We can choose our actions, or we can choose our consequences, but we can’t choose both. Can we?
We think
much differently when we make choices for now versus later. Why? Because we
want to do better in the future - programmed to seek happiness in the future.
Designing
our “choice architecture” aligns us with our short-term goals and long-term
visions. Expert decision-makers often decide based on the consequences of the
various options. They then aim to build on the positives and minimize the
negatives. To become a consistent decision-maker, one needs to adopt spiritual
decision-making, as it imbibes a holistic approach that governs our inner life
and influences interactions with the world.
We seek freedom, and good choices empower it.
Part of
growing and maturing spiritually is learning how to discern the difference
between what’s important and what’s not, according to higher principles that
govern our micro-universes. This is the key element in spiritual decision-making.
All choices have consequences, some more perceptible than others. The bigger the difference between the two choices, the more there is at stake.
When we face two opposing choices, the choice we make is more likely to have a big impact. Make one of these choices without regard for the logical consequences, and we’re likely to regret that choice. Doing nothing is a choice, of course, and that also has consequences!
Now, we
can’t always act according to clear-cut consequences, and it’s worthwhile to
live in the moment now and again. This brings us to the most important
part of all this: whatever we do, let us own our choices.
The
mantra lies in being more mindful of the consequences, which will inspire
better choice-making faculties.