Dark Energy and Life’s Other Challenges by John Cali and Spirit

NGC_3021_HubbleDark Energy
Image by NASA

A few days ago I spent several long hours in the hospital. Not because there was anything wrong with me. I just had go for a yearly eye exam, and my doctor’s office is in a hospital.

I had to wait for the results of the various eye tests they did. (Everything was fine.) While I was waiting I could not help but overhear the other folks also waiting there. Virtually all of them were talking about everything that’s “wrong” with their bodies.

On top of that, the television in the waiting room was blaring out the usual negative news the mainstream media love to broadcast.

I haven’t had a television in over 25 years, and pay scant attention to the daily deluge of news, most of it “bad” news. I could not help hearing the blaring television set in the waiting room. Though I did my best to ignore it.

This is not a topic I often discuss in this blog—but one news item I did not ignore was the recent execution of a convicted murderer in Ohio. Apparently his death was a gruesome affair.

Some of the folks in the waiting room were cheering the news of the execution, particularly that it supposedly took the man 25 minutes to die. There was nothing quick or painless about it. One man in the waiting room said, “He deserved every agonizing second of his slow death—after all, look at the agony he inflicted on the family of the person he murdered.”

I could not help but ask myself, given the comments of the man in the waiting room, “What have we as a humanity gained over the centuries from all this? We’re still stuck in the ancient and brutal mentality of Hammurabi’s code—’An eye for an eye….’”

We’ve gained nothing—except more of the same.

Anyway, that was a long-winded way of getting to my point here today.

After a couple hours in the hospital I started feeling tense and drained. I used my usual technique of deep breathing. It helped some, but not a lot. I had a pounding headache, something I had not had in many years.

Since I’m normally upbeat, positive, and happy all this threw me for the proverbial loop. When I got home that night, after a long drive over a wintry mountain range, I realized what happened.

I’d spent over half a day in a highly charged, mostly negative environment. I know we all experience negativity occasionally—it’s part of the life we’ve chosen in this world. But if we’re on a spiritual path, as all of here today are, should we not be able to deal with negative energy without allowing it to bring us down, as I did that day?

So what could I have done differently? Here’s Spirit.

Spirit

Where you put your attention is where you are. In John’s case, he was putting his attention, his focus on what he perceived were negative energies. We realize it can be challenging to take your focus off your immediate environment. But it can be done.

One of John’s favorite quotations is from Lao-tzu:
In order to eliminate the negative influences, simply ignore them.”

That sounds simple, too simple for many of you. But life can be much simpler than many humans make it out to be. It’s just that you’ve been trained to believe if something is simple and easy, it’s not valuable. Only if something requires “hard work” or struggle do you see it as valuable.

John said he did some deep breathing while in the hospital waiting room. But he did it for a short time only. If he’d done it a bit longer he would have begun to extract himself from what he considered negative energies.

By focusing on anyone or anything, you are matching your vibration to that person or thing. When you match your vibration to someone or something outside yourself in a lower vibration, you are inevitably going to feel that (lower) vibration.

But you have it within your power, even in the physical presence of someone or something negative, to remain completely apart from them.

You’ve all had experiences when something literally right there in front of your physical eyes was not visible to you. The reason it was not visible was you were not a vibrational match to it. Your focus, your attention were elsewhere. Therefore, you were oblivious to what was obvious to another observer.

In the hospital waiting room, if John had made a bit more effort to focus on something that made him feel good, he would not even have felt the negative energies—let alone get dragged down by them.

Again, it really is simple—take your attention from something and it ceases to exist for you. It will take practice if you’re not used to doing this. But it is entirely within your considerable power to put your focus only on what you want to experience. And then you will experience only that.

Another of John’s favorite quotations, this one from the legendary writer Richard Bach, is:
Your only obligation in this lifetime is to be true to yourself.”

That means, among other things, you have no obligation to buy into, or even pay any attention to, other people’s negativity. Stay in your own centered place of peace and power. Be true to yourself.

Then all is well.

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Here’s Mooji, one of my favorite spiritual teachers, explaining the world’s negativity and destructive behavior.

Related links:
Negative Energy
Protecting Yourself from Negative Energies
Are You Taking On Other People’s Stuff?

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How do you handle negative news and negative people? Please share your thoughts and comments with us.

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What other subjects would you like us to talk about in these posts? Please email me.

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About John Cali

John Cali is a writer, blogger, and channel for a group of spirit guides. His next book is Conversations With Spirit: Real Answers to Life’s Pesky Questions, Book 1. John lives in northwestern Wyoming. Sign up for his newsletter here.

25 Responses

  1. Susan

    I have a real quick trick for this — I simply put my two hands together and pay attention to my own energy flowing within! Just giving myself a little booster shot…

    Love and blessings,
    Susan

    • John Cali

      Thanks very much, Susan. I love your quick trick — I’ll remember that next time I’m in a similar situation.

