Vol 21: Having a golden attitude

Good times to you, fellow Peeker (Positivity Seeker).

Have you noticed how so many volumes of Positivity Weekly follow a beautiful theme? We don’t plan for this to happen. It just does. Almost as if the world is saying, “Let’s see… what should you learn this week?”

This week’s stories are all about attitude. It’s a reiteration of the idea that there really is no solid reality external to us. We chisel our own realities with our thoughts. And our attitude determines our thoughts.

So sit back, relax, and be prepared to feel gratitude for the positive attitudes you will now be exposed to.

News from the public domain

Iranian mother spares son’s killer

Letting go doesn’t come easy to many. And resentment is the ultimate refuge of the weak. Blaming others for one’s unhappiness, cursing them, spreading malice about them… these are kneejerk acts of people who believe that, when they have been wronged, others must suffer.

Contrast that with this Iranian mother who pardoned her son’s s killer and herself untied the noose around his neck. Of course, it wasn’t easy. Her subconscious had to intervene and imagine her son being in a better place. Even then, she had to release her hatred. So before forgiving the killer, she slapped him.  “Slap was the space between revenge and forgiveness.” What a profound thought! She is probably telling us that in order to let go, one must first express oneself fully. And it is this mother’s greatness that she required only a slap to bridge the gap between revenge and forgiveness.

A few memorable Rags-to-riches stories

In the 14^th volume of this upbeat newsletter, we showcased 13 famous Americans who once relied on food stamps to survive.

This time, we branch out and profile people who have overcome incredible odds to reach impossible heights. Here, we are not commenting on other aspects of their growth story. We are just saying that they grew. Please have a look.

Stress isn’t the killer

No, it isn’t. But if you believe in its killer properties, well… not-so-funny things happen.

In this enlightening TED talk on stress, you will also learn:

• About what I’d like to call the hug hormone called oxytocin.
• That people who help others do not succumb to stress. Empathy and reaching out apparently enhances our biochemistry.
• How you perceive stress is how stress treats you.
• And when you stay true to your own vision for life, the stress that emerges is easily handled.

There. Four solid reasons why you should watch this video. And de-stress. J.

Age is a state of mind

Remember Susan Boyle’s dramatic debut in Britain’s Got Talent? Susan was 47 when she blew Simon away with her fantastic singing. Now, get ready to watch a performance that is equally good if not better.

Paddy is a mere 80 years old and she will dance with her partner Nico like you’ve never seen anybody dance before. Paddy remembers dancing since she was just two and a half years old. She gave up her passion to marry a wonderful man and raise a family. Upon his death, she returned to dancing – perhaps to find new meaning in her life. Whether she found that meaning or not is for you to decide. I vote an overwhelming Yes.

Invoking Gandhi and King for good

In this fine essay, Daisaku Ikeda invokes the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr to make a telling point:

[The 21^st century] will be a struggle between the human impulse towards destruction and hatred and our capacity for constructive action and love.

Let’s for a moment forget the implication of this on the whole of humankind. How about accepting this idea in our own lives as individuals? That’s what the Mahatma did when ejected from the train at Pietermaritzburg that fateful night. By citing such perspectives, Ikeda reminds us through this essay that all change begins within. Fantastic writing. Do have a look.

In conclusion

That’s all for now, Peeker. Fare thee well, until next time.

To read the previous volume of Positivity Weekly, please click here.
To read the next volume of Positivity Weekly, please click here.

And as always, do write in with story ideas and personal contributions. You can reach us at positivityweekly@gmail.com