Introduction:
Reacting is often a defense mechanism rooted in our subconscious programming. Many of us know that responding is healthier than reacting, yet the compulsive habits have remained deeply ingrained in our nervous system for decades. Outrageous reactions, anger, or aggression are what we know as active reactions, but passive reactions, like feeling hurt or withdrawing, are invisible ones. And perhaps passive-aggressive behaviour comes into the picture since people are too stunned to react or even draw a healthy boundary.
People-pleasing is also one of the habits where we comply or automatically agree on things that don’t even gel with what we want, but we do it anyway in order to avoid conflict or rejection, which is again a defense mechanism. Another habit is agreeing to disagree, is also a reflexive way of reacting instead of a conscious choice.
Compulsive thinking, or thoughts that are just on a marathon, is also a form of reaction where the mind keeps replaying past hurts. As we all stem from childhood, things can get messy if the blame game still continues in the mind as an aging adult. In families, workplaces, and society, there will be people who provoke reactions. The challenge is to not fear but, with poise and calm, avoid external triggers and stay centered.
The ability to surrender and not give in to the fear is what it means to trust life. Living your dream life as an authentic version is what your soul’s deepest longings are. But coming to the understanding that what you want is innately aligned with the universal flow.
Example:
Let’s say you have a fear of speaking with strangers; you could start speaking with a few strangers and record it as a fun experiment. Soon, you will realize that others share the same fears, and it’s not your personal flaw. Although initially anxiety was there, eventually, practice rewires your brain.
TOOLS FOR BETTER BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS
1) Gratitude Journaling and Emotional Release:
Journal down your thoughts, emotions, and efforts that count as small wins and achievements. Seek validation from within; in this way, you will learn a lot about yourself. You will stay satisfied and fulfilled at the end of the day; in a way, it’s a communication with your inner child. Also, I had faced ups and downs while maintaining my journal to realize that it’s not ungratefulness. Too many stuck emotions need a way to be discharged by doing this amazing ritual, where you write down all your frustrations on a piece of paper and burn it. It acts like a catharsis, which is amazing, and once released, return to your journaling feeling lighter and grounded again.
2) Ancestral Healing:
Praying for your ancestors can be transformative, like “May they find Shanti, Mukti, and Moksha.” Ho’oponopono prayer for each specific ancestor, along with their names. When you are experiencing uncontrollable emotions within or outside, pray to your ancestors with specific names; it changes the atmosphere miraculously. Keep food for your ancestors morning and evening, along with the prayers for them. So, this act will bring peace really quickly.
3) Yoga and breathwork:
Yoga remains an irreplaceable practice for mind, body, and soul alignment. Sure, strength training is important given our current lifestyle scenario. Yoga, with proper breathing habits and practices, can work wonders, as it reinforces Prana (life energies) in every cell. Even though the body feels stiff during mild illnesses, Pranayama can reboot your system and bring forth vitality.
4) Silence and healthy boundaries:
Setting healthy boundaries is necessary and doesn’t always require confrontation—silence can be immensely powerful. I likely take silence on my fasting days to restore my energy. Also, early morning and before going to bed, silence can help reconnect with your inner self.
Conclusion-
Healing behavioral patterns is about changing for the better. Living your authentic self is overcoming fear and conditioning for a bright future. Through awareness, surrender, and conscious efforts like journaling, yoga, ancestral healing, and silence, you gradually shift from reacting to conscious ways of responding.
True transformation is awaiting you as you heal deep within and understand your patterns of reactions and win over them. Keep up with the transformative journey. Keep learning!