So I was recently reminded of something called the Domino Effect that I reference a lot when I facilitate group therapy. Often times I will have clients upset (their feelings are valid!) because others in the group are acting out which interferes with the entire group structure. I explain the Domino Effect to them. According to the Dictionary, ” A domino effect or chain reaction is the cumulative effect produced when one event sets off a chain of similar events. The term is best known as a mechanical effect and is used as an analogy to a falling row of dominoes”. I take this definition and explain it in human feeling and behavior terms. If I am in a group setting and check-in as angry and irritable and then I go on a rant about why I am disgusted at the world, there is a good chance that others in the group will feel this irritability and anger (a form of empathy) and then check-in with a similar vibe. And so, it’s kind of like monkey see, monkey do.

So how can we apply this to our every day? It’s simple but not easy. We can do the next right thing and practice kindness and patience. The more kindness and patience we feel inside, the more we will behave in kind and patience ways. The Domino Effect has a high likelihood of occurring. And so, the world around us and the people we come in contact with throughout our days, will begin to feel and behave in similar manners.

Give it a try! What’s the worst that can happen? The answer is, you feel kind and patient alone. It’s still a pretty awesome place to be!

Check out the Emotional Wellness Tab and Self-Affirmation Tab for more on this topic.