Comments on: Positive Focus – A Follow-Up

By: Evan

Evan — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:50:05 +0000

, I think the basic problem is turning the observation that our experience happens here and now into a command – forget the past and don’t envisage the future.

The difference is that the observation can include our memory and anticipation – these too happen here and now.

I think the ‘be here now’ idea is an invitation to engage more deeply with our experience, instead of trying to ignore some of it.

I think it also shows that we should be careful how we formulate our insights – if the slogan had been “Engage” instead of ‘be here now’ much confusion could have been avoided I think. (Though I don’t think all confusion could have been avoided.)

The deeper question is what it is to be human I think. For me we are social beings – and this means historically shaped too.

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:49:30 +0000

Sometimes it is only through the replaying of past events that we can ultimately find the lessons and strength that they can teach us. I’m merely saying that I believe there is too much emphasis in the whole “positive thinking” movement on forgetting the past. As someone much wiser than me said: Those who do not learn from the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Modern culture overall has committed the serious flaw of thinking we are too “evolved” to need to learn from the past. I see individuals doing the same things – they plunge blindly ahead in their lives and can’t, for the life of them, understand why things don’t change for them.

In addition, holding those we have lost – and I have lost many family members, some under very tragic circumstances – close to us, not forgetting, but rather cherishing their memory, makes us richer people in my opinion. I think when people focus on forgetting the past they are too often in denial rather than having reached any kind of real revelation.

By: Ken Church

Ken Church — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:40:49 +0000

Angie, in the garden poem is there any room for flowers. Art for the sake of art.

By: Angie

Angie — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:03:45 +0000

I live by the “Garden Rule”. Everyone is given a garden with lots of seeds. Some are seeds which grow into food for the good of the mind, body and soul. Other seeds may be like invasive weeds, clogging up our “garden” and, left to grow wild, make more work for us. Both seed choices will grow, given attention and space. So I choose to nurture the good seeds in my life. I determine which “plants” are the weeds, tackle them early and head-on, and enjoy the fruits of my positive harvest.

By: Angie

Angie — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:02:35 +0000

Ask yourself: How can I take immediate control of my life…through my weakness or my strengths? What can I do today that can make a difference, that could help me and others to shape our lives? How can I expand, learn, grow, and share that knowledge with others in a meaningful and enjoyable way?

By: Enrique

Enrique — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:02:00 +0000

John I start with the premise that perfect is not on the menu most days and go from there. Years ago I developed a personal mission statement .I read it for a few seconds every morning and try to adhere to it each day. It is a simple task that brings focus and a basic sense of purpose to my day

By: Daniel

Daniel — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:20:17 +0000

The Shakespear play is “Measure by Measure”, Act 1.

By: Ken Church

Ken Church — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:57:49 +0000

A quote from Shakespear, I wish I could remember which play. Any one know?

“Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt”

By: Christopher Jennings

Christopher Jennings — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 11:36:13 +0000

WOW! Thank you so much for this wonderful post. I’ve been surrounded with negative environments from my very childhood days. You just lifted me up to a whole new level. Thanks! Really… thanks!

By: Margarita Rodriguez

Margarita Rodriguez — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:38:35 +0000

It is the truth, and we need to remember everyday that it is our choice to be positive or not. And practice it until is like you said part of your daily routine!
Keep sharing your wisdom!