“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” – Mark Twain
This week I was reminded that wonderful things are happening around us. Our job is to keep ourselves open to witness and appreciate them when they occur. With all the negative news, and sources of news, that vie for our attention, it can be challenging to keep a positive and hopeful attitude toward life.
It is important to remember that what we focus on grows in our experience. The more we look for, and find evidence of bad news, the more disheartened we become, and the easier it is to find more to feel bad about.
The good news is that we can also choose to focus our attention on the positive things that are present in our lives. When we do, we feel our mood lift, new ideas start flowing through our mind, and we start to see more evidence of things to feel good about.
This concept of choosing where we put our focus is the basis for the practice of meditation. Meditation brings relief because we are taking our mind off of the thoughts that keep us stuck in patterns of negativity. The same is true for prayer, or reading inspired material.
These activities give us a way to consciously refocus our mind in a direction that works for us. This is also why these activities are so effective when used as a jumping off point for our day.
When we start our day with a refreshed outlook, everything else goes along more smoothly. The morning commute is more enjoyable, as well as time with family. This holds true for me when I sit down with a group of young people.
If I have taken the time, in advance, to get my mind positively focused, I find it easier to focus on the job at hand. This includes listening and appreciating my students more fully, looking for solutions rather than harping on problems, and being able to provide my students with effective strategies that they can apply in their lives outside of our groups.
The best part about keeping ourselves attuned to the positive aspects of life, is the little surprises that happen along the way. We make new friends wherever we happen to be. It might be a shared laugh, or holding a door open for someone.
Something as simple as a shared smile in passing creates a lasting impression and a more joyful life experience. These little things dramatically improve the quality of our lives as we practice maintaining a positive outlook.
This week, Laura Tollefson, an experienced and dedicated teacher at El Rincon Elementary School, shared a marvelous example of a small miracle of kindness that brightened everyone’s day. As the school was completing their APEX Fun Run, in which the students were required to run or walk laps around the track in support of health and fitness, one of Tollefson’s students was on the sidelines.
Having arrived late, Gracie Sauer was seated in her wheelchair, observing the event, and wanting to have a go at the track. Mirella Villalta, Instructional Assistant, explained to me that it was the PTA President, Summer McBride, who stepped in and made sure that Gracie would have her opportunity.
What happened next had everyone in tears. The announcer from APEX let everyone know that they had a special guest. As Gracie rounded the track in her motorized wheelchair, the rest of the students gathered around, ran beside her, and cheered her on.
What started out as a challenge had turned into an amazing experience for Gracie and everyone involved. It is events like this that keep life exciting and inspiring. These are the reasons why it is wise to practice looking for the positive in every person and situation we encounter. We never know who or what might turn into a “golden link in the chain of our good” to quote Florence Scovel Shinn.
Perhaps there are certain areas of your life that have become drab. Maybe you have lost your sense of zest and inspiration, and have been going along with the emergency brake on. Instead of breaking down, I suggest you give your mind a break. Find some quiet time to relax and breathe.
Focus on your immediate surroundings for a few quiet moments. Next look for things in your life that you can be grateful for. It will not take long for the list of positives to grow, and the list of concerns to shrink.
From that place of relief and appreciation, new ideas and new solutions will come more easily, and in the least expected ways. Do not be concerned if your mind returns to its normal habit of thought when the exercise is over. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, to find out more go to www.DarrellandEd.com. Visit www.TappingIntoGenius.com for more articles and a free, inspirational parenting download.