Pause when provoked.
—Calm App Reflection
Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan
What would be possible if you resisted the urge to judge and criticize others?
Where could an intentional pause allow you to pivot in a better direction when you are hooked by what others say and do?
Unfortunately, the time between stimulus and response seems to keep getting shorter and shorter.
Our urgent need to get things done, multitask, and speed though the unsavory parts of our lives often has us shoot before we aim.
EXERCISE:
Who are the people in your life that push your buttons and provoke you?
What are some frequent topics or events that trigger heated emotions and upsets?
What approaches can you take to mindfully pause before your amygdala is hijacked?
I had an aunt with a Jekyll and Hyde personality. She was either at your feet or your throat, and you never knew from one minute to the next what it would be, so I avoided her as much as possible. She pushed many buttons at family gatherings.
As for topics that cause heated emotions, Trump. I avoid any and all discussions about him as I am not going to change anyone’s mind, and no one will change mine.
Thank you Barry, very excellent advise !