It is often the pause, not the event that is life changing. Between the event and your reaction lies a very small space. That space might only be a quarter of a second long. But if you practice inserting a longer pause in that space, you give yourself time to think about how you want to react.
Viktor Frankl, neurologist, psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor put it so well, “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
Yes, that space can be lengthened. But it takes a lot of mindful practice and focus. You can change what feels like an automatic response into an automatic pause. It really is all about the pause.
He was a wise old bird, a resilient old bird and a funny old bird. Love his stuff. Thanks for this Kristin. 🙂
Wise old bird, indeed. 🙂
Hear, Hear! Covey talks about Stimulus>Pause>Response and Tara Brach calls it the ‘sacred pause’. Regardless of your perspective, we humans are unique in the universe as beings that can stop and ask whether or not what we’re about to do next is consistent with our higher self and who we want to be…
So true. Thanks for sharing your insight on the ‘sacred pause.’ Now if we can all just practice using that ability to stop and ask. 🙂
Reblogged this on Wholeheartedness and commented:
Thank you, Kristin…
Thanks for sharing, Todd.
It sure can help prevent us from blurting out something we can’t take back!
So true!
Thank you for this delicious reminder about pausing and choice! I needed it today!
You are welcome! Enjoy your day, Vicki. 🙂
Very nicely reminded…thank you 🙂
You are welcome. 🙂
The power of the pause! That is the thing that differentiates us from others in the animal kingdom isn’t it? To respond wisely rather than to react instinctively. And that can make all the difference. A timely reminder. Thanks Kristin.
Yes, it does differentiate us. We just need to practice inserting the pause. Thank you for your comments, Corinne.
”Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
I want to learn this thanks for posting 🙂
You are very welcome! 🙂
I just started learning Argentine tango, which, unlike many of the currently popular “show” dances, it’s a dance where the pause can be not only restful, but quite dramatic, especially in the context of the music. Your point about having increased awareness of the power of pausing is so helpful– and I will especially be thinking about it when I’m dancing. : )
Argentine tango, very cool! Yes, the pause is so important. Have fun!
I really try to use this in every given situation, especially if I know it pertains to a potential emotional blow-out for me or possibly concerning someone’s “reaction”. I always want to try and THINK as clearly as I can so I only say what I feel and what I mean, not words of regret.
This is very important. Great to hear from you! Enjoy your day. Remember the pause. 🙂
I tend to be very brash. Could indeed benefit from a longer pause in between. Thanks for this useful tidbit. I will work on my pause!
Interesting way to look at it.
🙂
Amazing and very pleased to know that I have this quality inborn.
Thanks to god! ____/_____
It is an important quality to have, that is for sure. Thank you so much for commenting. Have a great weekend. 🙂