Look for Good Intentions

It can be difficult to recognize the goodwill in others. We’re busy and distracted and stressed. Positive aims are often buried beneath negative behaviors. The brain’s innate negativity bias is continually scanning for bad news, bad intentions. The brain also reacts to novelty, so it tends to ignore the many positive intentions that pervade most of daily life while spotlighting the occasional negative ones. So you have to look for good intentions actively. Then you’ll find them all around you—a window into the deep goodness of every being, no matter how obscure.

Take a minute to recognize the many good intentions/aims/purposes/desires—that you have on a typical day. Good intentions don’t need to be saintly. Most good intentions will be small. But they still matter.

Try it yourself: When you are talking with a friend/spouse/family member be aware of their positive intentions. How does it feel to see them? Try this routinely with people you care about. I find that doing this helps me understand others better, plus it opens my heart. As appropriate, tell the other person what you’ve learned; hearing a recognition of one’s good intentions can be a powerful experience.

What I have learned from this article

• Negativity makes us register negative stimuli more readily and dwell on these events.
• By recognizing positive intentions, we feel safer, supported, and happier.
• Seeing good intentions amidst bad behaviors can help you feel less affected by other people (less stressed, irritated, or worried).

Read the full article here.

#good #intentions #positivity