Exploring Taman Negara: Malaysia’s Untamed Wilderness

Exploring Taman Negara: Malaysia’s Untamed Wilderness

Discover Istanbul’s Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures You Can’t Miss

Discover Istanbul’s Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures You Can’t Miss

Kathmandu: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Tourists

Kathmandu: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Tourists

Hidden Gems of the Lake District: Gyms, Secret Trails, and Budget-Friendly Eats

Hidden Gems of the Lake District: Gyms, Secret Trails, and Budget-Friendly Eats

Tips to Getting Fit and Losing Weight Through Trekking

Tips to Getting Fit and Losing Weight Through Trekking

Finding Faith in Humanity: How to Stay Positive Amid a World of Criticism, Judgment, and Cancel Culture

 Ramsay Banna

In today’s fast-paced, hyperconnected world, it can often feel as though negativity is the prevailing force. Criticism, judgment, cancel culture, and social media outrage seem to dominate conversations, leaving many people questioning how to stay positive and hold on to faith in humanity. What happened to old-fashioned trust, love, forgiveness, and thinking positively of others? How do we maintain these values in an environment where people seem quick to attack, judge, and tear each other down?

This article will explore how one can cultivate a positive mindset, nurture faith in people, and practice forgiveness, even when the world seems rife with negativity. It will examine the reasons behind today’s culture of criticism, and most importantly, provide guidance on how to rise above it and find a deeper connection to humanity.

Understanding the Culture of Criticism and Judgment

Before we can talk about staying positive, it's important to understand why the world feels more critical and divided today. There are several factors contributing to this environment:

1. Social Media Amplification: Social media has made it easier than ever for people to voice their opinions, often without accountability. The anonymity and distance it provides can foster an atmosphere where harsh words and judgment flow freely. The speed at which information spreads on these platforms can also escalate conflicts quickly.

2. Cancel Culture: Cancel culture, where individuals or groups are boycotted or ostracized for their actions or opinions, has emerged as a prominent force. While it can serve as a way to hold people accountable, it has often been misused, creating an environment where people are afraid to make mistakes or speak their minds. Instead of fostering growth and understanding, it can lead to fear, resentment, and divisiveness.

3. Fear and Insecurity: Criticism often stems from fear or insecurity. People are afraid of being vulnerable or open to differences, so they protect themselves by judging or attacking others. This can create a cycle of negativity where people are more focused on tearing others down than building meaningful connections.

4. The Pressure for Perfection: Society places immense pressure on people to appear perfect—whether in their careers, social lives, or personal beliefs. The reality is that none of us are perfect. The fear of not meeting these standards can lead people to judge others as a way of deflecting attention from their own perceived shortcomings.

Despite these challenges, it is possible to rise above and maintain a positive outlook. Here’s how.

1. Recognize the Humanity in Others

One of the most important steps in staying positive is to recognize the humanity in others. Every person you encounter is carrying their own burdens, insecurities, and struggles. When we acknowledge that people are not perfect—just as we are not perfect—it becomes easier to approach them with compassion instead of judgment.

Instead of jumping to conclusions or joining in the chorus of criticism, try to understand the person behind the words or actions. What might they be going through that you cannot see? Practicing empathy can dissolve anger and bring about a sense of shared humanity.

2. Cultivate Forgiveness and Let Go of Grudges

Forgiveness is a powerful tool for staying positive. Holding onto resentment or anger can be incredibly draining and will inevitably chip away at your ability to see the good in others. Learning to forgive—whether it’s a small slight or a larger betrayal—frees you from the grip of negativity.

It’s important to remember that forgiveness does not mean condoning hurtful behavior. Instead, it’s about choosing to release the emotional weight that comes with holding onto past grievances. It allows you to move forward with a lighter heart and maintain your faith in people.

3. Trust in the Goodness of Others

Trust can feel like a fragile concept in a world where people seem quick to betray or harm one another. However, trust is also a fundamental part of building meaningful relationships and living a positive life. While it may seem risky, placing trust in others can open the door to connection, love, and kindness.

Of course, trust should not be given blindly. It’s important to recognize who has earned your trust through consistent actions and who may not deserve it. But overall, approaching people with a mindset of trust instead of suspicion fosters an environment where positivity and connection can thrive.

4. Shift Your Focus from Judgment to Understanding

It’s easy to fall into the trap of judgment, especially when faced with opinions or actions that conflict with your own. But judgment rarely leads to resolution or connection. Instead, it creates division.

