Week Five: Reacting vs. Nonengagement

Welcome to week five of "doing vs. being".  "Reacting" is when you show involuntary responses to experiences rather than pausing to consider your response.  An example is when you give someone a hug when they start crying, or protest on hearing a lie that someone is telling.  Instead, try this: "responsiveness".  Not reacting to any unwanted inner or outer distractions of thoughts or sensations. Just simply notice what you are feeling and then let those feelings drift away.  I recognize that this may be hard for those of us who feel such empathy for others and reaching out is our natural response, but I challenge you, if you are one who feels other's pain, just take a brief moment to notice what is going on for you before you reach out and give that hug.  You can still do what is natural for you, but just take that brief moment to reflect.  Next week: "remembering" vs. "living in the moment."