There are two fundamental modes of action: responsive or proactive.
It is important to step into the mode that best suits the situation.
Most people only know how to behave in one of the two modes – and they apply that mode to all circumstances.
This leads to frustration for yourself and others.
Responsive mode consists in attentiveness, in the passive perception, in observing your thoughts.
It is the realm of wholesome and effortless action.
It may be appropriate for listening, for going for a walk, for journaling.
It is ideal for creativity & empathy.
It is the Dao, the Tao, the Path.
Proactive mode is full of intentionality.
It is the change of pace when it starts raining and you must find a coffee shop for cover.
It is the structured pitch in a sales presentation.
It lifts the iron in the gym.
It is purpose-drive action.
When you are in a situation that calls for proactiveness and yet are leaning back… a general malaise ensues. A feeling of “why is the world so demanding on me”.
Instead, taking a deep breath in, leaning in like a rollercoaster heading downwards, you embrace the chaos and execute.
This aligns you with Life, this makes you part of the chaos, and from within you can bring order again.
When you are in a situation that calls for responsiveness, but you are leaning in… people around you feel misunderstood, you miss the subtle cues, your creativity turns mechanical.
You cannot enjoy a holiday, a massage, or a shower in this mode.
You must let go of control and feel Life flowing through you.
Instead, open your palms, witness your thoughts, trust your subtle intuition to guide you.
This aligns you with Life, this makes you part of the harmony, and from within you can bring something new into the world.
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