#159 Conscious choice vs Self-deception

     We've all said and done things that we regretted - immediately, or later, even decades after the fact! We're slow learners and have blind spots. Since we all do what we feel is necessary to survive, our subconscious suppresses those thoughts, words and actions that violate the values we consciously profess. Yes, we even (try to) fool ourselves!
     How else could Earl Jones rob most of his closest family members (& many others) of their life savings in his Ponzi scheme? However, living a divided life (consciously or subconsciously), eats away at us like worms in an apple. How do you suppose Bernie Madoff feels, sitting in prison, about driving his son to commit suicide?
     A cancer on society, is also a cancer in his immediate family and within himself. Each of us is an organic part of a single global community.
     “Some version of the Golden Rule, ‘Treat others as you would want to be treated,’ is core to the moral code of essentially every culture or religion including Greek polytheism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Confucianism, and Buddism.”        Nash DA. Ethics, empathy, and the education of dentists. J Dent Educ 2010; 74(6): 567-78.

     Externally-imposed moral codes are effective for some. For those aware of an inner compass, the universe is but a small bathtub - emptying your bowls while sitting in the bathtub illustrates karma.

     If we start making all our choices consciously, we'll clearly see what our choices bring. Only then can we confidently start doing more of what works - brings joy, and less of what doesn't work - brings suffering.

      Awakening to engage directly with reality requires continuous intelligent effort - mindfulness.

Photo: bluemoonman   www.dpreview.com