Respond vs React

Reacting is to be guided by emotion. When we let emotion without reason drive us we can lose control.

When we respond, it contains reasoning. Responding is guided less by emotion and more by logic. 

This theme has been prevalent in our classes this month. We practice the concept of being mindful on our mats so that when a situation arises in our life we have the tools to effectively take care of it. When something triggers us and we want to react,  we can ask ourselves, “is it kind? Is it helpful?” 
 

This month we have been breaking down this concept into bite size pieces for our students of all ages.

 

Before you react…

 

  • STOP
  • BREATHE (huge inhale through the nose)
  • THINK – “Is it kind? Is it helpful?”
  • RESPOND

 

Tip for home: When you feel yourself about to react… Stop, breath, think and then respond. This can all happen in less than 5 seconds. 

Communication can become more productive with greater integrity using this tool. We realize that this is not an easy tool. With practice, just like yoga we get better and better.

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