REACTION & RESPONSE - Similar but Different.

Today while I watched my two sisters fight over something very irrelevant, a thought occurred to me. The fight was as a result of reaction from one of them, because of something the other said. I know something that irrelevant would never make me react, I would respond.

There's a little distinction between the words Reaction and Response, ye in practice, there's a lot of disparity.

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When you react, it seems defensive, and is ruled by emotion. Just because we dislike what is being said or done, thought flies out the window and adrenaline kicks in, we lose control, and most of the time, can do or say anything at that moment, only to think on that moment later on and regret our actions.

Response on the other hand, is more thoughtful. Responses contain reasoning. The difference in response and reaction in action could be said to be that, responding is guided less by emotion and more by logic. The upside to responding is a well though through conversation, a positive, and civil action.

If mindfulness is being more centered within and aware of the other person, then this is something we ought to try always to prevent reacting and capitalize on responding.
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