A decision made in ignorance or
with knowledge…that’s the question! (Part 2)

Reading Time: 3 min.

“Everyone can give you advice, but the final decision is yours.” – Aboubakar Victorien Zié Coulibaly

To understand this article, it is necessary to take the time to read Part 1.

In Part 1, The Killer Question was left open. Here is the question: How do we, who are ignorant of the subject, go about making conscious decisions?

What to do?

To be aware that we are fully responsible for what happens to us, that we make our choices with free will, whether those choices are made knowingly or not. “Taking responsibility for what happens to us is the key phrase of those who wish to increase their consciousness.” – Rael ¹

Also keep in mind that there will necessarily be favorable or unfavorable consequences for oneself in the short, medium, and long term.

And finally, knowing that we are the only ones who can meet our needs. Others are only supportive and, most importantly, are not responsible for our decisions.

Knowing these three premises, there are two choices:

1. We can choose to continue to believe. This keeps us in lazy thinking. This thinking is pleasant because it requires little effort on our part. We only have to adopt the convincing argument of the authority, but how poor and sometimes perverse. We conform and let the authority have the upper hand over us.

1. On the other hand, we can listen to/connect with our feelings. That is to say, become aware of the effect that the authority’s discourse has on us (uneasiness, questioning, vagueness, pressure, fear, confidence, doubt, etc.). These feelings are indicators to take a step back and begin a process of understanding. Consequently, we are in a relationship of equality in which our position is that of the counterpart. Our point of view brings a difference and, coupled with the discourse of the authority, allows us to say yes or no with full knowledge of the facts. And then be able to make a free and informed decision.

How to do it?

Without being exclusive, two complementary methods can help us in our decision making:

• The CAROTES method ²

This technique is used when we feel tensions such as being hungry, shocked/frustrated, lonely/isolated or tired, etc. These tensions must be taken seriously. They can distort our judgment, amplifying the problem or leading us to adopt inappropriate behaviors, such as making an impulsive decision.

Let’s look briefly at what the acronym means:

C: Calm one’s hunger, one’s anger, to rest;

A: Action. Going for a walk, cooking, etc. helps to get your mind right;

R: Recul/Step back. Take a step back by talking to someone you trust, write down your thoughts, your questions. In short, get away from your worries;

O: Optimist. Anticipate with hope that a solution is possible, even if it is not perfect;

T: Time. Give yourself time to do the thinking;

E: Étapes/Stages. Assess whether the situation can be reviewed in stages, allowing decisions to be made at each stage;

S: Support. Even with exercise, indecision remains. Further consultation or research may be necessary.

• The BRAIN method ³

This method is interesting when we address the authority or an expert and want to establish an equal relationship.

It requires to have identified what we want. The targeted result can be shared with our interlocutor. An exchange is then made with a common goal. Then the proposal and the solution are analyzed based on the following items:

B: Benefits. What are the elements that support such solution and proposal? What would be the positive consequences?

R: Risks. What are the disadvantages of such solution and proposal? What would be the negative consequences?

A: Alternatives. Besides this solution and proposal, what are the other options? Their advantages, disadvantages, consequences?

I: Intuition. How do I feel about his/her answers?

N: Nothing. Doing nothing, waiting are also options. Take the time to think about it, do more research, consult another expert, etc.

It is important to recognize that these two methods have their limits. However, they provide us with a reflective framework and, above all, encourage us to be wise.

“To change, it is important to reach a certain level of wisdom by developing three main things: have the wisdom to recognise our limits by recognising what can be achieved and what can’t; have enough energy to accomplish what can be accomplished; and accept what cannot be changed.” – Rael ⁴

¹ Words of Maitreya – 42 years of awakening from A to Z, p. 89

² (In French only) https://www.monemploi.com/magazines/la-technique-carotes-etat-d-esprit-et-prise-de-decision

³ This method is used mainly in the context of childbirth. However, it has the quality of being transferable to another context that requires informed decision making. https://nurturerva.org/2014/06/04/brain-an-acronym-for-informed-decision-making/

⁴ Words of Maitreya – 42 years of awakening from A to Z, p. 103