In life there will be times that try our patience. When these frustrating and aggravating situations occur, and they will at some points, it is how we respond to them, not how we react to them that tests our spirituality and expresses our character. We oftentimes react to a situation from our gut and that can oftentimes result in physical or emotional outbursts that may worsen the situation. We often regret our reactions and can feel some guilt or anger because we didn’t act in a way that was true to our nature, protected our interests, and expressed our best selves.
Often these reactions are learned earlier in life and are triggered by stressful situations. It is easy to react because it has become a learned automatic response behavior to a given situation. Stopping, thinking, and consciously and deliberately choosing our course of action is not always easy. At times, it is very difficult.
You may be thinking: What’s the difference between a reaction and a response? You react from the gut; you respond from the mind. Reactions are unconscious and learned. Responses are conscious and deliberate. A response takes thought and care, an appraisal of the situation and aspects that may not be immediately noticed.
How do we learn to respond? We train the mind to pause and think about what happened before speaking or acting. We consider the other parties point of view and their possible motivations. Sometimes, we ask for some time to think before replying.
Again, it will not always be easy; it will often be extremely difficult. But worthwhile things are rarely easy.It takes time, hard work, and effort to achieve results.
Learning to respond is an example of personal and spiritual growth. Spiritual growth is not something that is easy to accomplish. Spiritual growth is a very important aspect in everybody's life that is often overlooked. In fact, it can be downright difficult to confront many known and unknown aspects of our selves, and strive to be true to our best selves.
Many of us find it hard to spiritually grow with the pressures of society that constantly bombard us with demands and temptations that are not aligned with our spirituality, morality, ethics, and best selves. Desires, temptations, and mistreatment by others can interfere or prevent our personal and spiritual growth. Often we fail to find out what is right for us within the context of our own lives. Growing and changing will not be a task that is done overnight.
Spiritual growth happens over years of conscious and deliberate practice. While we may never perfectly respond to every situation, we can strive to master our responses. You will gain personal and spiritual power which will lead to a more satisfying life.
The Army’s new slogan “Be All You Can Be” can be a mantra for all of us on our spiritual journey.
Wishing that you and your families remain healthy and safe.
Peace and love be with you.