The Powerful Response

Every once in a while you will be greatly tested. Either by your own design when you take on greater projects or responsibilities then you have ever taken on before, or not by choice as circumstances in your life create challenges that are unforseen and often unwanted.

The question is: how do respond?

Do you moan, complain and cry to everyone around you about how crazy and horrible your life is or do you face these challenges head on?

By the way, it's alright to express your emotions and scream or cry ... as long as you don't stay there. Allow the emotions to pass through you (no matter how long it takes) and then move on. Other than that, wallowing in any emotion will get you nowhere.

Anyhow, back to the question. Notice that I wrote "respond" not "react". There is a HUGE difference. People who have no control over themselves react. Something comes up for them and they are completely taken over by their anger, fear, a bout of depression or whatever it is they are feeling. Yes, some people require medical attention for conditions and they should be in contact with the appropriate specialist. Most however, simply need to understand the difference between reacting to something and responding to something.

In a nutshell:

REACTION is like a reflex. Like when the doctor taps the patient on the bent knee and the leg kicks, there is no thinking involved. No choice. Something happens - you react. Even if you don't want to. This usually leads to you saying or doing things in the moment that you really didn't mean or even wanted to do.

RESPONSE is consciously chosen. Instead of reacting without thinking. You are present enough in your body at the moment so that you can choose how to respond - or not respond - to whatever anyone says or does, or whatever situation comes up.

How do you get from reaction to response?

PRESENCE.

It all has to do with how present you are in every moment. Practice bringing your attention back to who and what is around you right now, and notice how different parts of your body feel. What temperature and sensations are you noticing? How are the people around you moving and speaking? What are their expressions? Do they seem tense or relaxed? Happy or angry? Energized or frustrated? And what's the environment and nature doing around you? How is everything being at this moment?

Take periodic breaks during your day to notice these things for a few seconds at a time. With more and more practice you will be able to stay present for longer periods of the day. Eventually you could be present all day long and all your responses to life's challenges will be rising out of deep wisdom.

I love you. Live free. Have fun.

Copyright © Charles Begin

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