So, I walk through my progressions (each color zone), listening deeply to the body and mind, choosing deliberately how I next wish to think, act, or speak (the colorful image also serves as a helpful reminder, in the heat of the moment, when I am away from my desk).

So, I like to look at this nowadays as if there's a challenge that I'm facing. It's not necessarily bad, it's the spark I need to get into the zone. So, when I face challenges now, I try to just pay attention to what's happening in the present moment, without any judgment, reactivity, or reciprocity. So, just notice your breath, notice your body, notice whatever challenge you are experiencing, without having to get caught up in the anger, emotions, thoughts, etc.

So, in the example of communicating, when I can remember and use my practice, I'll literally go through these steps of let go of hate, let be life, and let in love, before I respond to some challenge in my life, to make sure that I'm acting out of love in the green zone, and I'm not doing some knee-jerk reaction out of hate or anger or frustration, etc. I want to speak out of love and caring and not out of some kind of fear, doubt, or insecurity. Remembering whoever I am dealing with is just like me, they have had gains and losses, pleasure and pain, etc., and do what they can just to get through the day.

In sum, if all goes well, I try to not act or speak until I have reached the green zone, and then only to offer “words in kindness and for mutual benefit” (see also, Insightdialogue.org). Or put another way, acting from a place of loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity (skillful means).