What is the number one thing we must do when we find ourselves in a painful pinch? Take responsibility to claim our ability to respond. Next, have an attitude of gratitude. This means that our response through time and space is going to be gentle. Our response might be firm, forceful, aggressive, or silent, but regardless of its ingredients it will always also be kind. In order to take responsibility, we cannot assign blame. In fact, we must un-assign any assumption of blame. We must literally neutralize the need for us (and the people around us) to feel guilty.

From this center of clarity, progress, improvement, reinvention, remediation can take root.

Otherwise it’s just a blame game down a rabbit hole of posturing and positioning. Taking a deep cleansing breath allows us to respond rather than react.

Breathe deep and often. @gurusinghdaily (Click to Tweet!)

Guru Singh is a world-renowned yoga instructor, author, musician, and family man. Guru Singh works with the Dalai Lama, teaches with Tony Robbins, and has recorded an album with Grammy® Award-winning artist Seal. He can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out Guru Singh’s most recent book: Buried Treasures: The Journey From Where You Are to Who You Are.

Image courtesy of Stefanus Martanto Setyo Husodo.