      Love, John

  2. George Ball

    Yes, except that we may also value the opportunity to witness negativity along with, hopefully, a greater extent of the positive with our own attitude and breathing contributing to our high spirits. I am reminded of the guy who found himself in a place where everything was OK. One day he asked someone, “When does anything change around here?” The answer was, “Nothing ever changes around here.” So he replied, “If nothing ever changes around here, this could be like Hell.” The answer: “Well where do you think you are?”

    • John Cali

      I agree, George — as Abraham often says, we came to this lifetime to experience diversity, among other things.

      I love that story! Thanks for sharing it.

  3. Margaret Unger

    As soon as I catch the negativity in myself, I say,”Oh Look! I’m creating, being, the experience of say: angry, or narrowness, or negative in outlook, etc. How cool is that!?! This is something I can’t experience when I am on the other side. Yahoo! I created this!” That then dispels the energies completely. When I observe or hear of negative actions on the part of others and catch myself in judgment, I say the same kind thing to myself: “Look! Those authentic aspects of Oneness are creating the experiences they came here to experience for their very private, personal path of growth” I also remind myself that just because they are creating that for themselves does not mean I am then obliged to create the same for myself. (Oldest child syndrome)

    • John Cali

      Thank you, Margaret. I think you’re very wise to take the approach you describe. I could have used some of your wisdom that day I visited the hospital. 🙂

  4. Mikala

    How do you handle negative news and negative people?

    I don’t. Over the last year I have had some epiphanies about what I used to call negativity. I find I must absolutely focus on “non-judgement” and “allowing” if I wish to stay “true” to myself. Each person rightfully follows their own path with their own goals. If I do not judge their way and I lovingly allow them their opinions and thoughts, I am not affected by them. I simply acknowledge that my path and thoughts are right for me. I do feel compassion for those in fear and anger, pain and so forth. It is a path that I choose to avoid, so I work on me. Unless requested, I do not interfere with the choices of another, nor do I judge them. Therefore, I do not join in the energy. If you “fight” it, you just joined.

    I hope this is clear.
    Blessings to you all.
    Mikala

    • John Cali

      Thank you, Mikala. I really like your perspective. As I said in my reply to another comment, I could have used some of that perspective last week.

  5. Sarah D

    Thanks for another great post, John. I found the post really fascinating. I am not really sure how I feel about the terms positive and negative as to me this seems to be a neutral spectrum. But its certainly easy to feel when we have lowered our vibration for example by identifying with so named ‘negative’ occurrences, conversations, media reportage etc. I know if I do happen to get dragged into something ‘negative’ such as a conversation involving other people gossiping, then I feel terrible afterwards, emotionally and physically as well as mentally. The interesting thing for me is the teaching that we only attract things into our life that are a vibrational match. Does that mean to our present state. If we have attracted something not desirable into our life can we over come its manifestation through higher-minded thoughts and positive emotions? I really like what spirit said about withdrawing our attention from whatever is lowering our vibration and focussing on something positive.

    Thanks for a thought provoking post, John and I will bear it in mind tomorrow when I also have a hospital appointment!!! Blessings to you 🙂

    • John Cali

      Thanks very much for your comments, Sarah. I don’t like the terms, “positive” and “negative” either — but, as you said, they make conversation easier and clearer.

      I hope your appointment goes well. Just think positive! 🙂

      Blessings to you too.

      • Sarah Drury

        Thanks John! The hospital appointment went really well. I was able to put into practice the advice from spirit and yourself and focussed on the positive around me and withdrew attention away from that which was not desired. In fact the whole process was lightning fast and I was in and out in a jiffy. Your article could not have come at a more appropriate time and it’s fun to be able to practice!!!!! Thanks John 🙂

        • John Cali

          You’re most welcome, Sarah! I’m delighted the appointment went well, and that the article helped you. Thanks very much for letting me know.

  6. Anita

    I have been in the hospital a lot with my mother. As you pictured the waiting room, it is the same here in the Netherlands. It can be a challenge. 🙂
    I am always aware that I have my bright self with me. I joke a lot. With everybody there. Luckily my mother always joins me. I always point out the good things with people. Especially when they talk about their diseases. I laugh a lot. Talk about selfpower as much as possible. I can even say I have good times there.
    Thank you for this, it makes me aware that it is not terrible. Sometimes before or after visits I do say that. I will talk about the the short sided view of doctors and everybody there. I will stop that!!! Even in the hospital I am doing just fine, I realize that now!

    • John Cali

      Thank you, Anita. I think all hospital waiting rooms are a challenge. 🙂

      I love your lighthearted approach when you’re at the hospital with your mother. I’m sure your positive energy uplifts and inspires the other folks there. As you said, even in the hospital, you are doing just fine.

