Beyond Cynicism

Chosing to live life with a positive mental attitude is not without its challenges. What do you do when bombarded with cynicism and sarcasm? Just as you are committed to positive living, there seem to be those equally commited to negativity...there are such unfortunates and they find you for a reason!

There are a couple of observations we can offer. First is to recognize that cynicism comes from despair. The way to approach a person in despair is with compassion. When people needing compassion find you as the giver of compassion--give it away freely! The second is that just as Divine Intelligence is alive and well on the inside of you, it is also alive on the inside of your friend. Speak to that enlighted part that is at peace and you will be amazed at how readily it responds.

If the despaired tyrade continues, there are a couple of useful peacemaking phrases which we have found to work well. The first one is "I got it." The person ranting oftentimes just wants to be heard and will stop once this is acknowledged. The second one is "I'll let ya." It allows the ego that needs to be right the freedom to think that it is without furthering the conflict. Both phrases create a window through which right thinking can emerge.

Remember those in our midst suffering from cynicism are our mirrors and bless us in a way, with an opportunity to heal that part of ourselves that can succumb to despair.

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