I’ve written before about the importance of giving and serving. It’s a biggie. Not only does it make others feel good, but it is actually healing for you.

Generosity reduces stress, improves immune system response and helps the heart and improves mental health, says Dr. James Doty director of The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford.

And it doesn’t take much to make a difference. You don’t have to suffer or sacrifice. You don’t have to go without so that others can have. Though, it is a good idea to share the remote on occasion – and yes, I know this CAN be a sacrifice. But, generally compassion is always affordable, available, and demands little time. An “open heart” is all that is required, Doty says.

Bottom line: You have more to lose by NOT acting compassionately, he says.

Still, we fuss and worry that we can’t make a difference, won’t do enough to  ease the suffering in the world; feed the hungry; facilitate peace in the Middle East – so we do nothing. But, the power of giving is  is in the small acts. A quick smile, sincere thank you. A love note.

With that kindness, we touch each other and connect with our own essence.

Ready to connect with your compassionate side? Here are some easy-peasy ways to brighten somebody’s day , including your own:

  • Leave the change in the pop machine at work
  • Send a note telling someone what you appreciate about them
  • Mow the neighbor’s lawn
  • Deliver meals to the elderly
  • Make a meal for a friend
  • Take your car to a student car wash and leave a big tip
  • Donate money to the local food bank
  • Pack a special lunch for your partner or child
  • Leave a love note for your spouse
  • Take a friend’s kids for a few hours Friday evening so she can have a “Date Night.”
  • Look the people who serve you in the eye and offer a sincere “Thank You.”
  • Tell someone when they’ve done a good job
  • Apologize, genuinely, when you’re wrong
  • Make a special lunch for someone you care about
  • Drop off a load of groceries for someone who doesn’t have a car

See it isn’t all that hard. What will you do today to add a bit o’kindness to the world?

 

Note: The post originally ran in July of 2011, but I don’t think kindness will ever be outdated.

Posted in , , , , , | Tagged , , , , | 1 Response

The Candle Lighter Award: How the little things change life in a big way

By Polly Campbell on January 16, 2012

Sunday 10:10 a.m. My husband is out watching football. I love football. My daughter is drawing pictures and coloring princesses. I love coloring with my daughter. And I am in my home office, alone, with the computer and the space heater amped up. I’ve got some serious work to do today. I’m not in the mood.

There is a blog to finish. I have my newest class on passion and purpose to complete for the Daily Om. Have chapter three to write and bills to pay and correspondence to complete. My work isn’t all that different from yours. Demanding. Interesting. Exhilarating and at times depleting. I’m not complaining. It is a privilege that I can do the work that I love. It’s a privilege, I know, to have work to do. I get that. I just don’t feel like doing it right now, today. That’s why the comment sent by poet, artist, and blogger Julie Catherine mattered so much today.

Writing is so, um, solitary. That’s mostly good. I like the quiet and the space to know my own mind. In that way I’m able to capture my ideas in some sensible way that perhaps fires up someone else, or motivates them, or excites them, or just helps them feel better. I want to help and inspire and entertain and educate others with my words.

But, I don’t always know if I’m doing that. And today, when I came in here to go at it again, I wondered if it mattered that much anyway.

Guess it does. Julie Catherine, keeper of the Muse-Sings blog (check out the fantastic poetry) reminded me that this work does make a difference when she nominated Imperfect Spirituality for the Candle Lighter Award, given to blogs or blog posts that “brighten the world.”

I am so appreciative and grateful to Julie Catherine for taking the time to let me know that the ideas we explore here matter. That others find some value – after all, I like you, do want to make a positive contribution to the world. Thank You, Julie Catherine. I am so honored to receive this nomination.

Aside from the recognition, this nomination caused a profound shift in me today: It reminded me of the power and the importance of a simple act of kindness. Of just taking time out to tell someone they matter. Of connecting with others by appreciating what they bring to the world. Of sharing something of yourself so that others know they make a difference.

There are so many candle lighters in my world – people like Julie Catherine, who brighten my life by their kind actions. My parents who dropped by just to see the gap in their granddaughter’s mouth from her first lost tooth. A friend who left a comment on my blog. The babysitter who came a few minutes early so we could get a started on our date night. The doctor who called just before the weekend (five days earlier than expected) with good news. Another writer who took time out to give me advice that made a difference to my work.

And, this brand of kindness is catchy. Science has shown that one act of kindness directed toward one particular person impacts more than a dozen people and extends out touching people not even connected to the original recipient. Each one of those people in turn reach a dozen more and so on.

