Finding Peace Within: Shielding Yourself from Negativity
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the concept of negativity bias, especially during times like this—election season, when emotions feel amplified, and negativity seems to be in the air no matter where you stand politically. It’s nearly impossible not to feel the tension swirling around us.
Our brains are naturally wired to cling to negative experiences—something Dr. Rick Hanson describes as the brain being like "Velcro for negative experiences and Teflon for positive ones." This bias was once essential for survival, helping us stay alert to danger. But in today’s world, where we’re often surrounded by unsettling news and high-stakes conversations, this mechanism can start to weigh us down.
What’s been helpful for me lately is reconnecting with my spiritual practices—taking time to go within, connecting with my breath, and letting go of any unwanted emotions that arise. By tuning into my breath, I find a calm that allows me to step back from the noise and reconnect with a deeper part of myself. It’s like insulating myself from the negativity, giving my mind and body space to find balance.
In these quiet moments, I also like to connect with my internal guides, which feels like I’m bringing in a gentle, supportive energy. These practices remind me that I don’t have to be swept away by everything happening around me. Instead, I can witness it, acknowledge it, and choose how to respond without letting it define my entire experience.
This approach has made it easier to spot the small, positive moments I might otherwise overlook. It’s like training my mind to see life from a different angle, where peace, clarity, and gratitude can rise to the surface. It doesn’t mean I don’t feel the weight of everything going on, but I feel better equipped to handle it without becoming overwhelmed.
I’m not saying I have it all figured out. There are still days when I get caught up in the emotions of the moment. But each time I connect with my breath, release tension, and communicate with my inner guides, I remember that I have the power to choose my response. It’s a grounding practice, especially during times when everything around us feels so intensified.
Here are a few points to help understand how negativity bias works and why it can feel so intense, especially during heightened times:
Velcro for Negative, Teflon for Positive: Our brains are naturally wired to hold onto negative experiences (like Velcro) while positive ones tend to slide away (like Teflon). This was a survival mechanism from our ancestors’ days, helping them remember dangers and avoid them.
Quick to Notice Threats, Slow to See Positives: Neuroscientists say that it takes a tenth of a second to notice a threat, but much longer to recognize something positive. This is why even one negative comment or news story can linger, overshadowing multiple positive ones.
Automatic Responses: When our brain detects something negative, it triggers a survival response—fight, flight, or freeze. This might have helped our ancestors avoid predators, but today, it can make us feel unnecessarily tense and reactive.
Creates Stressful Narratives: Negativity bias can lead us to create stories or scenarios in our mind where problems seem bigger or more threatening than they really are. It’s our brain’s way of trying to keep us safe, but it can often end up fueling anxiety or frustration.
Overpowers Positive Experiences: Even on a good day, a single negative experience can feel disproportionately powerful. This is why we tend to remember criticisms more vividly than compliments.
Understanding this bias can be empowering. Recognizing it is the first step, allowing us to catch ourselves in those moments and choose a different response. This is where spiritual practices and going within can help—giving us the tools to observe these thoughts without becoming attached to them.
Finding balance amidst all this isn’t easy, but for me, it’s been essential. And I think right now, that sense of inner calm and choice is something many of us could use.
