Negativity is anti-curiosity.
We are creatures of habit and our habits often begin with our attitudes. If our attitudes toward life and people are negative, that is, if they are based on what we don’t like, who we don’t like, or what we don’t want to do, our behaviors are likely to reflect this negativity as well. Attitude shapes behavior as much as behavior shapes attitude.
Obviously, knowing our preferences is not an inherently bad thing. It is important to know what our boundaries are. The problem occurs when our boundaries become a way to hide from making decisions, taking action, or from being open to new opinions, ideas, and experiences.
Negativity closes us off to possibility. It shuts down our ability to experience that which is new or different. Negativity is the opposite of curiosity. It is saying that we know enough, we have enough, and we need nothing and no one else.
Once “no” becomes our primary position on all things, we are done growing, changing, and evolving. It is never too late to choose a different path, however. We don’t even have to start with “yes.” We can start small by simply listening and being open to possibility.
Holistic Budo: As it is in budo, so too it is in life. As it is in life, so too it is in budo.
-Robert Van Valkenburgh is co-founder of Taikyoku Mind & Body, Severna Park’s Holistic Chamber of Commerce, and Kogen Dojo where he teaches Taikyoku Budo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu