Positive Vibes

By: AJ Crowell, Publisher Dallas Yoga Magazine & Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Movement

Since I am a product of the 60’s, I revel in the idea that people are standing up for what they believe in. Peaceful protests, speaking our minds and desiring to make changes for a better world is the result of why we are all not living in the 1950’s mindset (most of us). I believe we can “agree to disagree” and remain respectful and kind.  I believe it’s up to each individual to make it a point in our daily lives to spread positive vibes. I believe the accumulation of people sending positive, loving energy into the world will make a difference and eventually overcome the undesirable and harmful energy.

The great leaders of history believed in nonviolent protests, sharing their opinions and their passion for justice and it has made the world a better place. However, flashbacks of hatred and racism have been

rearing its’ ugly head lately in our society. I choose not to turn a blinds eye to the situation but to encourage progress and support diversity.  Let’s all as a yoga community show support to others who may not look like us or have the same beliefs. Let’s all embrace each other with love, kindness and respect.

The next time you are meditating or in yoga class, take the time to send positive vibes out to the world.  It will make a difference.

Let’s ponder on one of John Lennon’s famous quotes, “If someone thinks love and peace are just a cliché that must have been left behind in the 60’s, that’s their problem. Love and peace are eternal.”

Of course, there are many other ways to spread positive vibes in the world. The following are suggestions to help make those around you have a better day while you let your positive energy shine.

12 Ways to Spread Positive Vibes

1. Greet People with a Happy “HI!” Surprise people you don’t know with a smile and eye contact.
2. Be Grateful. There are always reasons to be grateful. It’s nearly impossible to be angry when you are full of gratitude.
3. Be Understanding. Sometimes people go through situations that you can’t relate to. That doesn’t mean you can’t be understanding and loving.
4. Embrace Diversity and Be Open-Minded. Learn something about a different culture that you do not know and you find interesting.
5. Be Available to Listen Actively. Being available is one thing. For example, showing up on time, not cancelling meetings, returning your voice mails or texts as soon as possible. Listening actively is actually paying attention, looking at the person, processing what they are saying and interjecting when needed.
6. Support Others. Often sharing stories about your hardships will motivate others. Be open and honest about yourself. It makes a huge difference in how people can relate to you and how they open up to you. Be encouraging.
7. Think Before You Respond and React. No matter how hard we try we get frustrated at some point. The key is not to react immediately. I use the “24 Hour Rule”. If I’m upset or angry, I don’t respond for 24 hours. It gives me time to meditate on the situation and look at it from the other persons’ point of view. Then instead of reacting…I’m responding in an appropriate fashion.
8. Laugh A Lot, See the Humor in Life. A smile on your face is contagious. Your energy radiates the room and you can utilize humor to lighten things up when you and others are getting tense. My higher power has a sense of humor…and I laugh often! It saves me from over analyzing myself or the predicament.
9. Stop Complaining…don’t see the glass half full, see the glass half empty. One of my favorite radio bits is on the Kidd Kraddick Show called “First World Problems.” It is hilarious, but at the same time you realize how spoiled we are in the United States. When I hear what people are getting upset about (including myself) I feel ridiculous and it makes me think of people in other countries without water, food, shelter or education. It’s a wonderful gratitude moment.
10. Be Positive and Loving in Your Social Media Posts. Let’s go back to the “24 Hour Rule”. If you are upset, wait 24 hours before you react, then ask yourself “is it kind and useful?” before your post. Most of the time, you will realize the message you wanted to post previously is negative and useless. Find something encouraging and supportive to post on your page instead and don’t give the negative posts any more energy. The negativity will eventually fizzle away.
11. Surprise Your Friends and Family. Send them an quick text full of love and positive vibes.
12. Repeat Positive Mantras. Remember this throughout the day and repeat positive mantras to yourself. Your attitude is everything and the positive mantras will exude from you.

AJ Crowell is a Best Selling Author of Loved Back to Life, a book about recovery from addictions. You can find more about her at www.magnifiedmotivation.com and www.cosmicyogimovement.com