Promote Positivism

Promote Positivism

"Positive Attitude is a Plus" -- so goes the corporate
advertisement of Essar Gujarat, one of the leading industrial
conglomerates in India. The ad clearly describes positivism as
having a logic and momentum all its own.

One of my friends from India visited Jakarta without his
family, and stayed in a hotel for a few weeks. Another guest who
called on my friend asked him: "Do you have any difficulty in
adjusting to the new place or living without your family?" My
friend replied: "No, not at all. I feel quite at home here and
besides, you're also one of my family." His statement was not
theoretical -- I know he meant it and he really lives that way.

Wouldn't it be nice if we all could cultivate such noble
traits and positive attitudes in life? Actually, there are no
strangers in this world because one can always find some common
ground between people. It is said that whenever we meet a
stranger we should leave him as a friend.

How many of us exchange pleasantries with others while riding
in a lift? Usually, most of us have a cold, dull look on our face
or just stare at the floor. Some are clearly relieved to get out
of the lift when they reach their floor.

On our morning walks do we ever wish anyone good morning? We
encounter the same people every day but we don't even attempt to
smile at them, let alone wish them well. Isn't it good to start
the day with a friendly and cheerful disposition?

I recall a finance manager who invariably wished every single
person good morning. Happiness is contagious. We smile because we
are happy and we become happy because we smile. By uplifting
others' feelings, we also uplift our own.

There is another advantage in being positive. It is claimed
that by keeping our mind occupied with positive thoughts, there
will be no room for negative ones. Forcing in positive thoughts
drives out the negatives. We can't think two opposite thoughts at
the same time. By changing our thoughts, we change our attitudes
and feelings.

It certainly requires effort to keep thinking positive, but
after constant practice, the positive attitude becomes a habit.
As they say, a positive attitude is 10 percent nature and 90
percent nurture.

The theory of auto-suggestion enjoins everyone to firmly
believe that we have reserves of health, energy, strength and
endurance. It's all a state of mind. Say to yourself everyday:
"Something good is going to happen to me today." We should also
repeat words of power, strength, courage, self-confidence and
success. Words set the tone of the mind. They dictate our
thoughts, our acts, our attitudes as well as our habits, lives
and fortunes.

A Yoga teacher once explained to me the methodology of auto-
suggestion. We should mentally narrate to ourselves suggestions
such as:

I have a good family;

My children are good -- they'll have a bright future;

I keep good health;

I have nice and helpful friends;

My neighbors are nice people;

I find pleasure in working with my office colleagues;

I live in a peaceful country -- the weather is pleasant and
conducive to health.

We build upon such positive thoughts to calm our minds and
relieve the stress and tension of daily life.

Life is not meant for animosity or distrust. Only by
developing positive perspectives can we attain a "win-win"
situation for all. We only live once, so why not live properly?

D.Chandramouli

Cilandak,

South Jakarta