“We would like you to reach the place where you’re not willing to listen to people criticize one another… where you take no satisfaction from somebody being wrong… where it matters to you so much that you feel good, that you are only willing to think positive things about people…you are only willing to look for positive aspects; you are only willing to look for solutions, and you are not willing to beat the drum of all of the problems of the world.” —Abraham Excerpted from the workshop: Cincinnati, OH on September 22, 2004

You know where I started applying this? The most common place it entered in my life – while driving! I was so into complaining about other people’s driving when they did something I didn’t like. But then I’d find myself doing the exact same thing and after awhile when I’d notice this, I’d start to laugh at myself.

Then I would catch myself anytime I started to be critical and I would ask myself “what do I see here? What might that person be going through? Are they under a lot of stress? Is someone sad, sick, even suicidal in their family? I hope they are ok. What else can I learn from what they were just doing?”

These questions defused any criticism I had and turned my thoughts and emotions around completely. I would feel compassion and a connection (unfounded on the surface but I believe there was a connection through the Universal Mind) instead of anger, envy, whatever negative emotion I had been experiencing.

Then I was able to apply this in every other aspect of my life. I’m continuously reminded of the story of the man and 3 kids riding on a train at the holidays. The man was just sitting there oblivious to the fact that his kids were being rambunctious and distracting for the other passengers. Finally one man sat down by him and asked him if he realized his kids were out of control (in a demeaning kind of voice). The father replied “Oh, I’m so sorry. We came from the hospital where their mother just died and I guess they are upset.”

That completely turned the other passenger’s attitude around. He now understood what had been going on. He wasn’t angry or upset any longer now that he realized what happened. Amazing isn’t it how a little bit of knowledge can turn things around in your head.

Take this week to practice the opposite of complaining. Make this week a  week of praise! See how you feel at the end of the week and let us know.

Terrie