Selfishness, hoarding, and gluttony are hard to sleep with.
Greed drives us insane, and over consumption causes grief.
Helping others does not require money. Selfless service will
help those in need just fine. Sometimes an encouraging word, a
thank you, or a compliment, is worth more than money. This is
because you showed recognition and gave a feeling that becomes
self worth.
How many times do people hold back on giving thanks, praise, and
mutual respect to others? No wonder the divorce rates are so
high in some cultures. It is because no one wants to give,
forgive, or try to understand anyone including their wife,
husband, or family members.
No one wants to accept the blame for anything. Everything is the
fault of some 'wrong doer.' We are living in the new age of
blame. How often do you hear about teachers and parents blamed
for trying to do their job?
When you see someone change his or her attitude around for the
best, it does restore your faith in humanity. If we cannot
forgive, we become negative and hostile, too. Below is a formula
for helping negative people, and you may learn a little more
about Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga, (the path of devotion), in the
process.
Smiling is contagious and puts the unhappy person "off guard."
Remember that negativity is also contagious, but smiling is an
"equalizer." It is very hard to get mad at a happy person. Think
pleasant thoughts and do not let yourself come under the spell
of gloom. It is easier for most of us to smile than to frown all
the time.
Listen emphatically, but do not take problems that are not yours
to heart. I know a person whose favorite saying is, "It's not my
problem." Always remember that you do not have to take on the
problems of the world, on your shoulders, to be a good listener.
If you feel this person is dragging you down, give yourself a
break. Just because you want to help - that doesn't mean you
have to write a suicide pack with him or her. You have to know
your own tolerance level for being around pessimism. Too much
pessimism and negativity can have an adverse effect on anyone.
Look at "wartime behavior' as a prime example. People are
scarred for life by atrocities, brutality, poverty, starvation,
battle fatigue, constant fear, and imprisonment. This is a haven
for negativity to flourish in. This is much like the mind-set of
a pessimist.
© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
About the author:
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a
Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a
Yoga teacher.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org