The Negative Energy Drain

         We've all experienced leaky drains that let water out of the sink or tub very slowly when we don't want it to drain out at all.  SLOWLY,  SLOWLY the leak takes all that water away and leaves us, sitting naked, in a cold, uncomfortable place.  Negative energy can do the same thing.  Knowing that, why do we allow ourselves to hang out with a negative attitude?
         According to research, it is the natural disposition of human beings to gravitate toward negative thinking.  For some reason, it is just an easier path for us to take and requires a whole lot less effort than thinking positively.   So, next time you run across someone who is negative, just realize they are only being human.  Unfortunately, when we give in to that "easy", human road it ends up costing us big time, creating more stress and unhappiness.  When we filter everything through the lens of disappointment and discouragement we end up in a very bad place.  Just as though we were sitting in that tub with the leaky drain, eventually, we are left feeling cold and miserable.  
         How much more productive to give life the effort and persistence that will lead to greater satisfaction.  And--given enough repetition--greater joy in this human experience.  But it does take our effort.  However, not all effort is back breaking.  Sometimes "effort" simply means taking a moment to switch gears, to alter our focus. In fact, that effort can lead to a wholesome respite from the heavy load of our everyday responsibilities.  
         So, even if you have to set a timer to remind yourself, consider developing the habit of having regular "time outs" to step away from the necessary tasks of life, and just for a few moments, allow your awareness to be centered on something uplifting and joyful: the sound of laughter; music; a beautiful poem; the smell and taste of your food; gazing at the night sky; walking a woodland path; wading in a cold stream; picking wildflowers; holding some one's hand; the songs of birds, or the roll of thunder.  Everyone of these things requires us to exercise our awareness, to stop and take a moment away from the mundane things that require our attention.  And everyone of them can be like flipping a switch that turns on a light, helping us to see so clearly a blessing for which we can be grateful.  That recognition, in turn, alters our thinking and our feelings and brings happiness to life.  It can, in fact, be a truly transforming encounter if we allow ourselves to become immersed in the experience of it, if only for a few minutes.  To me, that's better than an antidepressant, a cup of coffee or a stiff drink, and a whole lot better for our health.
         Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."  So, instead of giving way to the easy road of negativity, consider the joy you will feel as you make your own personal trail, filled with moments--just simple moments--of heart lifting joy. That very personal path will lead to greater health and peace, and places of enlightenment and gratitude you've never imagined!

Note:  I believe my daughter-in-law, Kate, fixed the problem with the Comments section, and you can now post a comment if you would like.  I'd love to hear from you!
THANKS, KATE!

TODAY'S AWESOME BLESSING: 
Friends brought us fresh Swiss chard, beet greens and herbs from their garden.  I blanched the greens and put them in the freezer and dried some of the herbs, others I used fresh.  YUM!
Thank you, friends.  That's a blessing we get to enjoy now, and during the winter months!  And your friendship, well, that's a forever thing!