Recently I was reading an on line post from Dr. Travis Bradbury, one of the developers of Emotional Intelligence. Dr. Bradbury describe three techniques to remain positive, even in the face of circumstances or conditions that would otherwise have a negative impact on our lives. His remarks reminded me of our Unity teaching that we co-create the reality we live in by the power of the thoughts we hold and the actions we take.

        Dr. Bradbury writes "the real obstacle to positivity is that our brains (appear) hard wired to look for and respond to threats" This is a survival mechanism that served mankind for thousands of years. We know the world is a dangerous place fill with threats as we only have to look around and see it every day. Yet, this constant focus on the negative external effects of our environment has a negative impact on our health and on our daily performance in our jobs and home life. 

         It may not be easy (if it was easy everyone would already be doing it) but we can retrain our mind to focus on the positive aspects of our everyday lives. Unity has been teaching  this for over 125 years and it is nice to see the social sciences finally verifying what we already know. Dr. Bradbury suggests three simple techniques that can help us stay positive.

1. Separate fact from fiction. So often we project into our present encounters and experiences memories from our past. Like the Course in Miracles says"I am never upset for the reason I think I am." Or we place totalizing language on situation. If you find yourself saying always and never stop and think about this and ask the simple question Byron Katie asks "is this true." Separate out the facts from the opinions, projections, and perceptions. Simply put identify the negative self talk.

2. Look for the positive. At Unity we teach that good is always available. When we shift our attention away from the negative experience we can ask where is the good to be found. I like to ask how is this experience for me. That simple shift to this experience is for my good shifts my attention and allows me to see the good that is always there.

3. Cultivate and attitude of gratitude. Gratitude helps us stay focused on the positive and turns our attention away from the negative. 

Life has challenges and the attitude we carry into these challenges will, to a large degree, determine whether the experience can be transformative or hold me in a consciousness of bondage.