Between stimulus and response there is a space

The magical space between stimulus (what happens) and how we respond, is our freedom to choose. The gap between trigger and response is filled with the choice - to react or not.

It’s human nature to instantly react impatiently without thinking through or processing what has happened.

However if you can train yourself to own that space, it invites you to take a moment, perhaps just a few seconds to become more conscious and breathe slowly for 3 breaths. It is in that space that we get the power to choose our reaction as well as change the way we react in any given situation.

Mindful conscious breathing is the one activity that can happen without our conscious effort, and yet we can also choose to control it consciously. It helps us to alter our perception and see the world through different eyes.

So next time you feel anger, stress or tension, breathe and try your best to take make your reaction more conscious.

Mindfulness and regular meditation helps you to let go of the judgments that constrain your choices and cause you to be reactive toward others.

Good luck, it’s a lifetime of practice, I’m still working on it