Here’s what it looks like: I let you merge on the freeway ahead of me. You feel good about that — or at least less stressed — so you’re a bit nicer, more patient with the checker, who goes home and directs more love toward her kids who act better in the classroom, which inspires the teacher and so on. See how this works?

Kindness is a difference maker. It is a motivator. It is a connector. And, it reminds me too, that I want to be the kind of person who makes a positive difference in the lives of others. I want to be a candle lighter. That is worth working for – even on a Sunday.

Note: In the weeks to come I’ll be posting my own Candle Lighter nominatiions. If you know of a blog that has brightened your life, you can do it to.

The rules for this award are easy :

1- Whenever you see a blog or post you think brightens the world, give them The Candle Lighter Award.

2- Recipients can accept or decline.

3- As a recipient simply accept and nothing more! You can paste this image on your blog, if you wish, and you are done!

4-If you reckon someone else is a Candle, pass it on, anytime and as many times and to as many people. (my favorite part)

In the weeks to come, I’ll be listing my own Candle Lighter nominations so watch for them here.

 

 

Posted in , | Tagged , , | 4 Responses

Learning to love yourself is a necessity not an indulgence

By Polly Campbell on January 11, 2012

I’m not a rainbow and hearts kinda girl – except for when I was about eight and dotted every ‘ i ‘ with a mini heart. I’m not frilly or lovey dovey. And while I feel deeply and love deeply I’ve never spent a ton of time thinking about what love is and how it shows up. I just knew that it did.

This year, I want to be more conscious to the Love in my life and that ties n just fine with my 2012 theme of Love. I’m not looking at this as some Woodstock-revert-to-the-60s –free-love thing. I’m thinking more about what it means to love myself and others, how it shows up as a practical action item in daily life – and what a difference it can make in every part of life.

Start with Self

We are taught really early on (probably even in utero when our mothers continue to do for others even while they need to have their swollen feet up resting) that love of self, is well, selfish. So we don’t develop it and we don’t practice it much. Instead, we take care of others and  worry about what we need to do to get them to love us. Ironic, since we don’t often love ourselves.

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to do anything at all to be worthy of love. And the best way to bring more love into your life is to start by loving yourself.

You can be just as you are in all the mess and magnificence and still be worthy of great love. You begin loving yourself by embracing the love that comes your way, instead of shrugging it off. You say “thank you” when someone gives you a compliment and feel the love, you hug tightly when someone hugs you. You smile at your beautiful self in the mirror.

You forgive yourself for your screw ups and the bad hair days and all the times you ate the Ding Dongs instead of going to gym. You let yourself be, just as you are without nitpicking and nagging.

Then, your surround yourself by the things you love – fresh flowers, and the smell of lavender and inspiring books and beautiful music.

You spend time each day, doing at least a little bit of the work you love. Cooking for your family or volunteering at the animal shelter or helping out on a special work project or writing that novel you’ve hidden away. This is love too. You are loving yourself by nourishing your soul.

You love too, by letting go. Release it. Surrender to the thing that’s keeping you up in the middle of the night or the challenge you can’t figure out. And, in the letting go know you are giving a gift to yourself. You are saying: “Faith, I’m making room for you now and I know I am enough to handle whatever comes next.” And then you take a deep breath. And go to sleep.

Love of self also means you take care of your body, brain and spirit. You exercise and nourish your body and soul with good food, inspiring messages, creative ideas. You sleep when you need to. You meditate, you kindly speak your mind.

Sure, all this takes time away from other things. If you are meditating a half-hour a day, that’s time you’re not helping someone else –at least not directly. But, when you love yourself first — it’s cliché I know but true – that you do have more to give to others.

Giving to yourself is not an indulgence. It’s a necessity. When you love yourself, when you treat yourself with patience and kindness, then love grows and becomes a dynamic living thing that infuses all of life.

Be kind to yourself today. It makes  a difference.

 

Posted in , , | Tagged , , , | 3 Responses

Go with a big theme and make big things happen this year

By Polly Campbell on January 9, 2012

Every year, (as detailed in last Wednesday’s post, just behind this one) I pick a broad theme, instead of a regimented list of narrow goals. Then, I do write down a few loose goals that fit in context with the theme.

I’ve declared 2012 my year of Love. And, one of my goals is to expand my business. How do those two intertwine? Well, one of my goals is to do more public speaking — because I love that work –  as a way of growing my business.

Once I have my theme, and a loose idea of some of the things I’d like to achieve, I draft some notes around those goals and scrutinize them to make sure they fit in with my theme. For example, I looked at how this theme of Love fits in to my work and decided I was going to pursue more of the work that moves me — like public speaking.  I am more productive this way, when I’m aligned spiritually, physically, and mentally.

