Agency
In "Man's Search for Meaning" by Dr Viktor Frankl he mentions that between stimulus and response, humans have the ability to make a decision. This decision allows anyone to have control over their actions and ultimately the influence they can have over their environment.
Exploring the Concept
- What does it feel like when you catch yourself in that moment between something happening and your reaction? Can you describe that experience?
- How might our automatic responses sometimes conflict with our deeper values or wisdom?
- What's the difference between reacting and responding? How do you recognize when you're doing each?
Practical Application
- What triggers tend to make you react quickly without thinking? How might you create more space in those moments?
- When have you made a decision you later regretted because you acted too quickly? What would have changed if you had paused?
- What practices or techniques help you access that pause when you need it most?
Wisdom and Principles
- How do you identify your core principles in the heat of the moment? What helps you remember what matters most to you?
- What's the relationship between emotional intelligence and this kind of mindful responding?
- How do different wisdom traditions or philosophical approaches guide decision-making in that crucial pause?
Deeper Reflection
- Is there a difference between the "you" that reacts immediately and the "you" that responds after reflection? What does this suggest about identity and choice?
- How do we balance spontaneity and authenticity with thoughtful, principled responses?
- What role does self-awareness play in expanding that space between stimulus and response?
Social and Relational Dimensions
- How does this practice affect your relationships? What changes when you respond rather than react to others?
- Can groups or organizations develop this kind of collective pause before making decisions?
- How do we handle situations where quick action is genuinely needed while still maintaining our principles?
Fun other context:
Cognitive f(x)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfcgQCFxj5M
Levels of development and maturity
https://youtu.be/kse87ocS0Uo?si=RLFnFXV9KKS8Lakn
Enneagram development
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60V7qeJzaGc
