Here is a fun exercise you can do in your everyday lives.

When someone is giving you feedback, whether positive or negative, step back and come from the "Witness" inside of you.

From this non-reactive and neutral place, notice if what is being said has validity.
If it is positive, let it in.... without excuse or trying to diminish it. If it is negative and valid, see the gift in what is being shared, and appreciate the opportunity for growth.

Then (and this is fun) notice how powerful that which is being said represents the person who is sharing it. It is a wonderful way to connect at the soul level with people.

I do this frequently. When people give me acknowledgements, I step back and assess what they are saying. If it fits, I breathe it in and appreciate the gift of their heart. Then, I notice how completely true their acknowledgement is for them, sometimes (often times) more than it is for me!

If it is negative, I do the same thing. I step back, and from a non-reactive place and decide if there is merit to what is being said. Sometimes, it does not fit, and I can let it go. Other times, I can see the gift in the message and the lesson for growth.

One of the challenges that many of us have is knowing how to accept feedback, either positive or negative. (For many of us, it is harder to accept the positive than it is the negative.) By stepping back, and viewing things from the Witness within us, we can handle feedback (both positive and negative) without needing to defend ourselves (negative) or diminish it (positive).

I have been blessed through MySpace, to receive many beautiful comments and emails of love and encouragement. I want each of you to know I see the projection in each one of them. I see in you what you see in me. It is a beautiful thing.

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