No matter what I knew or what I had heard about another company, I was supposed to agree that the competition was good and explain how the company I represented was different. The customer could then decide what it was they wanted in a company.
This was one of the most important life principles I learnt, I try to adhere to this principle in my business and personal dealings, everyone has good qualities and I need to find them and embrace them, and focus on these qualities. This is by no means easy. In some ways it is a discipline, disciplining yourself not to gossip or knock someone else down.
What brings this up is a blog I read today where most of the entries were based on something stupid another person had said, thought or done and why she (the blogger) thought differently. It is not the first blog I have read that seems to have the underlying theme, other people are stupid and here is why I am not. I think they are meant to be funny, but so often there is a dark side of humor.
I have seen this happen in the Toronto Yoga community, well known yogi's selling their courses and classes put other yogi's down in order to build themselves up. None of us are immune to this.
In fact this was how I lived my life for many years, pulling down the efforts of other people in order to feel better about myself. I believe this was based on my very secret fears that I was never good enough, other people were always smarter, better looking, harder working etc.so.I would focus on their perceived faults.
Now don't get me wrong, I thing I try never to be is preachy or self righteous, I still do this on occasion, yet afterwards it leaves a sick feeling in my stomach, I feel dirty and know that I have created separation, my soul to theirs.
Have you ever gossiped about someone and then ran into that person and felt uncomfortable or even tried to avoid them ? I have.
This is separation, the energy of your words has created distance. Words have a great energy to harm to heal to uplift or tear down. Words can hurt you.
In my life I have been hurt more deeply by words than physical blows I have suffered.
A little exercise someone taught me years ago, that when done consistently helped me to counter my harsh thoughts and ultimately learn to tame my tongue.
Every time you think or say something bad about a person, counter it with one of their good qualities.
Discipline yourself and allow the power of positive words and thoughts to change your life.
Apply all the above to yourself, your negative self talk and hatred, love yourself and watch love grow around you.
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