Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad


We often times find ourselves surrounded by negative or un-motivating messages. The news is headlined by stories of murder, war and an infatuation with the downfall and tragedies of human beings around the planet. The more negative a situation is, the more newsworthy it appears to be.

This can often give us the subconscious impression that there is nothing good happening in the world. And for many of us, this can trigger depression and lack of motivation. More dangerously, it can change our thoughts which will ultimately change our vibration. Many people are addicted to negativity and we are afraid to share good news with them. If we understand the power of making sure that we are vibrationally in the right place, we know that dwelling on negativity and entertaining ongoing pessimistic conversations can be hazardous to our health and well being.

Recently, I received a telephone call from a friend who landed a great new job. She was so excited. We talked for twenty minutes, or so, about all that was good about her position, including the location, hours, networking opportunities and the pay. I am so thankful to have been the one that she shared the good news with. As she spoke, I soaked up her good vibrations and became equally excited. Her news made me feel good.

Towards the end of the conversation, her voice dropped and she said, "With all the negativity that's going on in the world, I'm apprehensive about sharing my good fortune with anyone. I don't want them to see me as being arrogant or boastful." She went on to discuss that when she talks to her family or other friends she involuntarily engages in their negative conversation and is quiet about her own good news. She just doesn't want to create more friction so she sits quietly and allows the fumes of negativity to swirl around her. At that moment I said to her, "Don't allow your self to be a victim of Second Hand Negativity." I went on to explain to her what I meant and thought I'd share it with you.

Second-hand negativity and its residue are very much like second hand smoke. Many of us don't allow people to smoke in our homes yet we allow negativity to waltz right on in. Second hand negativity can decrease our positive vibrations and change our ability to attract good into our life. It is hazardous to our health and well-being. It can often change our way of thinking, discourage us and cause us to attract similar situations.

According to Time Magazine, "Researchers have known that secondhand smoke can be just as dangerous for nonsmokers as smoking is for smokers, but now there's fresh evidence quantifying just how hazardous the after burn from cigarettes can be, and how quickly it affects your body. Previous studies conducted in homes where one family member smoked or in work environments where some employees lit up, had found that nonsmokers in these environments on average increased their risk of developing lung cancer, as well as other health conditions such as heart disease and respiratory ailments, by 20%. And the Surgeon General, in a comprehensive report last year on the health effects of secondhand smoke, determined that there is "no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke."

Think about how second hand negativity and its residue have affected you?

It's important that we limit our exposure to negativity. Try these techniques the next time you find yourself victim to second hand negativity. When talking to a person that is negative show your support for their struggle but demonstrate a greater love for them by not allowing them to continue to magnify the negative vibration around them. Understand that negativity is not the same as working through a problem or challenge. (Having empathy and helping a person in need is not what we are talking about here.) People who are habitually negative tend to go on and on about a negative situation. They restate the negative situations in different ways in search of an angle that will attract and engage you. If a negative conversation persists, cut the conversation short, change the subject or suggest alternative ways to look the situation. Learn to go to a spiritual, positive place inside of yourself once you've been exposed to excessive negativity. Try to avoid watching the news or negative television programming over and over again. If you see tragedies on television, immediately say a prayer for the victims, survivors and alleged perpetrators. This will help to counter the effects and keep you mind and vibration pointed towards what you want. Search for the good in news story with a negative or demeaning spin.

Beware of the dangers of Second Hand Negativity. It is hazardous to your health.