The GAPS name patterns that can pull us away from responsible relationship. They describe habits to recognize and work with, not identities to condemn. Illness, disability, trauma, exhaustion, or poverty must not be reduced to a moral label.
Greed
Greed turns having into hoarding and relationship into possession. Return through Acceptance and Gratitude: notice enough, acknowledge dependence, and share what you can without neglecting your needs.
Angst
Angst can make fear the authority over every choice. Return through Betterment and Intention: distinguish a real danger from an imagined guarantee you cannot obtain, seek appropriate support, and take one proportionate step.
Pride
Pride, in this pattern, resists correction and makes being right more important than seeing clearly. Return through Compassion and Forgiving: hear another perspective, admit an error, and repair what is yours to repair. Healthy dignity is not the enemy.
Sloth
Sloth names an avoidable withdrawal from responsibility where meaningful participation is within reach. It does not name needed rest or limited capacity. Return through Discipline and Tolerance: choose a manageable commitment and allow an imperfect beginning.
A practice for today
Ask which pattern is active, what conditions are feeding it, and what one compassionate action could interrupt it. The aim is a return to the Work, not self-contempt.