Give It Away!

What to do with all that negative emotion...

hese are very simple ways to bring positive energy into your daily life. Just because they are simple does not mean they are not effective. sometimes the most effective means to health are the most simple.

• While walking, notice what is happening in nature around you. Be mindful of the little things that are taking place. How does the sun or lack of sun feel? Notice the shadows. Be aware of the plants. Are the leaves moving? What season are the trees reflecting? What animals do you see or hear? How does the air feel against your skin?

• When someone gives you a compliment, what do you do? Do you receive it? Do you deny it? Do you ignore it? Do you disbelieve it? How do you take it in?

• Find a time to connect to your source once a day. This may be through being in nature. It may be sitting at your mesa or altar. This is about creating a place for renewal.

• Tell a truth. Make a commitment to tell a new truth once a day. You may start small. Notice that with the telling of each truth you gain a little more energy.

• Give away an emotion. We are meant to give with our emotions. When we do this, our entire choreography of energy improves. The emotion can be a positive one.

• Honor your body. Give it something it needs, not just what you want. It may need a nap, or it may need to be outside.

• Design an activity that involves a stretch, one that encourages you to challenge a self-concept. It could be something you have always said you were not good at or could not do.

• Bring out that old dream you used to have, the one you gave up on. Bring it out. Start dreaming on it again. Who says you can’t do it now? Maybe it will look different, but the essence of it can often live.

• Start dreaming about how you can bring more passion back into your life. How can you start taking more risks?

• What is an old pattern you have grown to hate — one that when you see it in someone else you have to commit? Accept that in some way that pattern lives within you. What new pattern would you like to replace it with? Start designing a plan.

• During the day, ask yourself this question: Is this activity giving or taking energy from me? Just keep asking and listening. Your responses will guide you.

Thanks to Rising Elk at www.align.org for these words.