© Allen Merritt (2017)
I love reading.
I become engrossed in taking in text related to psychology and
philosophy.
Lately, I have been reading a couple of books simultaneously. I like to
be “in the process” of reading more than one book at a time. Interestingly, two
of the books I took up have some similar passages and pathways to follow.
For example, I came across a word while reading one particular excerpt.
Specifically, that word was “complementary.” As soon as I read it, it stuck and
my mind started to wonder more about it. The idea seems like a fun thought to
mull over.
The first thing I think of in regard to “complementary” is in terms of
something which is offered for free or rather offered as a gift. If you break it down you do find the
expression “comp” comprising the front end of the word. Of course, my conditioning
refers to nothing in life is ever free, but there is a feeling of elation in
the idea of being free, freedom, free spirited and so on. The application in
pondering complementary toward positive well being is in the practice of
freeing yourself from constraints and obstructions that have nothing to do with
your “becoming” a better human being or the best “you” you can possibly be. The
other side of the word if you look at it carefully brings to mind the idea of
compliance, which stands for basically doing as one is told by others, which is
not free or freeing in anyway unless it is a team effort for the betterment of
the whole where everyone benefits positively.
Now, there is another definition which refers to the thought of
offering compliments. When I think of this version of the word I immediately
ask the question of who doesn’t appreciate an occasional compliment. Look
carefully at the spelling of both versions of the word. The difference is only
one letter (“I” versus “e”), but makes a world of difference in the
interpretation(s).
In meditating on “complimentary”, I see that things that go well
together support the concept of surrounding one’s self with those that care and
support us. They blanket us. They surround us, encourage us and become a
helpful support system for which we can mirror back, which makes sense to me.
In fact, there is another version of the word which defines complimentary as
being used to describe the amount (or number) of people making up a group. What types do you want in your group(s) and how many possible opportunities are there to reap back that which we sow?
In further reading I came across another excerpt describing a type of
complimentary therapy. In short, it is a two way exercise where you make a list
of compliments you would like to receive and then you make a list of
compliments you are able to give with specific people in mind. The process
recognizes how we mirror each other and put out exactly what it is we are looking
to get back in life. By doing so, we are putting ourselves out there to
encourage others in a meaningful way so that we can continue receiving the
benefits of the same.
I researched some synonyms of the word complimentary and found a
treasure trove of gems to take and use daily to promote a happy and healthier
lifestyle. They include the following.
Harmonious
Compatible
Corresponding
Matching Twin
Reciprocal
Interdependent
Certainly there are many more wonderful words that branch off from
there, all of which highlight the good, better and best of possibilities for us
to live by.
Today I want to point out something fun which can be used to promote
the positive in each day.
Ready?
Here it is: The Password is: Complementary! (or Complimentary)!
Free your spirit and then give it out to others so that you might
receive it back in the fullness thereof. And here’s the thing, it doesn’t cost anything
to give her a go, so to speak.
Have a great week pondering the possibilities and living life on a
positive note.
Cheers!
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