Optimism is an inclination to see the positive aspects of events and have a sense that a successful outcome will be achieved. I cultivate optimism by trusting in Siva’s perfect universe and using positive visualizations and affirmations. The opposite is pessimism.§
Comparing the actions of one who is optimistic to one who is pessimistic§ |
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|---|---|---|
Situation§ |
Optimism§ |
Pessimism§ |
When you and a group of friends get lost on a remote trail, you…§ |
trust in everyone’s abilities and know the right way will be discovered.§ |
worry that you will b-e lost and have to sleep in the forest.§ |
Learning you are being |
think silently, “This could lead to an even greater career in the years ahead.”§ |
get discouraged and fear you will be out of work without a salary for months.§ |
When your team’s first science lab attempt fails, you…§ |
remain positive and creatively pursue alternate avenues.§ |
become morose, reliving the many other failures of your life.§ |
Gurudeva explained: “A positive mental attitude should be held during all the ups and downs that are predicted to happen. Be as the traveler in a 747 jet, flying high over the cities, rather than a pedestrian wandering the streets below.”§
“Put a smile on the faces of other people. Gain your happiness and your positive states of mind by making other people happy. Negative people are always worried about themselves. Positive people are concerned with the happiness of others.”§
“A doctor might not tell his patient that he will die in three days when he sees the vital signs weakening. Instead, he may encourage positive thinking, give hope, knowing that life is eternal and that to invoke fear might create depression and hopelessness in the mind of the ill person.”§
ASSIGNMENT: For these two weeks, when a challenge presents itself, keep positive about succeeding and look for ways to move forward.§
Date you began this assignment ____________________§
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF OPTIMISM: 
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