To react or respond is a conscious choice we make. When you’re engaged in a conversation or confronted with a situation, perhaps not expected, you may not always be able to control your thoughts or emotions. But you can choose whether to react or respond. And yes ~ there is a huge difference. It is most definitely a mindful difference. And it’s with this conscious choice you make; that can often determine the outcome of the conversation or situation.
When you are mindful, you create space between your thoughts. It gives you a moment to pause and think before you speak. It’s that space that opens your mind and grants you the ability to choose whether to react or respond, keeping you in control of the situation.
Reacting is often quick, and mindless. When you have a reaction caused by your emotions, it can lead to irrational or hasty decisions, harsh or hurtful words, which can later cause you to have regrets. You may have become uncomfortable or defensive by another person’s spoken words, so here are a few wise tips to help become more engaged with kindness, rather than disconnected with anger:
You may have become uncomfortable or defensive by another person’s spoken words, so here are a few wise tips to help become more engaged with kindness, rather than disconnected with anger:
• Listen attentively, beyond spoken words
• Pause before your speak
• Ask and don’t assume
• Think before you respond
• Respond rather than react
When you are mindful and take the time to pause; you allow your thoughts to settle. You’re then able to respond with logic rather than react with emotions. It’s a gift to yourself; a gift of self-control.
“Responding is a slow ~ wise ~ and conscious choice.”
~ Dr. Jill Lee ~