Have you noticed that negativity is a major problem in our culture? In the media, political discourse, the workplace, and our social gatherings, negativity has become normal and generally goes unchecked. The normalcy of negativity invites us to join in and contribute to this dysfunctional and harmful activity. Human beings cannot flourish in a culture of chronic negativity.
We can think of every situation in life as being either positive or negative. The choice we have to each of these situations is the energy we bring to them.
- To every positive situation we can bring positive or negative energy.
At a child’s birthday party, someone can complain about the frosting on the cake.
- To every negative situation we can bring positive or negative energy.
Nelson Mandela brought positive energy to apartheid South Africa.
A particular form that negativity takes is what we at Top 20 refer to as a social Tornado: a powerful negative energy that pulls people into unhealthy and dangerous experiences. The next few Wellness Wednesdays will focus on Tornadoes, how they develop, and what we can do to minimize their destructive impact.
Like a weather tornado, social tornadoes damage anyone in their path.
Tornadoes often occur when we attempt to bond in misery by influencing others to dishonor someone or talk about how bad things are. When we or others chronically spew negativity, we are toxic to colleagues, friends, and family members. Note that this is different than discussing a negative situation intending to problem solve while having everyone’s best interest in mind.
“You are responsible for the energy you bring into a space.” – Jill Bolte Taylor
Pay attention this week to the positive or negative energy others bring into your space and the positive or negative energy you bring into the space of others.
From our Top 20 team…Kevin Brennan, Willow Sweeney, and Tom Cody.
Paul Bernabei
Director
Top 20 Training
paul@top20training.com
