Call me PolyAnna or naive. Tell me to wake up and smell the coffee because “Everything is really bad” and it “Hasn’t hit rock bottom yet.” You won’t be the first and I can understand your skepticism. But at the end of the day, in the middle of the barrage of words like “crisis”, Isis, Ebola, interest rates (too low or too high), heroine problems, the flu, climate change, and every other ominous message pummeling my senses, I can still feel good. And I feel great about feeling good.
I am not being smug or trite, nor am I even close to the enlightenment Buddha and the Dali Lama enjoy. I have a family, I own a small business, and I have lots to lose. I am, however, one woman feeling her way through this life who has lots to gain. I try really, really hard to be my best, to accomplish my full potential, to live consciously, to love and be kind, and to master my own energy. In essence, I am sure I am a lot like you- I just want to be “happy”.
Sure these are worrisome times. If by worrisome we mean imperfect and a work in progress. Has life on the planet every been anything but perfectly imperfect? So I am choosing not to react to what people tell tell me should be making me feel afraid, mad, frustrated, worried, defeated, shocked….you know the drill when the media is fear-based, your elders are “realists”, and negativity has taken over around you. And I am not going to mistake worry for an action step, because too often people worry about situations that make them feel helpless as if it’s the same as doing something about it. After all, haven’t we been kind of taught that if we are worrying about something then at least we won’t get totally caught off guard when something does goes wrong?
So, no, I am not going to get caught up in the negative energetic spin around me. Instead, I am choosing to feel sane, curious, pleased, peaceful, powerful, joyful, and totally abundant. And I am encouraging my clients, group members, and you to do the same.
The key words here are choice and action. You do not have to jump on the fear bandwagon. And it takes such simple steps to get off and hitch a different ride. Consider these ideas below. In an unpredictable world, we need to be able to sleep at night, love our lives, and be a part of what works right. And I suspect that if each one of us does our part, the people not worrying will lead the world out of “crisis” and into an even better future.
1) GO ON A MEDIA FAST. Just like how you are what you eat when it comes to food, the same is true with information. Have you noticed yet that the more you “inform” yourself, the worse you feel in your body, thoughts, emotions, family, and work? Energy is energy and you are absorbing very negative energy through most media outlets. You wouldn’t allow your child to watch violent or depressing shows all day and expect her to be jovial and well adjusted would you? Cut off the toxic flow and make a deal with yourself to watch or read a limited amount of news per day, if any at all. Also, get curious about why the news always focuses on what is wrong in the world- it is a strange phenomena that we pay them to tell us about things that make us feel bad. Consider investing in positive magazines and radio stations.
2) GET YOURSELF CORRECT. Cutting off the media fumes doesn’t mean you have to become negligent of the world or go on an ignorant free-for-all. Focus on what you can control by getting your own life centered and correct. Patch up your vulnerabilities by living within your means and focusing on reducing personal debt. Take this time when political and economic processes are “correcting themselves” to clean up your own imbalances- in how you eat, improving the quality of your relationships, in your own emotional state. As Ghandi said “Be the change you wish to see in the world”, as in “what is happening in the world around us is a reflection of our own personal energy”. If we each get correct within ourselves, the “world” itself will be corrected because we are the world.
3) TAKE ACTION. If you find international affairs or local issues to be depressing or worrisome to you, that’s a great sign of your compassion, love, and feeling of connection to the world. But don’t waste that beautiful aspect about yourself on feeling badly. Instead, put it into action. The planet needs your input of energy and care to change. If you barricade yourself in a house full of worry, you are only matching the energy of the problems outside in the big bad world. Be the light, be the change, be the love that helps. What can little ol’ you do? Sign a petition, pray and send love to the problem, give money to a cause you care about, volunteer, meet with others who care and take action steps. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Worry does not help the world…only helping does.
4) BEHAVE ABUNDANTLY AND GIVE. The energetic universe loves giving and rewards the generous by helping them to feel good and often giving them even more material abundance. Give to the most needy in times of distress, hold doors open, smile often, make little pit stops to pet pounds and shelters with food donations, send a phone card to a stranger in the military. Then don’t be surprised when your own life- and wallet- seems to get fuller.
5) INDULGE IN DAILY LOVE AFFIRMATIONS. Be the I AM. You may be of the mindset that this is crazy talk that doesn’t work. Yet, since we get back in our own lives what we put out in emotions and thoughts, you might want to check what thoughts and feelings you have been repeating lately. The trick here is to calm your fear with statements that relax you and are positive: “All is well in my world. I am strong and resilient I am able to create good in my life and have gratitude for what is working. ” Yet, for those who really want to attract abundance and success, stretch your repeating mantras further: “I AM true success. I AM love and loving. I AM filled with happiness and security in all ways.” Meditate and breathe often.
6) ALWAYS FOCUS ON THE STRENGTHS. When thinking about ANYTHING, always start with noticing what works about it. Concerned about our legal system? First notice what’s good about it, and then take action steps to contribute to what isn’t working. Worried about terrorism? First notice all of the kindness in the world, the unity, and the ubiquitous safety in the planet. Then brainstorm and take action steps to help contribute to peace in the areas where it is lacking on the globe. Afraid about your own life situation? Step back and notice all that you have accomplished in your life and the amazing resourcefulness you have had when life kicked you in the teeth. Also, make a list of all that you do have and are grateful for. Even in “crisis” times, we are often the luckiest ones on the planet. Shifting focus to your blessings changes more than your mood, it changes what you attract.
Beth Miller, LCSW-R, CEC, CAHC is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Life Coach, energy healer, meditation teacher, and spiritual counselor in private practice in Bayport, Long Island, New York, USA. She is the owner of the group practice POSITIVE ENERGY Holistic Counseling & Institute where she and her fabulous team of therapists use the breakthrough model Advanced Holistic Counseling & Coaching™ to create transformational change in their clients. Beth is the creator of the trademarked Advanced Holistic Counseling & Coaching™: Modern therapy that combines the very best of traditional psychotherapy with life coaching, energy healing, science, and spirituality. Now, Licensed Therapists, Healers, and Coaches can learn how to experience huge transformation in themselves, their clients, and their careers by becoming Certified in Advanced Holistic Counseling & Coaching™. For free holistic and psychotherapy tools, visit the POSITIVE ENERGY Holistic Counseling & Institute YouTube channel, or contact us directly via phone at 631-533-0708 or email at info@positivecounselingli.com.
Comments