How To Become A Positive Thinker With Rajiv Surendra

About 4 years ago I left my toxic family so now am completely on my own. I moved to a small town to get away and sat in my house and pouted. One day I realized I was sick of myself, so I decided to not allow my family to "win". I used my savings to open an antique store (something I always wanted to do.) Then, I did something that I NEVER thought I'd do. I joined our volunteer fire department, went through training, am a firefighter 1, became an EMT, then just became certified to fight wildfires (which are prevalent in my area.) In order to pass the Wildland Fire test, I had to hike 3 miles in full gear carrying a 45 lb pack in 46 minutes. Funny thing is that the young men who tried it laughed and socialized, and I just plowed forward. I was the ONLY one out of 18 people who made it. All this to also recommend starting to do something that you never thought you could or would do. Just have the guts to try it. Oh...and by the way...I'm a 67 year old female who beat out 17 guys in their 20's. Thank you Rajiv for your amazing videos and advice. You're my hero.

I had a breakthrough with my niece today. At 12 she's already gone through tough experiences, including watching her dad's health deteriorate. She says mean things to her little brother all day -- the receptacle for her anger. I see that angry energy showing up as terrible acne on her face. We started a week long experiment with Metta meditation, just repeating, "May I be happy, peaceful and free from suffering", and then repeating it for each of her family members. It wasn't easy to get her there! There are 11 benefits of Metta including "your face will be radiant", and "your mind will be serene". That was last night. This morning when I saw her I immediately (and not thinking of the experiment) complimented how nice she looked. Then her grandfather, who doesn't compliment often, told her she looks beautiful today. All before breakfast. I'll be supporting her Metta meditation practice as often as I can.❤

This could not have come at a better time Rajiv. I lost my oldest son 6 months ago and I have sunk into a deep depression. I’m a naturally positive person and I’m working on this. My other sons and husband deserve to have me back. Thank you.

I am a 72 year old woman who should be giving you advice, but it’s refreshing to hear these wise words from a young man as yourself. As much as we want to be perfect we are only humans and sometimes those negative feelings can creep up on us. But, just as you said our job is feel these feelings and let go because they do not serve us. “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” -Shakespeare

I have cancer and for the past (almost) three years since diagnosis, I’ve actively pursued happiness instead of treatment. Exercise and being thankful for the ability to do it has sustained me but with the winter well upon us, I’m losing that happiness. Thanks for this video Rajiv. You reminded me to pull myself up and go on living even when I have pain. ❤😊❤

As a Tamil girl, this channel is my therapy. EDIT: Thanks so much for the like Anna! Growing up in this, oftentimes conservative, community I find joy seeing other queer Tamil creatives finding success in their creative pursuits. It gives me so much hope for my own future. This video on this very topic could not have come at a better time for me.

You may very well be a ‘small’ person, but you are a giant from within, Rajiv…

You wouldn't believe how much I needed to hear this today. I lost both my parents this year, and I spiraled out of control. My mind is consumed with fear and anxiety. I do everything I can to fill the void...to block out my grief, but none of those things work. Thank you for this lesson. I needed to hear it.

Thank you for this beautiful video. I have recently starting watching a video of yours every saturday morning. After a week of work, I usually feel very mentally exhausted and as a result depressed. When i watch you do small things with so much care and joy it is easy to refocus my attention to the light and beauty i am surrounded by. Then suddenly i have all the energy in the world to do my own little things with care and joy :)

'i am my best friend' - that's a truly unique way of thinking! this is SO thoughtful. the discomfort of being alone with our thoughts - is so accurate.

A lot of your content is about the benefits of disiplin and practice. Well being accumulates when we make our beds, care for our tools, practice art and music, write letters. And notice our thoughts. Thanks for another gem, Rajiv. This is the perfect message for this season of gratitude.

As someone with chronic clinical depression, I was so worries this would be a toxic positivity talk, and I'm so glad to see how you handled it. We can't run from our own darkness, but we also don't have to stand around while others suck us into it once we are out. The things I've learned in treatment are very similar to what you've outlined. Practice gratitude, use your body, engage in joyful activities, and curate your social circle carefully. Lastly, if you find nothing is working to pull you out of the dark, please, seek professional assistance. There is no shame in getting help when we need it, and there is nothing wrong with medication if you need it ♥️

Today was a rough day. I had a bad interview and felt so awful afterwards. I cried because I felt worthless and etc. This is exactly what I needed. Rajiv, you are my savior today. ❤

The fact that you were able to find yourself at such a young age and through the beauty that is around us all, but often ignored, says so much about the joy & strength that you brought into this world with you. You should be so proud. One in a million!

Rajiv, you are a gift 🎁 ❤️

Rajiv, I am grateful you created this channel and have a platform to propagate health, well being, and love. You are radically wonderful!

Hi Rajiv, Since I've been watching you my closet is neat and folded, my spice rack does not fall out on me when I look for a particular spice and now my thoughts are positive. I love your message!

“I don’t want to swim in the east river”🤪 Thank you for composing a thoughtful, soothing, loving mental sonnett Rajiv. Recently while on early morning walks with my dog, I noticed the light on the buildings in Soho, NYC. I began taking pictures. Your description of the, shadows blew ‘ma mind! Will never look at light in the same way! You remind me of my brother Anthony who was a multi-talented gay man. Everything my brother touched, be it a paint brush, sewing needle, instrument, was turned into GOLD. In the ‘70’s he showed the public HighSchool the strength of his positive mindset. He become the first male drum major, and went on to become a national champion. He as well was a gay man, ridiculed and shamed. He passed in ‘87, in the first wave of those inflicted with HIV-AIDS. His spirit comes to life while watching you work your joy in everything you touch🎉 Shine on creative one, shine one!!! Whoohoooo!!!!❤😊

👏👏👏 thank you Rajiv you are such a treasure to humanity ❤️

After watching this video, I got out my paintbrushes for first time in several months. No easy feat…I stopped procrastinating and looking outside myself (for two + hours) and felt so much better. I am also 72 like one of the other viewers. No excuse, I needed this❤️thank you! PS: you are a beautiful human inside and out.