The next time you find yourself judging someone, pause and reflect. What is it about their behavior that triggers this reaction in you? Is there a deeper fear or insecurity behind your judgment? Shifting your focus from judgment to understanding can help break the cycle of negativity. Ask questions, listen to different perspectives, and be open to the idea that people have reasons for their behavior that you may not immediately see.

5. Limit Your Exposure to Negative Influences

In a world filled with constant streams of news, social media, and commentary, it’s important to be mindful of what you consume. Regular exposure to negativity—whether it’s in the form of angry social media posts, sensationalized news, or toxic conversations—can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being.

Set boundaries for yourself when it comes to engaging with negative influences. This might mean taking breaks from social media, surrounding yourself with positive and uplifting people, or finding news sources that focus on balanced reporting. Curating your environment to support positivity will help you maintain a more optimistic outlook.

6. Lead by Example

In a world of criticism, judgment, and negativity, one of the most powerful ways to stay positive is to lead by example. Choose kindness over cruelty. Speak with empathy instead of condemnation. When others around you see this behavior, it can have a ripple effect, inspiring them to follow suit.

By embodying the values of trust, forgiveness, and love, you show others that there is another way—a better way. While you may not be able to change the whole world, you can influence the people and environments around you.

7. Nurture Positivity in Your Own Mind

Finally, staying positive begins with your own mindset. If you’re constantly criticizing yourself, doubting your worth, or focusing on your shortcomings, it becomes much harder to think positively about others.

Make a conscious effort to practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a close friend. The more positive and forgiving you are toward yourself, the easier it becomes to extend that same grace to others.

The Return to Trust, Humanity, and Love

It’s easy to feel disheartened in a world where negativity seems to reign. But the truth is that trust, humanity, love, and forgiveness still exist—they just need to be nurtured and rediscovered in the noise of modern life.

By choosing to approach people with empathy, letting go of grudges, placing trust in others, and leading with kindness, you can help restore a sense of humanity in your own life and the lives of those around you. It may not be easy, and it may require conscious effort, but the reward is a life filled with deeper connections, peace of mind, and the ability to see the good in people even when it feels hidden.

In the end, positivity isn’t about ignoring the flaws in the world—it’s about choosing to see the potential for goodness and growth. And by doing so, you can help bring back the old-fashioned values of trust, love, and forgiveness, one person at a time.

Ramsay Banna

www.ramsaybanna.com.au

Off the Beaten Track in Southampton, UK: Hidden Gems to Explore

Off the Beaten Track in Southampton, UK: Hidden Gems to Explore

Ramsay Banna’s take on Indoor Rock Climbing

 

Coping with being cooped up during winter months.  Introduction to Indoor Rock Climbing for Beginners

 

A few years ago I spent the winter cooped up in a house and suffering cabin fever.  With the weather trying to make up its mind between snowing and raining, there was little to do in the way of staying active.  So it was quite a relief to discover an indoor rock climbing center near where I lived. 

Indoor rock climbing is a thrilling and challenging activity perfect for when the weather closes in. It involves climbing artificial walls that simulate the experience of outdoor rock climbing, but in a controlled and safe environment. Before starting, it is essential to understand the basics of indoor rock climbing, including the equipment required and the different types of climbing. Typical indoor climbing gear includes climbing shoes, a harness (for rope climbing), and a chalk bag. Indoor climbing gyms usually have rental equipment available for beginners who do not have their gear.

Preparing for your first climb is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. It is recommended to start with a beginner's course or climb with an experienced friend who can teach you the basic techniques. Before you start climbing, it's essential to warm up your muscles and stretch your body. Climbing with cold muscles can lead to injuries. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely and use chalk to keep your hands dry and improve your grip. You should also learn how to control your jumps and fall onto your back if needed.

As a beginner, it's important to focus on developing proper technique and building strength gradually. Climbing with your feet and keeping your weight on your legs is crucial to conserve energy and prevent fatigue. It is also recommended to climb no more than three times a week to avoid overexertion and allow your muscles to recover. Investing in good quality climbing gear, getting an instructor, finding a climbing partner, and getting a basic understanding of climbing grades can also help improve your skills. Following these tips and techniques can help beginners improve their climbing skills and enjoy the sport safely and effectively.

1. Gather the necessary equipment: Climbing harness, climbing shoes, chalk bag, and belay device.

2. Find a suitable location for climbing. Look for an indoor rock climbing gym or climbing wall.

3. Learn the basics of climbing safety and technique. If you are new to rock climbing, it is important to take a class or get instruction from a certified instructor.