Then, instead of writing down every regimented step behind each goal, I simply pick one and do it. I don’t plan much beyond that first step. After that, I take at least one inspired action each day, in keeping with that theme and the goal and then see what happens next. I take consistent daily action toward my goals, but I don’t always know what that action is going to be — until it happens.

This means I stay open. I’m always looking for new ideas. And I worry much less about the how things are going to work out and just evaluate what makes sense to do as I go. This allows freedom and expansion and new things to enter my life. These almost always yield great possibilities that I’ve never thought about before.

In other words, I stay focused on the “what” part of what I want to accomplish, rather than the how. For example, I know I’d like to have more public speaking gigs to talk about personal development. How that’s going to happen, I don’t know yet.  I trust that the how will reveal itself as a I take my smaller, daily, inspired actions.

This feels exciting and interesting. It’s fun. And, it’s productive. I’ve accomplished many goals this way. I’ve used a theme to lose weight, stop biting my nails, increase my income, and write a book.  In every case, unexpected opportunities, amazing people, and new ideas evolved throughout the process.

With the theme in mind, I find everything becomes easier. It’s easier to make decisions because when things come up I look to see if they apply to the theme. If they don’t, I take a pass. And, probably the most important aspect of this kind of goal progression is that it keeps me going. I persist. Because even when challenges emerge I’m reminded that I am doing what I love and that will make it easier to prevail. It can work for you too. Consider these three points before picking the theme you’ll use to guide you through 2012.

1. Lead with an expansive quality. Be open and pick a theme that is broad and all encompassing — such as love. One year I went with theme “Say Yes” to remind me to embrace new situations, even when I felt afraid. Go with something that can infuse your relationships, your health, your job and the other important aspects of your life.

2. Be clear and short. Pick a theme you can say in one or two words. Patience or courage or enthusiasm. Whatever it is, keep it clear and after arriving at some possibilities sit down and jot notes around what that theme means to you, what it would look like, where it shows up in your life. Remember, this will be your focus for the year, so pick a theme you can live with.

3.  Pick something that feels good. If it doesn’t get your excited, you’ve picked the wrong theme. During my year of flow just thinking about it and saying it out loud reminded me of all the possibilities the Universe offered, if only I would step into the “flow” of what came into my life. It was fun to think about.

Think of the theme as the Big Idea, that will keep your intentions focused on the other things you truly desire in your life. Not only will you achieve your goals, but unexpected benefits will come into your life and lead you to your greater purpose.

 

 

 

Posted in , , , , , | Tagged , , , | 4 Responses

Pick a theme to guide your year and your goals

By Polly Campbell on January 4, 2012

I am a goal-minded girl.  I love sitting down at the end of every year, with my pad and pen in hand, plotting and planning all the things I want to accomplish in the upcoming days, weeks, year. But, several years ago, I realized that while specific planning did help me reach some of my goals, at times, my naroow, single-minded focus also kept me from accomplishing some of them. I often became so focused on the hows and whys of one path, that I limited myself from others that could have taken me further.

So, I started doing things differently. Instead of one tightly focused goal I started picking an annual theme; and I began to focus more on the what then the how of the things that I did want to accomplish within that theme. I still set some specific goals and kept them firmly in mind, but these days I’m more open and adaptive to things that emerge along the way. This helped me accomplish not only the few goals on my list, but to create a lifestyle that supported the most important things overall.

This year, my annual theme is LOVE. I’ve also had the year of “YES” and “FLOW.”

This year, I’m going to focus on giving and receiving love – unconditionally. I’m going to accept compliments, let people do what they need to do without my judgment or control. I’m going to be kind, even when I don’t feel like it, and respond with compassion because deep down I know when people are hurting me it’s because they are hurting. I’m going to surround myself with the work and people and foods and vistas and things that I Iove. I’m going to root on my friends as they pursue their goals. And, I’m going to be kinder, softer, easier on myself. I’m going to do the things that I know I love and try new things to learn about potential new loves or passions.

This focus on LOVE will root me to the things that matter most to me. My year of flow reminded me to let up and let loose to become aware of all that was coming into my life. In a very literal way I practiced “going with the flow” of it all instead of living with the illusion that I was in control. The year of Love will ground me in the higher energies and remind me to tap into them to contribute to others but also stay close to my own values and purpose.

Then, when I draft a goal that includes making more money, getting physically fit or writing another book, my focus on Love immediately pulls me back to the reasons why I want to achieve those goals. Becoming healthier and more fit is a way of loving myself. When I think about growing my business and making more money, I realize I want to do that by taking only work that I love, work that inspires me. That will help me make better business decisions.

