Decision

Decision

If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.

Seneca

Are we really making sound decisions or are they being made for us?

Each decision we make is an important decision. Some may seem small at the time, but the reality is that they add upon one another to become habits of the heart that move us with increasing force toward some destiny.

Some of our choices, often unknown to us at the time, become real turning points in our lives—times when putting first things first makes all the difference. Sometimes these decisions are hard. They require us to take a stand that may be unpopular, even illogical to others.

Given this ultimate freedom of choice by the Creator, how often do we plan our choices?

It seems that we are organism-environment based beings. Wouldn’t it be rational that our decisions are swayed impulsively on the variables of change of emotion, mindset, beliefs, values and pressure? All of these influences persuade our choices and therefore our decisions.

To decide is defined as a conclusion or resolution reached after careful consideration. It also means to cut off from any other possibility.

Life presents unlimited choices daily as the mind spontaneously produces thoughts, images, concepts which the intellect (reticular activating system) determines—“what is most important” based on our values and beliefs. This filter automatically screens out massive amounts of information.

Where do decisions come from?

The basis of subjectivity and objectivity is the process of contextualizing experiential content. Do you decide what time of the day when you are going to fart? Doesn’t it just happen? Are you deciding how the pancreas is secreting hormones or how many times your heart beats in a day?

We can never obtain enough information to consider rationally whether a decision will be right or wrong. There is no right or wrong only sense or nonsense. A decision or choice point is always flowing forward like a rushing river.

It is the crystalized habit of looking back or reflecting that causes inactivity or doubt.

Those who know do not say.
Those who say do not know.

Yoda

In bible symbolism, the disciple James signifies the attribute of wisdom. Thomas and Matthew respectively represent understanding and will. This trio of faculties of the human psyche and spirit must remain in harmonious balance. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case because of the interference mentioned before.

Wisdom, understanding, and will require experience and maturity. Good judgment is the result of experience. Experience is usually the result of bad judgement.

We often confuse maturity as one of age or experienced lived years. This factually is not the case. Maturity is based in the responsible balance of courage and consideration. It forms a persons character.

Many people are courageous in decision making, yet lack the empathy or consideration on the impact their choices have on others. Some people are too considerate and lack the courage or judgment to make a decision at all.

The human being is a deciding creature. Whether we recognize this or not, we are always shaping our future by our present reality. We are always deciding.

No action is an action. In deciding or the perception of not deciding, you are always moving forward in time. Or are we? Decide.

—-oooOooo—-

M.S.