Reactions

1. Although there exists reactions only (there is no question of action) , the difference between "reaction" and "response" ( as referred in common parlance ) lies in the "time taken by the person to become normal after that reaction."

In the case of a reaction which is in the form of response, the time taken to become normal for the person concerned is very very less as compared to a reaction as such (what we generally call it).

In a response the mind does not come into picture (seen from the angle of the person concerned) as it happens spontaneously while the reaction cannot happen without the indulgence of mind (seen from the angle of the person concerned). Therefore the consumption of energy in case of response is minimum while in case of reaction it is maximum and the reaction not only may further manifests into anger and irritations, but may continue its existence for a long time to come in order to take revenge.

Hence the response can be said to be natural as it can be observed in every form of life and also in inanimate except human beings. However the small children and the enlightened ones can be exceptions among the humans.

2. It is very difficult (almost impossible) to come out of the "reactionary state" of mind. But once you come out of it you are already in "responding state".

"Imitating the responding state" is very simple which is generally happening everywhere as we are great actors, but the "reality" surfaces immediately which is reflected in his words he expresses, if the person's outer imitating layer gets scratched somehow.

3." Reaction" which is immediate , is the sign of the presence of non-existent ego and consumes a lot of energy, while "spontaneous response" is the sign of absence of ego and consumes minimum needed energy.

You can analyse on your own whether it was your reaction or response, on the basis of degree of relaxation after your reaction/response has happened.

If you feel drained(not feeling fully energetic) of energy understand that that was definitely a reaction, opposite is true for response.