Can you accept the moments of anger and fear as guests, be willing to receive them with kindness without feeling obliged to serve them a five-course meal? -Christina Feldman in 'Compassion: Listening to the Cries of the World'

From "Positive Energy," by Judith Orloff, M.D.:

Certain people give off positive energy, others negative. It's the quality of someone's being, a measure of love with which they've led their lives. It also reflects the inner work they've done, their efforts to heal anger, hatred, or self-loathing, which poison us like toxic fumes. Energetically these linger, precluding joy from shining through. It's important to grasp, however, that once you undertake the process of healing, it changes the quality of even the negativity that remains. Don't be too hard on yourself-we're all works in progress.

SIGNS OF POSITIVE ENERGY IN PEOPLE

+ They exude an inviting sense of heart, compassion, and support.

+ You intuitively feel safe, relaxed, wanting to get closer.

+ They emanate a peaceful glow.

+ You feel better around them. Your energy and optimism increase.

SIGNS OF NEGATIVE ENERGY IN PEOPLE

+ You experience a sense of being demeaned, constricted, or attacked

+ You intuitively feel unsafe, tense, or on guard.

+ You sense prickly, off-putting vibes. You can't wait to get away from them.

+ Your energy starts to fizzle. You may feel beleaguered or ill.

I'm a big fan of being proactive in generating positive energy. The First Prescription's formula for success: Do whatever makes your inner light burn brighter. In other words, try to treat yourself and everyone else with love. It's a constant process of tuning in: finding people who support your spirit, trusting your gut-centered decisions to guide you. Then you won't end up in a relationship that looks right but feels wrong. Or miss the chance to meet a loving man or woman because he or she doesn't fit some preconception. When you're with trying people, aim for the high road; find common ground, rather than inflame negativity. The care with which you approach life is intuitively evident in your energy field. We can feel each other's love: that's the great attraction. Spread openheartedness around.