Positive Mental Energy
I started watching this video yesterday... it was sent to me by a professional colleague. I have only watched the first 15 minutes of the video (it's over an hour and a half long) and I am intrigued by the underlying message; that of projecting a positive mental attitude. Although many of the motives presented in the video for maintaining a positive mental outlook may not be completely above board (i.e. attaining wealth, acquiring material assets, etc), I believe that there are many other tangible and intangible benefits from projecting positive energy. The video doesn't say it is easy - and it isn't - but I think the benefits are undeniable.

For example, I was speaking with a friend a few days ago on the phone; I needed to get their new address for our Christmas card mailing. We had not talked for a couple of years, but I knew that they had recently moved because of some information I heard through a mutual friend. We knew this family back when we were living in Provo and going to school... as were they. Now of course, our lives are completely different, and so we spent some time catching up. One of the last times I saw this particular person was at a dinner that I hosted in Kristy's honor (when she graduated with her PhD) back in 2000. This friend can still remember to this day (or so she related) how impressed she was with me and a "change" that she perceived in me. She had heretofore thought of me as somewhat of a "curmudgeon" and "anti-social" (which is probably true), yet on that day her perception of me radically changed... to that of someone that was "completely happy" (or something to that effect). Why? Simply because of the way I positively presented myself on a single day. It made an impact.

Also, I have been trying recently to react much more positively to Eliana's tantrums. Though it is extremely difficult to maintain a patient and positive attitude during these tantrums, I genuinely believe that in the last two weeks that her tantrums are decreasing in both quantity and duration. I'm confident that the improvements are the result of reacting to the situation in a much more positive way.

The film describes the result of projecting positive energy as a metaphysical "Law of Attraction" - if we project or radiate positive mental energy, we will attract positive people and experiences. Likewise, if we choose to radiate negative mental energy, we will attract negativity. It seems somewhat of a naïve concept when taken at face value, yet at its core there is truth to the matter. The "light" of persons that project confidence, faith, happiness, and cheer tend to brighten those around them. Whereas, the negativity of one person in a group (such as at home) can serve to darken the entire environment.

Yet, the short term effort required to "be happy" seems daunting at times. It is a struggle... I struggle... with this. It is too easy for me to get caught up in short term strife and forget about how blessed I have been. Only when I back and look at the big picture do I really see everything in the proper perspective. What reason do I have to not be happy? Seriously.

Comments

Re: Positive Mental Energy One of the boys in my Teacher's quorum tried to get me to watch this a few months ago. Said it changed his life. Maybe I'll have to watch it now. :: Comment posted by Bryon on Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:26 [Respond to this comment]