When you hold too tight to a goal or become too narrowly focused, you actually limit other positive things that could come your way.  Say you want to lose 50 pounds and you become wound up in that goal.  You may choose to lose 50 pounds on some unhealthy fad diet and while the weight may drop off, there’s likely to be an unwelcome side effect, such as you get ill because your body isn’t properly nourished, or you feel deprived and anxious, or you quickly put the weight back on after you’re done dieting. However, if you pick a theme for your year – like Love, or health, or fun, or patience – the route to your goal sets up a little differently. Then, as in my case, getting fit is a “loving” goal that presumes health and weight loss and the other things that will evolve out of that fitness.

If you choose a theme such as patience – then how you pursue your goal to lose weight or get a new job or stop smoking will be informed by that.

This approach has allowed me to stop micromanaging every step along the way. When I set the goal to publish a book – during my year of flow – I took inspired action every day toward that goal. These were conscious, orchestrated steps. But, they weren’t necessarily what I thought I’d be doing from the outset. Things came up that I could never have planned for.  My inspired actions were a result of the things I knew and the things I learned. When my life shifted and changed and new things entered, I adapted my inspired actions, learned what I needed to know, and followed the momentum. My book will be released this fall.

Going with an annual theme feels expansive and freeing. It’s fun and I’ve found it makes it a lot easier to make decisions and persevere even when challenges come my way that in the past may have threatened my goal. On Monday I’ll tell you how I set up my theme to support my annual goals. For now, think about what your theme is for 2012. It will make it easier to accomplish all that you most desire.

Tidbit: Part of living with LOVE for me, means to mind my own business and to stop micro-managing others, such as my sweet husband Mr. J. Loving him, means allowing him to be who he is — even when it bugs me. It’s something I’m already working on and thought more about after speaking with author and relationship Guru Arielle Ford this fall. She shared her expertise for my book Imperfect Spirituality and what she said was both wise and practical. That’s why I think it’s worth checking out her new book Wabi Sabi Love: The Ancient Art of Finding Perfect Love in Imperfect Relationships.

In her book Ford shows you how to move from “annoyed to enjoyed” in your relationship so that you can fall in love all over again. Order today and Ford’s book also comes with some great free bonus gifts.

Check it out here: http://thewabisabibook.com/

 

Posted in , , , , | Tagged , , , | 1 Response

Let your greatness overflow in 2012

By Polly Campbell on December 26, 2011

On this site my intention is always to entertain, hopefully inspire, and also to teach and remind that we are all connected to the Universal energy. We are the big picture and the little picture. We are marvels and we are marvelous. I think we forget that sometimes. We forget what a privilege this physical life is. How special we are. We forget what a difference we can make by simply loving and being compassionate. We forget that even the rotten moments have meaning and hold opportunity. We forget that we can always grow and learn and change and move closer to the spirit and the faith that animates us.

Part of my journey is to remember all this. And then, to live from that place of knowing.

To do this, I seek (and find) inspiration – everywhere. I practice gratitude and compassion. I try to stay aware, to notice my experience. And, on my best days, I remain open to what comes;  then I live with the faith that I am enough to handle it.

This video is a part of that remembering. It’s filled with inspiration and beauty and it reminds that we too are part of the magnificence and the grace and the mystique found in the flowers and the bees and the land. We are part of the Universe, just as it is part of us.

By being all that we are — beings filled with light and spirit and energy — we can make a positive contribution to the world now andin 2012. We are that powerful.

Happy New Year.

 

Posted in , , , , | Tagged , , , | 4 Responses

Why getting is just as important as giving

By Polly Campbell on December 21, 2011

This week, while you finish your last minute shopping and wrapping and cussing over the guy who cut you off in the Target parking lot — keep this in mind: Getting is as important as giving.

Yep, you heard it first — in this post, originally published here six months ago. But it’s worth repeating as we head into the weekend holiday fest.

There can’t be any giving without someone on the other side willing to accept the gift. This is important and yet most of us aren’t too good at receiving. We nod off the compliment, or urge people not to bring presents, or downplay the significance of our efforts when all anyone wanted to do — needed to do — was to  say “Thank You.”

“In Western society, unfortunately, there is this tendency to be too hard on oneself,” says James Doty, Director of The Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford, and compassion Bigwig. “It’s O.K. to receive an unexpected gift (such as receiving compassion) and why not relish the experience of it instead of questioning it.”

