Flex the spirit, free the mind
In our society, positive individuals with a “can do” attitude are a precious minority. The majority tends to gripe about everything — from politics, the economy and money to food, travel, weather, traffic, religion, roads, school and sports. It seems that
Let every man mind his own business.
Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) in Don Quixote de la Mancha
Is the glass half full or half empty? It depends on who’s looking. The optimist would see the bright side while the pessimist would gripe about everything. In a blackout situation, one would light a candle or switch on a flashlight. The other would curse the darkness and wallow in discomfort.
Scientific studies reveal that people who laugh at themselves and who love life are a lot healthier than crabs who sulk and complain.
Happy people live longer and have a better quality of life than the brooders and misers.
The immune system of the optimist is stronger and healthier. Angst and stress make the worrywart vulnerable to illness.
In our society, positive individuals with a “can do” attitude are a precious minority. The majority tends to gripe about everything — from politics, the economy and money to food, travel, weather, traffic, religion, roads, school and sports. It seems that the negatives outweigh the positives.
Perhaps there is truth in the observation that ours is a “damaged culture.” This takes generations to correct. There is a common character flaw in people who delight in tearing down other people. The roots of this flaw are envy and lack of self-esteem. Those who consider themselves “superior” actually feel inferior. The tough stance is a façade.
The crab mentality is so pervasive. It is in the air we breathe, day in and day out. We see it everywhere — in coffee shop circles, in news columns, in public affairs shows, at the marketplace, at wakes, and in the halls of power.
Someone always has something nasty to say about someone else. The nastier, the juicier, the better. Sharp pointed blades stabbed at the back.
In the corporate world, intrigue and rumor are the weapons of the ambitious and reptilian climber. To attack potential and real rivals and colleagues. People resort to under-handed tricks to secure their place in the hierarchy of power.
In the social scene, the felines with sharp tongues embellish and spread gossip or innuendo to put down others and to make themselves look good. Behind the smiles and air kisses are the hidden claws and fangs. The crabs intermingle with or are disguised as butterflies.
The battle is bloody in the political arena. Everyone seems to know better than the leader. There are the “know all” armchair generals who direct wars from a safe distance.
There are critics who make statements calculated to provoke headlines. Instead of pitching in and helping out, many characters prefer to look and dig for what is wrong or imperfect.
Supercilious people — who think that they are better than the rest — are found in civic organizations and social clubs. They like to shine at the expense of others. When they do not get their way, they break away to establish yet another association (even if it only has a few members). This is seen in other countries wherein there are 20-plus associations in one state or city.
It is easy to criticize the system and to pinpoint the mistakes and foibles of someone else. (Especially when one is not in the hot seat.) One can say, “I know better. I can do better.” Intellectual arrogance makes that person feel superior. Myopia, pride and self-importance are afflictions that are difficult to cure. (It would take an entire generation of value formation and discipline to see the positive change.)
We live in an imperfect world inhabited by imperfect people. We all have flaws, liabilities and excess baggage. We also have good qualities, virtues and assets.
We should look inside, capitalize on the good and work to improve ourselves. Instead of carping and griping and tearing down what others are trying to build.
To survive the challenging times, one should alter and adjust his attitude, adapt to rapid changes and move forward. One should release negativity from the consciousness and unload feelings of envy and superiority.
One should focus on self-improvement and think of the greater good.
Flex the spirit and free the mind. Everything else will follow.