You do not have to lecture, or criticize, to cause a change within a person, but you would be wise to teach him or her by your own example. This is truly stronger than any words. Some people refer to it as, “Walking the talk.” This is because talk is not enough.

Remember the saying, “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime.” You can always give away material, but what is more valuable than knowledge and acquired skills?

Education is the key to building positive attitudes. It allows us to learn Yoga, better our lives, and help others. You cannot help people by simply throwing money at them, and you cannot buy your way into heaven either.

Do not allow yourself to be compromised by negativity. Gently encourage him or her to attend a church, temple, mosque, ashram, or shrine for spiritual support. Praying, chanting, Japa, music, and singing, lift the spirits and make us all feel better. It does not matter which religion you are; the concept is universal.

Forgive offenses, but make it clear when there is an infringement on your rights. You do not have to be a “human pin cushion” in order to help another person. When you elect to help someone, at a time of need, you deserve mutual respect, at the very least. Never “play the fool” because this will not stop negativity.

Negative energy loves fools and wants to make fools of all of us. Sometimes you will have to make a firm stand and draw a line of acceptable behavior. If you always allow yourself to be abused by a negative person, you are feeding a “spoiled child.”

Become a loyal and trusted associate by keeping your integrity intact. When conversations turn negative, “spin them around,” and point out the “silver lining in every dark cloud.” Every “bad situation” can be a valuable lesson, if we choose to learn from it.

Lastly, remember the saying, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” You cannot help someone who refuses to be helped. Also, know that negative energy is like the ocean; you can possibly save another from drowning, but you cannot afford to drown yourself in the process. If you drown in negative energy, all of the selfless help you could give will be for nothing.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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