3 Steps to Immediately Increase Positivity
Can any one else feel that? The intensity of emotions from the collective? Have you noticed any of the following:
- extreme lethargy
- a heaviness you just can't explain
- a feeling of loneliness
- loss of hope for the future
- intense anger
- easily frustrated/short fuse
- holding onto resentments
Of course you can! We are in the middle of elections during a pandemic! Who wouldn't be a little bit, or a LOT a bit, on edge? We are certainly in a season of political warfare and turmoil. It seems all of the news is geared towards negativity and judgment. Although it is very important to be up to date and knowledgable about the current state of affairs, it is equally, if not MORE important to create a safe space for ourselves-physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. My energy is very sacred to me, especially since I am highly sensitive-aka an empath. I feel the energy all around me at all times. My heart grows heavy when I see acts of hatred and violence. I cry with joy when I see acts of compassion and love. I cry when I think about all of the sacrifices my mother has made for me to be in this world...I think you get the point. And because I feel intensely, it is of the upmost importance to protect my energy. If you can relate to this, then let me tell you what I have found to work through my own personal experiences, as well as through my professional experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor for the past 15 years.
Ways to Increase Positivity in your life:
- Increased Awareness of the energy you are carrying with you throughout the day. Notice what seems to be draining you, and what seems to be filling your soul. Tap into your physical body to be able to identify the energy throughout your body-there is typically a heaviness or tension around areas you are carrying heavy energy. You can increase your awareness in a variety of manners, including guided meditation, quiet meditation, journaling, and yoga.
- Be Intentional. This includes what you are watching, reading, and listening to. Notice what happens when you spend your mornings, days, evenings, listening to the news. I have found that when I limit my news intake to 2 times per week for 15-20 minutes each time, I am both informed and not weighed down for the entire week. When I had a commute of a minimum of 1.5 hrs one way, I found myself listening to news for most of the drive in each day. One day, I noticed a knot in my shoulder as I was driving in. When I got curious about it, I had realized how much of my time was spent listening to negatively. That is when I switched to Audibles filled with inspirational and inspiring books. I suggest you really take an honest look at how engaged you are in negativity and make a conscious decision to cut it back significantly.
- Supportive People. Pay attention to the people you are spending your time with. Notice what they are talking about. Are they talking about how the world is going to hell in a hand basket? And even more, do they talk about this with no type of solution or plans to do anything about what upsets them? These are people who tend to drain your energy. And sometimes, you may not be able to cut them out completely. I encourage you to set some limitations around the amount of time you spend with them, OR let them know you are working on creating more positivity in your life and you will no longer be engaging in these conversations. Then, surround yourself with people are are more upbeat, optimistic, solution oriented, and taking action to create a better life and world.
I challenge you to begin taking these steps. Notice how it might shift your perspective, and your energy. The results are pretty amazing!
Sending light and love, LJ