Positive energy is infectious
Mark Pavilons

We all know there's an overabundance of negative energy in the universe. Heck, most of it comes from the socio-economic winds that blow through most of the civilized world. Okay, a few politicians and civil unrest help add to this seemingly endless toxic brew.

Too bad it can't be harnessed, like human fat, to create an endless supply of bio fuel! (Yes it's true about using liposuctioned fat to create bio-diesel.)

Some parents out there will recall the movie Monsters Inc., in which children's screams and then laughter were used to power an entire world. Great idea to be sure.

Part of being human is being grumpy, or falling victim to negativity. Just as it's much easier to frown than smile, it's easier to be mean, self-centred, depressed, crabby, grouchy, surly and cantankerous.

Just look around. And yes, I've been guilty of many of those characteristics mentioned above.

My wife has pointed out for years that given the choice between being irritable and joyful, isn't it much easier to choose the latter? While it takes more effort, wouldn't the world be a better place if we all just tried a little harder to exude glee and merriment? She is right, of course. She also astutely observed that positive energy feeds on positive energy and the resulting domino effect would be not only contagious but wonderfully unstoppable. She's right again.

The choice is obvious. We all know this to be true, yet how many of us practise cheerfulness day in and day out? How many of us curl up the ends of our mouths and walk around elated each and every day?

There are some - I've seen them. Maybe you have, too. They are unmistakable and they definitely stand out in a crowd. Sure, we find them loud, obnoxious and somewhat annoying, but isn't that just like us pessimistic humans? We greet blissfulness with fear and apprehension. There must be something wrong with those happy-go-lucky sorts!

Of course, they've got it all figured out, and we have yet to catch on to yet another big secret of human existence - positive energy.

Again, we all know there's little to be gained by criticizing and standing at the sidelines pointing fingers and making rude gestures. It's action - mostly positive action - that creates results.

It takes more than a positive attitude to affect change, but it's a vital ingredient in the mix. In order to bring about peace, anti-war rallies accomplish nothing. But pro-peace action is just the ticket. If we want to reduce poverty, we need to roll up our sleeves, get down to the street level and start building infrastructure and putting the system in place in real terms. If we want to reduce medical wait times, we need more specialists and more gizmos to get the job done.

It's the classic Little Engine that Could and the "I think I can" attitude.

Authors have been writing about the power of positive thinking for decades. And most self-help programs include an image enhancement segment, or a way to change our thinking.

Some believe that positive vibes or karma actually send out very real energy pulses into the universe (or at least our own surroundings). These energy beams, for lack of a better description, make their way through our households, friends, neighbours and coworkers, zapping them with positively charged particles. This, proponents contend, can alter the fabric of how the universe unfolds and enhances our lives and futures.

Now, I don't know if projecting strong positive images will result in lottery winnings, a new luxury car in the driveway or a better job, but the basic concept has merit.

How many of us have trouble getting out of bed in the morning? When we place our feet on the floor next to our bed, wouldn't it be better to do so with a smile and new-found hope that today will be a good day? If we tell ourselves, as we brush our teeth, that we are strong, talented and beautiful people, will it rub off, and set the stage for a great day?

Again, colorful Post-It notes around the bathroom mirror, or happy face stickers in our lunches may not solve world hunger or cure poverty. A few deep breaths each morning during our personal pep talks won't stop conflict in the Middle East.

But you know, it just might bring a smile to your face. And that, in turn, may make other people smile.

As with anything in life, we can curl up in a ball and refuse to go outside. Or we can bring a little glee to our lives and not only make the best of things, but try to make them better.

The universe may not care about how we feel or what brings us down. It will continue just as surely as the sun will rise long after we're gone.

But if it had a choice, I'm sure the universe (and other people we encounter) would prefer some feel-good vibes.

Try it. The universe will thank you!