Between stimulus and response there is a space.

This Viktor Frankl quote was the inspiration for my regular meditation practice:

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies growth and freedom.”

—Viktor Frankl

Most of us are operating on autopilot most of the time.

Our minds have been pre-programmed—by some combination of our genes and all our past experiences—to respond to stimuli in a specific way. Our neurons fire down their habitual pathways, and it takes serious intention to interrupt those circuits. And serious focus to write a new script.

I was one of those who always said I couldn’t meditate. I didn’t like to sit still. Always wanted to be doing something. I practiced yoga, and believed the bits of meditation incorporated in class should check that box.

But then I learned this Viktor Frankl quote:

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies growth and freedom.”

This “space”—this tiny, fraction of a second between a trigger from our environment, and our reaction to it—might be the only place our “free will” actually exists. The only chance we have at overriding our automatic wiring.

Meditation is a practice that can widen that tiny space.

It conditions me to notice that space, to take a breath there—observe my body’s natural reaction, the thoughts my mind produces. It gives me an opportunity to get curious about them—where they came from, whether they’re serving me, and what alternatives might exist—and leverage this space to choose a more intentional response.

I still love yoga. I’ve practiced for years and it has been amazing for balance and strength, physically and mentally. Adding a separate meditation practice, where I am actually just sitting still and observing the workings of my own mind, has been transformative.

I’d love to hear your experience! What interrupts your autopilot?