While it feels good to help others, it also feels good to let others help you. You are worthy of all that. You deserve to be loved and supported. I know this simply because you are here. You don’t have to earn self worth. You have to claim it.

It’s also O.K. to ask for help when you need it. I’m not so good at this one – but I’m working on it. I like to pretend that I have it all taken care of, until I am so exhausted from taking care of it all, that I have a mini-melt down and begin sniping about super important things like, er uh, how the towels are folded. Really. Not worth the energy.

We all need help. And, part of giving to others is allowing them to give to you. Accepting compassion and support does not weaken you or make you more vulnerable. Instead, it strengthens all of us.

Early on, my sweet husband Mr. J helped me think of it this way: “I want you to tell me what you need, he said. “I want to know so that I can help you,  because it makes me feel good to be able to help you.”

When a friend asked me to care for her children during the hour she endured radiation as part of her cancer treatment I was so grateful. I wanted to help. Needed to help. And, I felt better because she let me.

When you accept compassion, kindness, gifts, or support from others you are ALSO giving them a gift. You are giving them the opportunity to experience profound feelings of compassion. To share their love. To connect with you in a meaningful way. By doing this, you keep the cycle of compassion and generosity alive.

We are suspicious these days, of people who offer to give us something for nothing. We question basic kindnesses. We shrug off compliments and feel undeserving  or indebted when someone gives us something unexpected.

You can change that now. You can foster a global sense of kindness and compassion simply by saying “Thank You” to the next person who touches you with their generosity.

Accepting and fully receiving a gift is an essential aspect of giving and kindness. Be open and kind when you’re on the receiving end. Embrace and enjoy the experience. And know, that by doing that you have done us all a favor by raising the level of compassion that we can all experience.

Posted in , , | Tagged , , , | 1 Response

Bring good energy and everyone feels better

By Polly Campbell on December 19, 2011

I had several errands to run Friday and I was deeply embedded in the I’ve-got-so-much-to-do –get-out-of-my-way frantic kind of holiday mood. I wasn’t upset, just focused and abrupt and herky-jerky. I was moving fast, with my head down, not tuning into anything around me. So, it’s a surprise actually that I noticed the bell ringers at all. Truly, I think it’s their energy I felt first.

One, sat in a chair, a hand jammed in a pocket the other clenched tight into a fist around the little bell, ringing it sporadically. He sat with his chin on his chest, never raising his eyes to the people passing by. Occasionally, he’d murmur a Thank You when coins fell into the pot, though he never looked up.

The second bell ringer, stationed in front of a grocery store, walked around helping people unload their groceries. She held the bell loose between her fingers and shook it with such enthusiasm it that the cheap little bell sounded like a choir voice – alive and gleeful. This bell ringer wished everyone a Happy Holiday in a sing-song voice. When she caught my eye, she smiled so big that it spread to me and left me smiling too, while I shopped.

I didn’t give either of them money. But the second bell ringer gave me a gift. She made me think. And feel. She reminded me of the power of the energy we bring. I wasn’t bringing much positive energy before I ran into her. I was unconsciously constricting the flow of my own good vibes and that left little good topass around.

Energy, by its nature, flows and spreads. No matter what we are feeling, we are giving out energy. If I’m going to be passing it around anyhow, I sure want it to make a positive contribution.

The bell ringers reminded me what a difference that can make. One was passing around joy, the other despair. I don’t know their personal situations and there is no reason to judge. But I do know this: we all have hardship and challenge. And right in the middle of that we all have a choice to be grateful, kind, loving — anyhow. We can all decide to pass around good energy, no matter our circumstance.

A Facebook friend wrote last week that there are some people who bring so much of the negative that they seem to suck the good feelings right out of others. You know these people – we’ve all been around those who leave us feeling exhausted and low. Then, there are the others that bring light –no matter their circumstance. Not only do the light-givers brighten up the room with their positive brand of energy, they improve their own situation.

In a very real way, when you spread joy, you feel more joy. When you love well, you are well loved. When you are grateful, you see more to be grateful for. When you share your positive energy you are infused with even more.

We have a choice as to which energy we’ll bring. No matter our circumstances, we can make a positive contribution simply by giving a big smile. Simply by saying thank you and pausing just long enough to meet the eyes of another. You can make a choice to bring your best energy and that alone can make a difference in your world and mine.

Both bell ringers changed my day by reminding me of this lesson. One, so infused me with her good spirit, that I went forward differently. I raised my energy. That helped me to feel better and I hope too all that good energy helped brighten the day for others.

So, what kind of energy are you bringing?

 

Photo by Stock.xchng

Posted in , , , | Tagged , , , | 1 Response

Next »