How many times have you heard a guru, teacher, or psychologist encourage gratitude for healing? I will admit guilt in this area myself, since I encourage the practice with my coaching clients. It came into my awareness that there may be a dark side to the gratitude practice. Researchers are about to release a study that concludes the harmful effects of false positivity. It’s not that I am backing away from the benefit of gratitude the week after Thanksgiving (tee hee). I am simply looking at the opposite world in which we are living our lives.
Some have recently expressed that they are exhausted by the pressure to be positive. Others have started to push the anti-gratitude journal. Researchers are about to release a study that concludes the harmful effects of false positivity. Even saying thank you or I’m sorry could put you in a weak position. Having gratitude could place you on the submissive end of a relationship power struggle.
One aspect of the focus on gratitude is that it might discourage facing real problems. Bypassing the truth of a situation means you’re unwilling to look at something negative. The result is a perpetual cycle of unsolved problems and suppressed emotions. Such energy can hold failure and disappointment in the form of pain in the body. As I raise these questions, I get the clear message it’s time for whisper. Let’s tune in together to see what we get from the subtle domains where spirit speaks and we listen:
For seekers who want to learn from the living light, personal growth is the mission. Staying true to yourself is the task. It takes great self-awareness to comprehend balance and when it may be lost. A fine line exists in the area of gratitude. Gratitude can give rise to vibrational frequencies that hold light. Wellness can be enhanced with acknowledgment of the positive aspects of life.
The healthy line is crossed when forcing positivity in a response that doesn’t match the current conditions. False positivity can be the product of social pressure that leads to denial of emotions. It can be a way of dismissing feelings or the truth found in an emotional experience. A positive spin to an adverse situation might not lead to resolution. Using false positivity to find acceptance will often serve to maintain the conflict.
Acceptance of negative emotions around a core problem can develop emotional resilience. Beneficial change occurs when facing a problem and acknowledging your true feelings. If something brings negativity, it’s okay to be real and speak openly to a select individual. Sharing is caring and an opportunity for empathy to be expressed in support.
Not every situation will be joyous. Validation of your feelings can help process and make sense of a negative experience. Healing occurs when you’re able to express lower emotions. Be discerning about sharing with others, as they may not have the emotion maturity you seek. Talking through an issue can give the answers you need. False positivity is often hidden between the lines of those trying to give encouragement. Learn to recognize the signs in order to develop strategies in response to difficult situations. Your happiness is realized in a state of authenticity.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“Healthy positivity means making space for both reality and hope. Toxic positivity denies an emotion and forces us to suppress it. When we use toxic positivity, we are telling ourselves and others that this emotion shouldn’t exist, it’s wrong, and if we try just a little bit harder, we can eliminate it entirely.”
Whitney Goodman
Is this card for you?
This card carries a heartfelt message just for you, dear empath. Embracing your sensitivity is not merely an acceptance of your fate; it is the key to unlocking the incredible gifts you possess. Feeling the emotions of others can sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth, leaving you puzzled about the source of their pain.
However, at the IEL Institute for the Spiritual Arts, we are passionately committed to guiding compassionate souls like you on this journey. As a valued monthly member, you’ll gain access to invaluable tools and resources that will empower you to stabilize your energy amidst the chaos of uncertainty.
Remember, acceptance is the gentle balm for all internal conflicts, and by stepping into your power, you can intuitively connect with the energy of love that surrounds you. So, let us walk this beautiful path together, nurturing your innate gifts and fostering personal growth. Join our vibrant IEL Institute community today, and let’s illuminate the world with your compassion!