4. Begin climbing! Start with easier routes and work your way up to more difficult ones.

5. Practice proper belaying techniques. Make sure you and your partner are always using the correct safety techniques and belay devices when climbing.

6. Have fun and stay safe! Enjoy the challenge and the amazing sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering a route.

For more information please contact Ramsay Banna

www.training-choice.com.au

 

Island Peak Ramsay Banna

Ramsay Banna

www.training-choice.com.au

How And Why You Should Be Complaining

 No, this is not a typo, nor did you read that wrong.

By Ramsay Banna

We are so often bombarded with self-help advice in the form of articles with snappy titles like ‘10 things to stop doing to be happier and more successful!’ . And 99% of the time you can bet that the suggestion to stop complaining will be on that article. I am sure, you, like me- a well meaning person who seeks self-improvement- have at some point in your life resolved to stop complaining. How has that panned out for you?

If you are anything like me, you have managed to go for a while without doing it, but found that yourself in a situation where- before you could stop yourself- you are spilling your deepest complaints and anxieties (think Harry Potter in Order of The Phoenix when he arrives in Grimmuald Place). Of course, because you are a Good Person, you then feel dissonance for having committed the crime of complaining (since other people have it worse!) and felt really bad about yourself. Has that ever happened to you?

What if I told you complaining was not only not bad but could, in some cases, be good for you?

In the seminal book ‘The Chimp Paradox’, psychiatrist Steve Peters outlines the importance of what he refers to as ‘exercising your chimp’, which is the process of letting out all your thoughts and feelings when you are in a bad place, without any censoring. He argues that while you have heightened emotion, you are in ‘Chimp Mode’ and cannot think constructively and rationally and therefore cannot find solutions to your problems. The first step would be to exercise your chimp until it is tired and THEN you will be in a rational place where you can find the solutions to your problems.

Now, what does ‘exercising your chimp’ as described above sound like? That’s right. Complaining.

Complaining in small doses when you have heightened anxiety, sadness, fear, stress, anger is a great reliever. It allows you to express your subconscious thoughts and by doing so, you may catch yourself (or the person listening may catch) points in which you may not be thinking rationally. Voicing your thoughts can help give you perspective on them and see them as more ridiculous than if they stayed in your head.

Has it ever happened to you that you say something and realise it sounded better in your head than out loud? Only once you have finished exercising your chimp you are then in a state to work on resolutions, because that rational part of your brain kicks in now you are no longer so clouded and ruled by emotion. You cannot think rationally when in heightened emotion, which makes sense from an evolutionary perspective. Can you imagine our ancestors seeing a tiger and thinking about all the possible solutions to get away? By the time they have thought it all through the tiger would be washing them down with some water from the lake. No, when you are in an emotional state, the primative part of your brain kicks in and you cannot learn, grow, rationalise etc until you are out of that emotional state. How do you get out? That’s right by ‘exercising your chimp’ (i.e. complaining).

Now that we have established that complaining can be good it is important to understand when and around whom to do it.

How often have you been in a situation where you are stressed and relieving your stress and the person next to you offers comfort and solutions which further angers you and makes you think ‘but aren't you supposed to be on my side??’.

In the book ‘Supercommunicators’, Charles Duhigg explains that there are three different types of conversations- practical, emotional, social. When you are complaining or venting (or exercising your chimp if we want to remove the negative connotations from the word ‘complaining’), you are engaging in an emotional conversation where you do not want a solution, you just want to be heard. And that is not only normal, but necessary.

Hence why the simple advice of ‘stop complaining’ never really sticks. We need to be heard and understood, told that we are okay in feeling the way we do, even if someone has it worse. Our problems are not any less legitimate simply because we aren’t (insert whatever example/country/disease people give you here to demonstrate you have nothing to complain about).

So when it comes to complaining it is helpful to set the expectations of the person you want to do it with in advance. Let them know you want to spend the next 5 minutes getting things off your chest without censoring yourself. Let them know you may say things that seem ridiculous. You are now having an emotional conversation and you don’t want solutions. You want to be heard. Ask them if that is okay with them (Steve Peters argues that you need to find the right audience for the nature of what you need to let off your chest). Once you have finished and you are in a calmer place, then you can begin to formulate solutions and rationalise your concerns.

If you want, you can stop referring it to complaining, since that word is laden with negative meaning. From now on, allow yourself to ‘Exercise Your Chimp’ to the right person and once you have finished, you can begin to look rationally at your problem and work on the solution.

For more information please contact Ramsay Banna