Hello Everyone
There is a
scientifically proven ratio of positive emotions to negative emotions that can
determine if we are flourishing or languishing! The work of Friedrickson in her
book Positivity explains how and why.
Positive emotions created
by things like good news, praise, happy events and affirming comments whereas
negative emotions are caused by things as gossip, anxiety, bad news and stress.
When we
experience positive emotions in a 3-to-1 ratio to negative emotions people
achieve what they once could only dream about. Tapping into our own unique
sources of positivity is not new-age hokey pokey but rather it is a wise and
healthy investment in the future.
The
scientific evidence that Fredirickson applies confirms that a positive state of
mind can enhance our relationships, improve our health, relieve depression, and
broaden our minds. Positivity is far more specific than happiness. It includes anything that makes a person feel good or
better such as love, appreciation, amusement, joy, hope, gratitude. Positivity can be seen in softened faces, generous
hearts, relaxed limbs, broadened minds, a sense of humour and a possibility for
the future.
It is profound
to think that adopting a positive attitude and mindful attention to those
things that increase our sense of well-being can really move us from
languishing to flourishing.
Fredrickson
even uses the metaphor of a sailing ship where they found the mast to keel ratio
was 3:1. We need some negativity to be
grounded in reality but we can all flourish if our attention is on developing a
greater level of positivity.
For many
people negativity is just a habit. However
when people meditate daily on opening their minds and heart to all that is good
around them, then they can tip the balance and experience a greater level of
positivity. An experience that most
people do want but are unable to obtain.
If you would like to
check out your own ratio go to Dr Fredrickson’s site http://www.positivityratio.com/ and
start some of her exercises.
Live! Laugh! Love! Be Positive!
