by Ray Newman, radio and television commentator, attorney, educator, author

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

POSITIVELY POWERFUL

The human brain is unquestionably a most glorious and phenomenal instrument.  But it has a significant limitation:  it pretty much cannot do more than one thing at a time.  At least, do them well.

The reason I mention that is because I have heard a fair amount of talk lately about the internal battles many have trying to maintain a positive, rather than negative, perspective on life.  Some of the difficulty may stem from, of all things, the American dream of achievement and success.  Particularly in today's high speed pace of life.  Looking ahead, wanting what we do not as yet have, can propel us to set goals and take action to achieve them.  And that is a good thing.  But it can be difficult at times, because of our general inability to walk and chew gum at the same time, to simultaneously focus on both the future and the present at the same time.  To both plan the future and treasure the present.  To see wanting and having as bosom buddies.

But they are.  Having speaks of achievement, of capability, of self-esteem, of successful prior planning...and can serve as a positive propellant to wanting, future planning and future achievement.

But if having is to have those effects, it must be listened to.  And that takes time...not a lot of time, but a bit of time.  And remember the walking/chewing gum admonition.  So, when you are about to set out to do anything, allow yourself a moment or two to meditate your mind on where you are, the beauty and pleasure of some one thing you have in your life.   And always include the time to feel the moment on your list of things you want to have.   The most positive human being I have ever seen is a newborn infant lying in a crib sucking on a bottle.   
  
 Slowing down has its rewards. I think it is the most powerful progenitor of positivity.  It is for me.

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