Be responsive, not reactive

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When somebody calls and we don’t respond, we remain closed because we see that this would be a good ego-enhancing thing — not to respond. We create barriers to feel that we are the master, we are the one who is controlling. When somebody wants to connect with us, we don’t co-operate; rather, we create illusions by responding half-heartedly.

Communication has become very fast and is invading everywhere. BBMs, SMSs, emails, voice mails, portals, and social media never rest. And we are in so much of an anxiety to reply on or through these mediums, that we don’t think twice before saying rude words to our child or parents. What are we doing? Actually, we are not responding to anything, we are just replying, that too in an unresponsive way because we are in pressure to give a fast reply.
Unfortunately, we are becoming more reactive day by day rather than being responsive. The magic of encouraging body language, an attentive presence and more overt interactions within the family are becoming things of the past.
But we need to understand what is the meaning of being responsive. Responsive means openness or readiness to respond with totality. It is a state of alert awareness, receptivity, and connectedness of our own self to the mental, emotional and physical state of the other individual. When people talk, we shouldn’t reply because we feel it’s our duty, instead we should respond without being conditional. Being responsive also means taking responsibility to respond out of our heart without feeling burdened by it.
While in responsive state, our mind is like a fertile ground because it is relaxed. It’s free of anger, frustration, fear and concerns. We behave like an open channel for abundance and joy. There is a direct and clear relationship between how much time you spend in a responsive state of mind and your own level of success in personal and professional life.
We can be responsive by listening and watching attentively and being alert to vocalisation, facial expressions, gestures, and expressive body movements. Being responsive makes us more flexible, calm, solve problems gracefully, helps in taking better decisions and we bring out the best in others.
To learn to respond or being responsive to people and situations may take time and practice, but it will pay rich dividends for you and those in relationship with you. It’ll help you accomplish more and earn more peace. Let’s be responsive to our life and our people.