I try not to think in dualistic terms like positive/negative or good/bad. I think that creates limited, restricted thinking. It’s all about perspective. All of the experiences I’ve gone through, all of the relationships I’ve had, all of the emotional traumas, etc. have furthered my growth and spiritual journey. Yuck, that sounds so pompous! Honestly, though, I really let go of judgment and assigning my feelings into categories. I’m a psychologist and coach, and one thing I’m always working with clients on is telling them their thoughts and feelings aren’t good or bad, they just are. We cannot help what are thoughts are (cannot direct our neurotransmitters, etc.) nor can we control our feelings (yes, we can work on shifting feelings by using cbt or medications etc. but we’re animals and the feelings are biological). Therefore, judging or calling them “bad” serves no purpose but to add to the shame we all have.

I digress. For me, then, positive is kind of an illusion or misperception. So, too, is negative. Both are projections. I strive for contentment, or santosha, which is basically peace with what is in this moment. I guess that sounds positive?