Negativity surrounding you is capable of consuming you if you let it happen. It's true there are people in the world who are very unhappy with themselves and their life and they demonstrate it in their words, their actions, and their appearance. A most difficult situation comes when the negative energy and words are directed towards you and your work. When your supervisor or a close co-worker is dealing out their lack of self love, it makes for a tough working relationship. In the family, it's equally if not even more powerful. Protect yourself from internalizing the negativity.
Internalizing another's negativity isn't always obvious at first. You may misread it as being tired or anxious. If you're not careful, you may find this action to be your fault. You'll try to reason and make sense of the emotions and physical traits. It's not your fault. The other's lack of self confidence is the culprit. Your belief system and experiences open the door for allowing the negativity monster to creep in and pitch a tent. For example, if you grew up in a family environment where you were told or shown that "you're not good enough", you carry that monkey on your back. When a negative influence comes into your life and tries to take control of your thoughts and actions, that monkey comes out of hiding. It's like fueling the beast with bananas. You go through a tug-a-war of thoughts about whether you're the one beating yourself up or if the other is beating you up. Either way, you see yourself getting mentally beaten down. It's not about you - it's about the other person - so don't take their responsibility. Release yourself from the situation. Don't fuel the fire and don't accept it into your life.
Maya Angelou said "half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important; they don't mean to do harm but the harm does not interest them."
You cannot control the actions of others, but you have the ability to protect yourself. If one particular situation or person repeatedly presents itself to you in a demeaning way, close the door. Build a shield around you and disallow entry. As you are about to interact with this person, take a moment and visualize a shield (like a cartoon hero's force field) around your body. Start at the crown or your feet and visually see it forming a layer between you and the negative environment. If it helps, use the palms of your hands and draw the shield around your entire body. The most important area of protection is your crown and face, which protects your mind and your third eye (intuition.) But, it's still important to cover all areas. Your feet keep you grounded and connected with the earth. All chakras, including the heart, are big players in the game of self-love, self-acceptance, and protection. As you form the bubble of protection, close your eyes and think to yourself "release and protect me from all negative talk, negative actions, and negative thoughts, and allow only that which is meant for the greater good." Take a few deep breaths and seal it into your mind and your body. You may even use your hands to guide that mantra throughout your outer body layer along the imaginary bubble to help in the visualization process. Don't be surprised if you feel a shiver or a tingling in your body. Don't fear it, just accept it. It's the universe responding to your request. For the fellow yogis, feel free to seal it into your heart center for balance and love.
Recognize your own self worth and reflect on your positive love for yourself and others in your life journey. Others will openly put down their shield of protection to welcome you into their life. In turn, their positive love and energy will shine through to you. When you feel the need to build a shield, like sunscreen see it as personal protection, as being superior and proactive with your life and your energy, and not inferior. It's your life, happiness, and "wellth" - protect it.
…in Happiness and Wellth…Namaste