What if we just focused on doing the positive opposite of the things that bother us?
As we move through our lives, it is easy to get caught up in negativity. It is easy to find ourselves focusing on the situations, circumstances, behaviors, and people that we do not like. If the things that bother us are our focal point, we run the risk of living our lives in constant conflict with that which we are against, losing track of what we are actually for.
We do not have to look far to find something to complain about. Justifications for annoyance, dissatisfaction, and criticism are everywhere. What is much more difficult and infinitely more worthwhile is actively seeking, even creating, situations, circumstances, and relationships wherein the central focus is enjoyment, celebration, and fulfillment.
When we find ourselves caught up in a cycle of negative thoughts, speech, and behavior, when we observe ourselves regularly complaining, gossiping, and criticizing others, something must change. If we want to break this cycle, we must change. An easy place to start facilitating positive change in mindset, speech, and action, is by training ourselves to think, say, and do the opposite of those things that most bother us in others.
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 and Kogen Dojo where he teaches Taikyoku Budo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as well as a founding member of the Severna Park and Baltimore Holistic Chamber of Commerce.
Street art photo taken by Robert Van Valkenburgh, artist unknown unless otherwise noted.
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