Years ago a friend shared a triptych article. The writer’s premise was that our bodies made decisions before we were aware. The article walked through the evidence showing how there was a very short time between the instant of deciding and our minds knowing. This would suggest that our conscious mind did not control many of the decisions we think we make. The author’s view was that while we controlled all decisions, some were preset by what we fed our emotional hearts. Other decision types, usually ones with deep consideration, were a combination of thinking and emotions. The solution to ensuring that our automatic decisions were aligned with our priorities and values centered on what and how we fed our hearts.
As I walked out of the office I was working in, the Circular Road noise was in full swing. The mixture of restaurants, karaoke venues, and dive bars combined with people spilling out into the street, echoes of songs being sung off keyed, and cat calls of girls inviting any and everyone to come inside their establishment.
It was late and I was hungry. As I looked left and right for options for my stomach, I found myself wondering about what I was feeding my heart. Did I realize everything that I consumed during the course of a day, week, or month? Was I intentional with the specifics? What was my health like; have I checked my emotional weight recently?
It is an interesting question that I am not sure I want to examine closely. An odd reminder came in an extract from a psalm; “You can wade through your enemies’ blood, and your dogs taste of your enemies from your boots.” (Psalm 68.23) Is that what I want to feed my heart which is turn is making many of my life’s decisions?
I cannot change yesterday’s consumption. I have a choice now and there are options! Amazing stuff of quality is there for the acceptance; letting a vivid sunset repaint my soul or allowing the smile of a stranger wrap itself around my heart.
