Download the article
Download ArticleReacting vs. Responding
Learning to Respond from our True Essence/Authentic Self
By Karen Celeste Hilfman
From The Mended Mirror
| REACTING vs. RESPONDING | |
| Based on Middle Circle
of External Expectations |
Based on Centre Circle
of Authentic Self |
| Life reflex, not conscious | Conscious, aware of choices |
| Automatic | Grounded, genuine |
| Objective “you” statements that come from the head and disconnect us from our own story by speaking from a detached perspective | Connected “I/we” statements that come from head and heart and connect to our own story by speaking from a personal perspective |
| I know I can fix you | I honour the wisdom in you |
| A sense of entitlement that lacks ownership and blames | Takes responsibility for self and focuses on the well-being of all |
| Difficult to disengage from demands and worries | Easy flow of energy toward possibilities and passions |