The other day a client shared a funny story with me. He said that one night there were two guys and a girl hanging out in Central Park. A group of tourists walked by the trio smiling and happily greeted them. One of the guys lifted his hand up in the air making a grabbing gesture. As he did this, he announced in a loud voice, “POSITIVE ENERGY ACCEPTED!” Everyone including the tourists started laughing.
My client and I also laughed about this comical exchange. My first thought was, “where else but in New York would this happen.”
We continued to discuss the meaning behind this story. My client remarked he ought to do this with his relatives, especially when they are having a good day for a change and not complaining. We then started talking about how this could be used as a silent, meditative practice. If I started looking for positive energy – a smile, a greeting, a kind gesture – and I took the time to acknowledge it to myself on a regular basis, would that in turn generate more of the same? Would it cause me to not only be a receiver of positive energy, but to perhaps generate some of my own?
There are definitely times I have anticipated the absolute worst from people and situations only to find it happening right before my eyes. While I do not believe I can magically make people already treat me well, I do know that my mental frame going into those situations undoubtedly sets me on the path to conflict. Interestingly enough, I have also experienced the opposite – being pleasantly surprised by a positive reaction despite my negative anticipation.
As my client wisely pointed out, the practice of “positive energy accepted” is not to create or attempt to set up positive situations. It’s also not about changing anyone’s behavior. It’s simply a practice to ground oneself while going about your day.
In this present moment, I am accepting positive energy.
This is part 18 of the series Meditations on Wellbeing. In this series Psychotherapist and Life Coach Richard Killion shares experiences from his corner of the world. Enjoy his succinct, insightful bits about human behavior and mental wellbeing.
About the Author
Richard Killion is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Life Coach with over 18 years of experience consulting individuals, groups and organizations. From a coaching perspective, Richard helps people succeed with life transitions. As a therapist he works with clients needing assistance with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues and communications.