      Thanks again, Anita.

  7. Joseph

    I found that by knowing all that presents itself to me each moment is there as a tool to practice unconditional love. Should judgment or negativity enter my thoughts I know I am out of alignment and have just been given an opportunity to be grateful for the lesson and return to neutrality. There is also the practice of just thinking or saying, “That’s interesting,” with no emotional charge or attachment. When your buttons get pushed you can look deeper within for why if that makes you feel better, yet that is not necessary if you truly know you are the observer and the observed. Events are only experiences, some direct and others indirect, with both offering the opportunity/potential to love and recognize again that is your authentic nature.

    • John Cali

      Thank you, Joseph, for your wise words. As you said, all our experiences are there to remind us of unconditional love. I’ll remember that the next time I’m in a hospital waiting room. 🙂

  8. Cinthia

    Hello John,
    It’s not been very long since I started reading your blog. I just wanted to tell you how important and meaningful it’s been to me. I’m learning with it everyday and sometimes I feel like it was exactly what I was meant to read or what I needed to hear, like today’s post. I think sometimes I let in too much information and negative energy from the outside and forget to look inside for answers. I’ll try to focus more on the joys and less on the fears, angers and other negative feelings. Thank you so much!!
    Cinthia

    • John Cali

      Hi Cinthia,

      Thanks so much for your comments and your kind words. I’m delighted the blog is helping you. Like many of us, I too need reminders to look for the answers inside. That’s a constant theme in the messages from my spirit guides.

      Thanks again.

      Blessings,
      John

  9. Joseph k

    You should of brought a good book or an ipod!
    Mayb you should look at options for your eye examination
    A lot of hospitals have a terrible energy of sickness in the air, the Greeks and the ancients had far better healthier hospitals and sanitoriums fo th sick,nature, fresh air nd natural effective remedies
    Modern medicine and mental health is generally focused on whats wrong with a person ,dealing with symptom after symptom never tackling the root cause ofthe problem which is far more simple and straightforward and saves a lot of pain
    This is why alternative minded people usually seek alternative holistic therapy
    The mainstream is drenched inheavy morose negativity
    Although I’ve noticed time and time gain if you don’t give into th negativity stay centred a way out presents itself, just staying centred and clear and calm can cancel out the negativity and help others do the same through resonance ,like a tuning fork!
    It can be a great challenge staying centre amidst a culture nd society in crisis and transition from negativity to mor positive and healthy ways
    Kind of reminds me of the rudyard Kipling poem ‘if’
    You probably heard of it , if you can keep your head while all around you ar losing it , and it goes on like that
    Also no matter what the situation looking for things to appreciate help raise the energy
    Maybe a plant a garden or a pretty woman!
    I don’t know if you’ve heard of any of th Native American particularly th hopi prophecies
    They are really very relevant forthe times we are living in and going through
    There’s the prophecy of the time of great purification and renewal
    And the famous rainbow warrior prophecy
    Also if you have eyesight difficulties there are people like lars muhl and Jacob Lieberman do great work in the area
    It’s a challenge o stay positive in the present society, but it offers great results and breakthroughs,opportunities etc
    Of course we can’t always be positive life is up and down light and dark,day n night ,male and female ,yin and yang
    Sorry for spelling errors my ipad won’t let me look over this
    Anyway keep on rockin in the free world!

  10. Karen Lee Samson

    We are all spirit, embracing how we choose to react, the old saying feed the positive not the negative. Every person lives in the moment, observes, and has free choice to embrace positive energy or negative energy. We are all like a web connected and charging each other for the highest good, hopefully. If we remain true to ourselves and know ourselves all will be fine regardless of situations placed before us. Spirit levels are varied, like human developement levels on this Earth plane.
    I love your newsletter, and enjoy reading it from my south Florida location.
    Sincerely,
    Karen

  11. Jeannie

    Life is as good as you want it to be. That thought has come to me on several occasions and after your blog it came back to me. During the hydro black out where there was no light but candle light and no heat at all, there was a moment when I let all the negative feelings that were around my street to settle in and I began to cry. Then I shook that feeling off and said to myself why am I crying. I stopped focused on a book I was reading by candle light and flashlight. I wrapped myself in a warmer blanket and pulled my attention away . People don’t realize how much they hurt each other when they feed each other their fears rather than their joys.

    Another thing that comes to mind is from a dream I was just waking from, “Form always follows your expectation!”

    love and hugs
    Jeannie

    • John Cali

      Thanks very much, Jeannie.

      I love that statement you made: “People don’t realize how much they hurt each other when they feed each other their fears rather than their joys.” How true!

      Love & hugs,
      John

      • Wil

        But blaming others (“they feed each other their fears rather than their joys”) is not helping you. Being indifferent to what others say or do (to you?)is what is helping you to stay in the center.

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