“We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them.” – William Arthur Ward
Although it is a difficult time to imagine now, there was a time before radio, television, and the internet.
At that time the spread of traumatic news of the most recent flood, earthquake, and huge disaster were not readily heard. The spread of traumatic events often seemed far removed, and you usually were not exposed to the images that we are bombarded with today of the dramatic results of disasters.
Now we are constantly bombarded all day long with C.N.N – Constantly Negative News. As we buy into this negativity and share the drama and trauma we hear, this can literally create brain damage.
It seems harmless to chime in on the complaining and to spread the latest fervor in the news. Yet by continually exposing ourselves to the negative, the upsets and tragedies we can unconsciously be igniting the fight-flight-freeze syndrome.
When this happens the hippocampus may shrink, which is the memory center of the brain, it may reduce serotonin which helps to create peace, lowers BDNF (brain derived neurotropic factor), which acts like Miracle-Grow for your brain cells, shrinks the prefrontal cortex, the Mayor of our brain, which is one of the areas in which resilience lies.
So when those around you are complaining, criticizing, and spreading juicy gossip it is best to not participate, and better yet politely excuse yourselfand leave altogether.
It’s impossible to do this every time so if this is starting to create anxiety, and you cannot leave, imagine a bubble surrounding you to keep the negativity at bay.
Imagine a translucent, lavender coloured bubble just above your head and let it open and descend over your entire body, not touching it, but an inch away from your body. You may hear complaints and negativity but imagine this bubble keeps those words from entering into your mind, body, and soul.
This is a way of setting a safe boundary as well. With this bubble in place you may feel a sense of confidence that allows you to speak up to change the topic, express an opposite opinion, or just simply excuse yourself and leave.
It’s important to keep the drama, trauma, and gossip at bay and protect yourself from this enticing negativity.
Surround yourself with people who share your commitment to the positive, the hope filled, and the compassionate.
Until next time keep your dreams alive, your hopes high, and your outlooks positive and be “breath taking” whenever tension or anxiety increases.
All the B.E.S.T. and many blessings,
Sharon
