Our lives are always inundated with decisions, small and large, which are not always easy to make. We fear that if we make the wrong decision, this can lead us to unpleasant consequences. Our fear is completely justified since we know that life is unpredictable and we try to hold on to the illusion that we can, in some way, control or plan events in our life or, at least, minimize their negative outcomes.
So, we ponder and ponder what way to take, what decision to make...
Because we know we cannot just rely on our rational mind, we opt for alternative practices that quiet our mind, balance our emotional upheavals and sharpen our instinctive intelligence, so we meditate before making a decision.
Sometimes, we think that having a drink while admiring the Torres del Paine in Patagonia can give us the relaxation, inspiration and courage to make the right decision.
Other times, we have too many choices in front of us to make a clear decision...
...or we might ask others which way to go, which is not a bad idea if they are truly wise and generous people.
1) Is this decision beneficial for me?
2) Is this decision also beneficial for others, especially those in need? and,
3) will this decision improve or at least not damage the environment that sustains me and others?
Banks and corporations, for example, usually answer the first question with a definite "Yes" but their historical responses to the other two questions have been a resounding "No".
So, if we answer these three questions with a "Yes!", we should go ahead and make our decision. In doing it, we will embrace the uncertainty of the future, but at least, we will know that our mind and heart are in synchronicity.
Anatomy of a Decision
So, we ponder and ponder what way to take, what decision to make...
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| Copyright © 2013 Nancy Barra "To do or not to do", Rockport, Massachusetts |
Because we know we cannot just rely on our rational mind, we opt for alternative practices that quiet our mind, balance our emotional upheavals and sharpen our instinctive intelligence, so we meditate before making a decision.
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Copyright © 2011 Nancy Barra "Meditation at Sunset", Rockport, Massachusetts.
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Sometimes, we think that having a drink while admiring the Torres del Paine in Patagonia can give us the relaxation, inspiration and courage to make the right decision.
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| Copyright © 2013 Eduardo Sanzana, "Pisco Sour in Patagonia", Patagonia, Chile. |
Other times, we have too many choices in front of us to make a clear decision...
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Copyright © 2011 Nancy Barra "Which way should I go?", Prague, Czech Republic.
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...or we might ask others which way to go, which is not a bad idea if they are truly wise and generous people.
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| Copyright © 2008 Nancy Barra, "Ocean Breeze", Pastel on paper,from:Nancy Barra Contemporary Art/Arte Contemporáneo |
In the end, I think that before we make a decision we should answer three basic and inter-related questions:
1) Is this decision beneficial for me?
2) Is this decision also beneficial for others, especially those in need? and,
3) will this decision improve or at least not damage the environment that sustains me and others?
Banks and corporations, for example, usually answer the first question with a definite "Yes" but their historical responses to the other two questions have been a resounding "No".
So, if we answer these three questions with a "Yes!", we should go ahead and make our decision. In doing it, we will embrace the uncertainty of the future, but at least, we will know that our mind and heart are in synchronicity.
Anatomy of a Decision
Walking on the beach, she was thinking about what direction to take in her life. She needed to make a decision....
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Copyright © 2014 Nancy Barra, "Anatomy of a Decision",Triptych 1, Oil on canvas 8" x 23.5",from:Nancy BarraContemporary Art/Arte Contemporáneo
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Then, she asked herself the three basic questions. When she answered "Yes!" to each of them, she began to walk decidedly with confidence and hope, knowing exactly what to do.
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Copyright © 2014 Nancy Barra, "Anatomy of a Decision",Triptych 2, Oil on canvas 8" x 23.5",from:Nancy BarraContemporary Art/Arte Contemporáneo
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The decision was made. She began to run towards the ocean, ready to embrace the unexpected with her mind at peace and her heart full of love. Her fear then began to vanish.
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Copyright © 2014 Nancy Barra, "Anatomy of a Decision",Triptych 3, Oil on canvas 8" x 23.5",from:Nancy BarraContemporary Art/Arte Contemporáneo
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May I add that the pictures in visualizations that you use are just awesome!
ReplyDeleteDear Nancy, your entry is not only beautiful and true and poignant but also timely. In a time when we are encouraged to produce and give at all costs, it is important to stop and ask ourselves the three questions. You are so right in having our mind and heart be as one. Only when we can be sure in ourselves and true to the nature of mother nature can we hope to bring love and happiness and peace into our lives. Thank you for your awesome and wonderful reminders!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Loreto, for your kind and encouraging words.
ReplyDelete