There was this bird that whenever he caught his reflection in the window he would get angry and repeatedly bang his beak against the glass in an attempt to attack his very own reflection. When the bird would try to fly away and carry out his morning routine you could see his frustration turn to rage and soon he would be back “beating himself up again.” How many of us have been there or know people who do the very same thing. We rerun circumstances in our minds as we mentally script arguments. Then we marinate in negative energy and point elsewhere to place the blame. The majority of us are constantly complaining and criticizing others, looking at the dark side of every situation.

I knew a woman that notoriously gave too much energy toward situations in her everyday life to the point they would consume her. At first she would allow her thoughts to fester as the dark energy percolated in her mind, and like in the cartoons you could almost see the steam shoot out of her ears. Reminiscent of a spider, she would get others caught up in her web of gossip. By the end of the day her story would take on a life of it’s on and she would actually believe her lies were the truth. Not only did this destroy her mentally and physically, everyone involved was damaged to some degree. Both negative and positive energy have a domino effect on the earth and everyone in it. At one time or another we all meet up with unsavory characters and it is not always our lesson, we may be there for their growth. However, we can learn from every situation. It is very powerful if you can thank their soul for showing up on your stage as the example in your next phase of development.

What Jesus meant by turning the other cheek was not to hold onto those energy patterns. He did not mean we should become doormats or allow others to take advantage or abuse us. Spirit does not encourage weakness. You must respect yourself. Unconsciously, we teach others how to treat us. See beyond the physical faces and imagine the Christ in each person you encounter. If this is too difficult then picture a loved ones image or even your beloved pet in place of the individual in front of you. Take this as a challenge unto yourself. Keep your intentions in check and remember forgiveness is for the giver.

Let go of what you think you know and expect the best in everyone. I know, it is a tough one and it may not completely resolve your issue, yet it always works to some degree. There is alchemy in this, if the person or situation does not rise in consciousness then eventually they or it will disappear from your life. Think of your formative years and the indelible effect it had when someone praised or criticized you. When you were commended you wanted to do even better. When you were disparaged you most likely went into a funk. People will react to the energy you bring forth and either live up or down to your expectations. Learn to let go and move on. Anger, jealousy, gossip, holding grudges, all of these negative energies has the potential to progress into disease. Personally, I believe your body is your mind in action. You cannot change anyone other than yourself, but you can change your expectations or better yet, do not have any in the first place; this way you will never be disappointed. Mahatma Gandhi said, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” Practice this way of thinking and after some time you will notice a positive shift in your life and less drama. Doors will open more easily and you will soon be surrounded by conscious souls. I am not saying your life will be without obstacles, but don’t fuel them by concentrating on your failures. In many cases it is true what you focus on, you draw to you. So direct your energy to your accomplishments no matter how insignificant and before you know it you will find yourself grooving along a pattern of success, and each time you do this it becomes easier and easier to succeed. I continually remind myself this scenario is a constant that runs through the very fabric of our life. Success is only God’s will for everyone.

I know this is not always easy to do, but only give your opinion when asked. If you must say something be sure the relationship is one you feel worthy of investing your energy in and risking the wrath of the recipient if your criticism is not accepted as you intended. Personally, under the right circumstances, I believe this is an act of love. For example, there are times when a parent’s role places them in this very scenario; especially if they have teenagers.

At all times use the sandwich approach when criticizing, here is how it goes: start with a compliment, give your critique, end with a compliment. Do take a moment to consider the persons intentions and LISTEN, give them the benefit of the doubt, more often than not your assumptions were wrong. The Ego is a fan of the ME religion. Like the bird, if only we would take a minute and look deeper at the reflection we would realize it is us staring back. God is a lover, not a fighter, and when you walk with Spirit you will never go wrong. Find time to introspect but do not be like the bird and beat yourself up. Daily commune with our Creator, count your blessings, and live in gratitude. Make these suggestions a habit and your life will never be ordinary. If you relate this message to others tell them a little birdie told you so.