Spreading Good Vibes

Yes, I know, it’s outdated – in terms of phrases – but the concept will never go out of style.

Spreading good vibes is the deliberate intention to be nice to everyone you come in contact with. To somehow lighten their load or brighten their day.  Whether that’s a smile for the person behind you in line, the waitress who asks you for the 7th time if everything’s okay or the person who really needs cheering up.

It’s about being kind to all creatures in your path.  Sometimes you must open your heart when you’d rather close it.  If your kids are driving you crazy and the person in front of you has yet another problem, this is the time to remember that your good vibes can have an effect on everyone around you.

Spreading good vibes includes answering the question, “How are you?” with a positive response.  I’m great!  Or at least I’m doing well.  Be conscious of what you’re putting out there.  Are your grumbling and complaining?

I was talking to a friend today about how negativity and fear spread quickly.  It’s important to not be the carrier of those bad vibes.  Instead, do what you can to improve them for everyone. If possible, see if you can leave others feeling even better than before.

It takes a little more effort to spread the good stuff, but it’s well worth it.  Being known as someone who makes others feel good is a pretty groovy thing!

Seeing the Gifts

“Whoever you meet has been sent by God.  How would you greet them?”  — Alan Cohen

Alan Cohen never ceases to amaze me.  This is a fabulous idea: to see everyone you meet as a gift.  Sometimes, when it’s a little more difficult to see a person that way, we say they are our “Zen Master.”  It’s such a great way to look at others.  Everyone who comes into your life has something to offer you.  To teach you, to show you, to uplift you, to get you to see things in a new way.

It’s not a selfish thing to look at it that way because you are also a gift to others.  You were sent to them by God, as well.  So, no matter what happens in your exchange, it was for the good of both of you.

So, how would we greet them if we were aware that they were in our lives for a reason?  Perhaps we would be more open to who they are and what they bring.  Maybe we’d be  a little kinder, more accepting.  Would we maybe even welcome them with open arms and a wide heart?

I think I’d like to sharpen my awareness of others – what they’re projecting, how they are appearing.  Also, what they’re saying (and what they’re not saying).  I think one could not have a better avocation than to be a people watcher.

Perhaps I will be a little more patient with the prattling of others.  I will try to remember that even if it appears to be out of my realm, in fact, there is a gift for me.  This will help me to tune in more carefully, listen more deeply.

You know, this practice is likely to make me a more loving person.  That Alan Cohen surely is a wise one!