This pesky little dichotomy can cross you up making your life very unsavory if you let it. Let’s examine the difference between the two. First, “reaction”, we react to stimuli every day, one example would be if someone cuts you off in traffic. Your first reaction might be, “I’ll kill that Mother Fucker” or “That stupid ass silly son of a bitch is going to kill someone.” This is also known as a knee jerk reaction.
Now let’s take “response” (think prepared, mindful, intelligent and/or use of wisdom). Your thoughts might then be, “that bloke is in a terrible rush, I wonder if there is an emergency?” And you may pray that he makes his destination safely. No really.
Understanding the difference will certainly help you in the navigation of life’s’ struggle streets. The key is preparation of the mind and body. Without preparation you will react instead of respond every time. This is a choice, and I would recommend getting control of your thoughts to make it a wise one. (Meditation helped me gain control)
This is a thoroughly refreshing post, Scarp. Gives me perspective! Thank you.
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I definitely used to be quick to react but after integrating mindfulness into my life, I rarely have outbursts of anger anymore.
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It makes a big difference, mindfulness.
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this is a choice – very true :)) we have to react calmly…and think – does it matter – or if we should react at all 😂
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I favor the no reaction myself.
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Knee jerk reactions are a bad idea.
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Yes they are.
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Great post and message.
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I’ve literally lived in both frames of mind depending on how I was doing…I find the latter far preferable to the former!
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Being of both minds helps us to stay in the former.
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I never really analyze it this way leveling properly the reaction/response.It is quite revealing and I’m realizing I’m responding more then I react in recent years.
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We all get hung up on this one from time to time.
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Yep.😉😊
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