Positive out brings positive in :)

When you hop on the path of Buddha, remember to check your mental baggage at the door. The Path is about letting go of things - letting go of the grasp and clinging we all do as human beings so that we don't get "hung up" on them.

I like to look at this as having a positive, optimistic attitude. (I won't lie - my optimism has, at times, put people off. I remember one acquaintance who once told me - "sometimes I just want to take of your rose-colored glasses and stomp on them!" But I still believe in it)

If you put the positive thought out there, the universe - which we are all connected to, mind you - will return that positivity. Likewise with negativity, so just get rid of it. Clear it out of your head. We've no place for it here.

I think Buddha would agree, having said:

"Mind is forerunner of action, foremost of deeds. Everything's made up of mind. If your mind is polluted, sorrow will follow, as a wagon wheel trails the hoof of an ox...If your mind is pure, happiness will ensue, the way your shadow trails along wherever you go."

It makes sense, doesn't it? If we are all one...then the positivity that we bring forth, will certainly be the same as which we receive.

Along these same notes of positivity, keep it no only in your thoughts, but in your actions:

*Act out of love, not causing suffering for any being

*Be mindful of what you say - it colors our thoughs, shapes our deeds, which influence or predispositions.

*Be rid of the lies, harsh words, slander, and frivolous speech. Stop putting people down, putting them off, or brushing them off. Stop gossiping.

*Keep in mind: what we say about others applies to us as well. :)