Fluffy
Dagobah Resident
To me, positivity is using knowledge, wisdom, intuition, guidance to understand how to get or attempt to obtain the highest or desired benevolent outcome for whatever the situation is. Negative would mean the opposite of that, though I do see it in a spectrum where there is a point in the middle which is neutral because nothing was done or one thing cancelled out other, but the cancelling effect would only occur with a small range around the midpoint.But then one has to think about positive and negative and what one means when speaking those words. What do you mean by positive and negative?.
I concur that truth is probably one of those sacred things one should aim at, whenever possible, in most situations, particularly in one's relationship with oneself, one's choices, and behavior and so on. Lying to oneself is detrimental to so much. In one's relationship to another, I do think that one ought to strive for truth, first within oneself and yes, with others.
Having said that, the dispensation of truth is also very context specific, there are things that would be harmful or cause distress, if delivered at the wrong time, to the wrong person, in the wrong context. There are things about me, and my life that I will not share with my coworkers for instance, or things I wouldn't say to a young child, that I would to an adult for instance. Am I withholding truth? or living negatively because of that choice? I don't think so personally.
Rather, I think, it's another layer of truth, the truth about the relationship, the context and the dynamics that govern those specific relationships, and what those situations ask for as an appropriate level of interaction, not every interaction requires all the truth all the time, that doesn't mean one has to lie, but being 100% forthcoming with everything could end up in harm, which would land one in a negative situation.
So, I do think that striving for truth is positive, in as most situations as possible (which also includes admitting when one isn't ready to learn the truth, interestingly), the dispensation of truth.. or the level of truth about some things, isn't as black and white and could end up being actually quite negative and self centered. Not every honest word is delivered because of a love for truth, and not every lie is delivered with the intent to destroy. It's very context specific, OSIT
When I say the truth is always positive it is more than just ‘the sky is blue’ because to someone who is blind, sky or blue means nothing. Positivity can be painful, it can be exactly what you don’t want, like finding out you’ve got an illness, the illness itself is a negative thing, but it’s true nonetheless and with that truth one can take positive steps to return to health.
My brother has had two covid jabs and is very concerned about what it could do to him, instead of scaring him with those details I give him advice on how to detox and remedy.
There are many shades of grey area.
Witholding truth that doesn’t need or shouldn’t be told for the benefit of the receiver or the situation, in my opinion, isn’t negative, if it has no benefit then it’s a positive thing to keep that truth unknown, then that can be a slippery slope too because sometimes people want the truth but can’t handle it.
I really don’t think lying is the same as withholding information. Can’t undo a lie but can always add more information.
And then, it just really depends on who you’re dealing with and what truth is in question. Generally I say nothing much unless prompted and I don’t sugar coat anything. I just try to find ways to deliver the most appropriate information in the context and as close to what (I think) the truth is without causing harm. I feel like this is the most positive way to approach life when dealing with a vast array of beliefs and biases that everyone has.