You do not have to lecture, or criticize, to cause a change
within a person, but you would be wise to teach him or her by
your own example. This is truly stronger than any words. Some
people refer to it as, "Walking the talk." This is because talk
is not enough.
Remember the saying, "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for
today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a
lifetime." You can always give away material, but what is more
valuable than knowledge and acquired skills?
Education is the key to building positive attitudes. It allows
us to learn Yoga, better our lives, and help others. You cannot
help people by simply throwing money at them, and you cannot buy
your way into heaven either.
Do not allow yourself to be compromised by negativity. Gently
encourage him or her to attend a church, emple, mosque, ashram,
or shrine for spiritual support. Praying, chanting, Japa, music,
and singing, lift the spirits and make us all feel better. It
does not matter which religion you are; the concept is universal.
Forgive offenses, but make it clear when there is an
infringement on your rights. You do not have to be a "human pin
cushion" in order to help another person. When you elect to help
someone, at a time of need, you deserve mutual respect, at the
very least. Never "play the fool" because this will not stop
negativity.
Negative energy loves fools and wants to make fools of all of
us. Sometimes you will have to make a firm stand and draw a line
of acceptable behavior. If you always allow yourself to be
abused by a negative person, you are feeding a "spoiled child."
Become a loyal and trusted associate by keeping your integrity
intact. When conversations turn negative, "spin them around,"
and point out the "silver lining in every dark cloud." Every
"bad situation" can be a valuable lesson, if we choose to learn
from it.
Lastly, remember the saying, "You can lead a horse to water, but
you can't make him drink." You cannot help someone who refuses
to be helped. Also, know that negative energy is like the ocean;
you can possibly save another from drowning, but you cannot
afford to drown yourself in the process. If you drown in
negative energy, all of the selfless help you could give will be
for nothing.
© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
About the author:
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a
Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a
Yoga teacher.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
