28. Ability to Respond

Nature has provided all its creation with the ability to respond to stimuli. This is a primary instinct that denotes that we are alive.  We as humans, consider ourselves as quite sophisticated, advanced and intelligent beings. Therefore, our sense of response-ability must be quite well developed too, right? However, I have seen quite a varying ability to take on responsibility even in my own life!

Being able to respond feels quite instinctive and natural. But, when the words are transposed, they take on an entirely different meaning and somehow feel heavy, taking on an adult attribute. As children, we learn and grow through responding to outward stimuli like light, love, food, and other life-affirming energies. This seems to work well until we have to learn to respond to other factors like sociability – an important aspect of survival. Finding that balance of giving and receiving, is a crucial aspect of becoming responsible adults.

However with maturity, responsibility can feel more like freedom. Taking responsibility for my thoughts, choices and actions gives me control of my circumstances and therefore my own destiny. With this perspective, I feel less like a passenger, and actually, in the driver’s seat, with the determination to have a great day, or sometimes not. Doesn’t this feel like self-empowerment? Responsibility suddenly takes on a lighter note having fun, no longer feeling like a victim, instead, in-charge of my own response to my inner stimuli.