Mar. 9, 2021 - I teach yoga and meditation classes at UVM, and at the end of class I have people come up to me to tell me their names. With masks, I have an impossible time recognizing people, and having them tell me their names has the added bonus of having a short conversation. Yesterday, three different students wanted me to know that they had gone swimming in the lake because I said how awesome it was. They all said how much they loved it and how they will do it again - I was so amped!

I also got an email yesterday from someone I hadn’t heard from in quite a few years, and she told me that she has been watching my videos and really appreciated them, and they been really helpful for her. Right on. THEN, I was in line getting my twice-weekly COVID test at UVM, and a person who was directly people to get tested said, “Hey, are you John?” I said I was, and she said she has been watching my videos and they have meant a lot to her, and she thanked me for doing them.

These various things yesterday reminded me of how what you put on in the world effects people, and you have no idea where or when. With the swimming, I had talked about it in class, but didn’t really think people would try it out themselves. And with the videos, I keep posting them but I really have little idea if people are watching them and what they think.

And, that’s the thing. We put out these words and ideas and we really don’t know if people are listening and how it will impact people. What I realize, though, is that if you are putting out a positive message and positive words, if people are impacted it will most likely be for the positive. On the other hand, if you are putting out negativity, most likely it there is an impact it will be negative.

Taking this into the yoga practice, we tell ourselves things all the time — all day and night. And, so, if we are saying nice things to ourselves, it will ultimately make us happier. But, you know, the opposite is true. You don’t necessarily know when. Just like from my experience, it might be a day and you recognize your thoughts changed you, or it might be a long time. But, it makes sense that it does matter what you say to yourself, and will effect your outlook on the world.

With that, right now, come up a positive affirmation for yourself that you need to hear today. It’s helpful it is short and easy to remember. It’s your thing, so it can be whatever, but make sure it’s 100% positive. Then, like a gentle waterfall in the background, let the affirmation run in your mind throughout the day, knowing that if anything, sooner or later, it will take you to a more positive place.