Forrest's Library

Don't Be a Spiritual Doormat

Summary

, 19 min

How agreeable spiritual people can avoid becoming doormats by showing a little strength, a "hiss" rather than a bite. Stories from Yogananda, an Aikido teacher and Winston Churchill show preemptive pushback, ambiguity and humor. The video also gives advice on coaching children through pecking-order aggression.

In this video

Teaches
Assertiveness
Discusses
Paramahansa Yogananda
Mentions
AikidoAura

Key moments

00:00How not to be a spiritual doormat01:36Yogananda's story: the snake who didn't hiss03:36The screenplay "What?" as a little pushback05:09Why people push on a mild-mannered presence06:49Aikido sensei Dick Kowalski's ambiguity in class08:07Stare at their nose like it's hilarious09:22Yogananda and the man asking for coins: "Get out!"12:24Tactical ambiguity and asymmetrical response13:22Winston Churchill's prepared witty responses14:24Coaching a child to push back with humor15:00Social aggression vs evil intent: the pecking order17:13A friend's aura: expand, push back, shrink to simplicity