Restraint is Power

Something magic happens when you learn to sit with your emotions.

Suddenly you become adept at sitting with your situation as well. 

That means not reacting immediately, putting more thought into things, and feeling everything out more. 

Not reacting to something when you really want to takes discipline. The discipline of a saint, sometimes. It's a superpower.

So how do we build it?

By allowing ourselves to feel emotions, but simultaneously rise above the situation. To sit and be present with how the situation is making us feel, then looking underneath those emotions to check in with our instincts. Tuning into the gut feeling signals.

If something is making you feel reactive, take a long, deep breath.

Ask yourself some or all of these questions:

Which response feels the most genuine to me?
What reaction is most in line with my values?
Am I abandoning or staying true to myself?
What outcome am I hoping to have?

In all situations, you have three options: Yes, No, or Wait.

Sometimes 'I need some time' gives you even just a few extra breaths to check in with yourself. To wait before you respond, to reach out for help, to get more information before you make a life-changing decision.

To hold your power while the situation challenges it.

It's always up to you to guard your power.

Not reacting takes discipline. Waiting while you check in with yourself takes discipline. Being honest and true with yourself takes discipline. Discipline gets a great many things done and will always allow you to stay true to yourself and what matters most to you.

You never have to jump to conclusions, or quickly close doors you will regret closing after the fact.

Life deserves to be curated with patience. Give yourself the honour of taking that time.

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If you want to become less reactive and more intentional in how you navigate life, continue the practice with The Art of Being Human.