I just returned from a wonderful seminar on Positive Thinking in the Caribbean! As nourishing as the sun, ocean, exercise and good companions were, the wisdom which I obtained was the icing on the cake!
A number of questions posed in the seminar revolved around the concept of how to deal with people. How does one cope with a frequently disgruntled and discordant spouse, child or co-worker??
The solution is beautiful. We need to learn to see the highest potential in others. We must essentially see them as God would see them, or as a loving mother would… then we can feel love and kindness towards them, and WE actually feel much better! It’s interesting that in giving someone else a break, giving them the benefit of the doubt, and expecting the best from them, we are actually giving ourselves relief! This is because human nature is intrinsically altruistic; we WANT to be kind and generous towards each other. We are biologically wired to feel rewarded by positive socializing.
The beauty of this is that in holding someone else in high esteem, we also enhance the possibility that they will rise to their potential! Studies have shown that the students in a class who the teacher believes will succeed, do in fact succeed more often. Holding a positive opinion of another person can influence their outcomes in wonderful ways.
This approach does demand a certain amount of discernment and trust in the Universe on your part. You don’t want to trust someone with something that they cannot handle, or expect more than is reasonable from any individual. You should lean first on your own guidance and wisdom when interacting with anyone.
If you need support in holding more optimistic views, please contact me for wellness coaching services!
Dr. Rahman Beckwith integrates Positive Psychology and spirituality to create unique approaches to wellness. She is the author of a number of books, CDs and Mp3s and e-courses some of which are available on Amazon.com or here . She is a global speaker and healer. Follow her page Holistic Therapy with Dr. Rahman or her website www.DrRahmanBeckwith.wordpress.com.
This is a great post, love the takeaway – see people as the best version of themselves.