I continue to marvel at the power of perspective to influence reality. Something framed in a negative light will, indeed, generate negativity. Conversely—and more to the point—that which is seen as good can only emanate goodness.
For example: I write these words at 3am. Tossing and turning had been excruciatingly frustrating for two hours; my mind lingered on the previous day, the uncertainties and mind-boggling news, my anxiety. I wished it away by sleepily assuming that more thoughts would solve everything. Fixating on the mind swirl would somehow stop its turn. Is it a surprise to anyone that I fixed nothing during my midnight deliberations?
Let’s flip the script. Take a moment and ask yourself this question: “What’s been the best part of my day so far?” Really think of something. Maybe it was the sunrise, a surprise encounter, or a perfectly ripe avocado. Maybe you felt great on your run, or that important meeting went really well. Pause and consider this bright spot, this great thing. (Yes, really pause!) …
Did you feel a shift in your body? Did you notice your breath deepen or the corners of your mouth lift? What else came to mind during this pause?
When I intentionally shift my thinking to something positive, like the best part of my day, a normal moment in time suddenly becomes a little (or big) burst of joy. Before acknowledging this event as something great, it is just an ordinary moment in time. But after? The mere awareness of goodness shifts my perspective (think: attitude adjustment!) and opens potential for more of the same.
Scholars and wisdom teachers also implore us to this higher way of thinking.
Einstein’s oft-quoted words are fitting here: “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it”[1] While he speaks of problem solving (an innately deficit-based task), the sentiment is filled with truth. How could we possibly expect good to come out of something terrible? I’m not passing judgement on the innate goodness (or otherwise) of people or groups. I speak, rather, of ideas and thoughts. Of consciousness.
Jesus of Nazareth shared a parable in his Sermon on the Mount about knowing a tree by its fruit. A good tree can only produce good fruit, and likewise: a bad tree, bad fruit. We can’t gather figs from thorns or grapes from bramble.[2] Why, then, would we choose to focus on the negative, if it doesn’t produce the goodness that we hope for? I don’t know about you, but I would much prefer the sweetness of ripe, juicy berries over a sour apple—any day.
Mahatma Gandhi broke this idea into clear logic for us to consider:
Keep your thoughts positive because your thought become your words.
Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior.
Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits.
Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values.
Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.[3]
If I understand Einstein, Jesus, and Gandhi correctly, our perspective holds immense power to generate what we hope to see in the world. We must surround ourselves and fill our thoughts with light, goodness, and beauty if we hope to generate these same outcomes. We always have a choice about where we focus our attention.
It’s now 3:55am, and I’m in awe at what the night can provoke. I think I’ll return to my pillow and focus on the gift of rest. It may just be the best part of my day!
[1] Commonly attributed to Albert Einstein, though without a definitive source
[2] Paraphrased from Luke 6:43-45; not the complete passage or direct quote
[3] Paraphrased from his teachings on positivity; not a direct quote