InnerSelf.com

Heart-Based Decisions

by Debbie Milam

(Editor's Note: While this article was written for the 2004 elections, it is still very pertinent for this and all elections.)

Each and every moment we are given the wonderful gift of free will to make choices. These choices can be as simple as choosing what to wear or what to eat. Personal choices rarely affect another person.

Then there are intrapersonal choices, decisions that affect another person. Choices like deciding to be kind instead of right, the choice to honor the divine presence in your loved ones, the choice to choose love instead of fear. These decisions not only have a profound effect on the other person they also deeply shape the person you are.

Finally, there are choices that affect our planet. Choices like making wise environmental decisions that can bring the earth back into harmony and balance. Choices like electing world leaders who value humanity and will strive to serve the greater good of all. These choices have long term ramifications and can shape our global experience.

When making difficult decisions that affect another person or the entire planet it is essential that we take time to go within and receive the clarity to make the highest choice possible. Here are four simple steps to guide your process:

1. Learn as much as you can about the issue or issues. Read as many sources as possible to get to full picture of the situation, many times the truth is somewhere in the middle.
2. Listen to the intentions, not the fear. Much of what is portrayed to us by politicians and the media is fear-based. See beyond the illusion.
3. Take several deep breaths and go to your higher power. Ask for guidance so the truth can be clear. Invite God to help you make a decision that will serve the greater good of all.
4. Imagine the outcome of your choices in one day, one month, one year, five years. Then imagine the alternative choice in the same way. Which feels better in your heart? Which choice has the potential to raise the consciousness of humanity? Which choice can bring about peace?

For those of us living in the United States, the choice each of us will make on the first Tuesday in November warrants much thought and introspection because it will affect our lives and the lives of our children for generations to come. Please take time to go to your higher power and make a choice from your heart.

I cannot tell you who to vote for, I believe this is a personal decision that each of us must make. What I do ask is that you make a conscious heart-based choice. That you take time to intentionally consider the plans each candidate and their running mates have for bringing the United States of America back to a place of trust, prosperity, and peace.

For those of you around the world I ask you to please pray for clarity and integrity for the American voters. This election holds global ramifications and needs as much light as possible.

What an awesome responsibility it is to have the free will to make heart-based decisions. The time is now to go within and discover the truth that can serve the highest good. The world is waiting for your choice, are you ready?

Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
by Thich Nhat Hanh.

World-renowned Zen master, spiritual leader, and author Thich Nhat Hanh shows us how to make positive use of the very situations that usually pressure and antagonize us. Lucidly and beautifully written, Peace Is Every Step contains commentaries and meditations, personal anecdotes and stories from Nhat Hanh's experiences as a peace activist, teacher, and community leader. The author also shows how to be aware of relationships with others and of the world around us, its beauty and also its pollution and injustices. 

Info/Order this book.

About the Author

Debbie Milam is a peace educator and founder of the nonprofit organization, The Creating Peace Project. She is the author of Creating Peace Within Yourself, Your Family, and Your Community. Sign up for her free e-zine: http://www.creatingpeaceproject.org and receive the transformational special reports 35 Ways to Achieve Instant Calm and The 7 Steps to Peace, Health, and Happiness.

Share this article