One of the most important activities in our life is to set good priorities; to know what in life is most important to us. This is a complex line of thought can sometime be harder to navigate through than it should be. We have received so much conditioning throughout our lives, so it takes some time to consider for ourselves what we think is valuable.
Our parents teach us to value X, Y, and Z; our teachers encourage us to think A, B, and C. Advertising tells us who we should be and what we should look like. All the time, we are getting messages about who we should be, what we should do and what we should have. How often do we ever think about whether we really want to be, do, or have those? How often do we ever think about what actually nourishes our hearts in a truly joyful, vibrant and fulfilling way?
We want to live; we want to be alive! We do not want to live on automatic, like a push-button robot who operates on others’ commands. We all have dreams and aspirations. We want to choose what we do in life because we have some passion for that activity or field. What is your passion? How do you want to contribute to society, to your community, to your family, to your own path? What is your unique talent or ability, and how can you use it to make a difference in the lives of others?
When we set valuable priorities, we choose activities that are for the long-term benefit of ourselves and others. When I need to make a decision, I use a particular set of criteria to evaluate which direction to take. First, I consider, “Which situation is most beneficial for me to keep good ethical conduct?” I want to make sure I don’t hurt others or myself, and keeping good ethical conduct is important for that.
If we sincerely try to live an ethical life, even though we do not make as much money as the next person, or have as nice a house, when we go to bed at night, we feel peaceful. Our mind is calm and free from uncertainty and self-loathing. That inner peace is worth more than anything else we could ever have. Plus, no one else can take our inner peace away from us.
Second, I examine, “Which situation will enable me to be of greatest benefit to others in the long term?” Since another one of my priorities is benefiting others, I evaluate the various options in front of me to understand which one will enable me to do that. Which situation will make it easier for me to cultivate a kind, compassionate and altruistic attitude?
Sometimes our priorities are not what others think they should be. In such a situation, if our priorities are not selfish and they are for the long-term benefit of ourselves and others, then even if other people do not like what we are doing, it really does not matter because we know we are living in a good way. We are confident inside ourselves that our priorities will lead to the long-term benefit of others.
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