a reply to:
arpgme
While I will agree on the giving without attachment to outcome or exchange as a more productive and comfortable choice,
There is the sort of situation where people choose to continually "turn the other cheek" when being treated badly by another
(and I have been guilty of this at times, myself). It is not always done for any recognition by an outside source, but by a personal dedication to
ones own principles, and the desire to uphold internal self respect.
I have come to the conclusion though, that reflection is often a better route in such cases- if someone is being verbally abusive to you, even after
you have shown your preference for more peaceful exchange, then give them back what they have thrown your way!
I have read that some studies indicate that people who live very long lives (into their 100's) often have very strong characters, and can be
downright disagreable at times.
I have also noticed that some people learn (perhaps early in life) the benefits they get from getting out negative emotion through act or word, and
not only end up doing so a lot, but even sort of hope to help others get the same benefit- through provoking them to "get it out" too. Since they
reflect it, it doesn't hurt them, and they imagine you are getting something helpful out of your "negative" behavior in response.
This is a rather loving and kind intent, at the base! Can you imagine the person refusing to "give out" negativity, being provoked by such a person,
then claiming they are some sort of evil "energy vampire?" It would be mistaken, and rather unfair to make such a judgement!
This is part of the reason I don't personally wish to encourage the whole psychic vampire concept. The person who is provocative may be getting a
surge of positive energy and feeling, but it is not necessarily coming "from" another- it is often just a result of the release of negative energy,
which feels good, and brings up the internal levels of positive, or good feeling.
When you have built up negative tension, anger, frustration, try yelling at a pillow and punching it a few times.
See if you don't start to feel better.
Did you soak up positive energy from the pillow??