Are we free to determine our own fate or are we fated by predetermined decisions and actions?
Are we able to make a free choice unbeholden to our previous thoughts, actions, and optional paths, or are we stuck on a preset route made-up by our own personal histories?
Can we choose to go to Pilates because we have the freedom to reach that destination without interpersonal decisions weighing on our conscience?
Or are we determined to visit a pilates studio because we tried it in college, the friends we’ve chosen visit the same studio too, the social influences we listen to tell us it’s the new and trending thing to do, or is it because we purposefully chose to live next to a studio with a coastal view?
When is the moment that we acknowledge that we can be present in our daily lives and make meaningful choices that will shape our lives for a better future when we are unable to know what lies ahead of us?
Well if you haven’t figured it out already I’m talking to you about the concept of Free Will vs Determinism. Yup, that’s right the idea that we either (in an ideal world of black and white, with no grey area in between) can freely choose each next step with no hindering influences or we are already determined on our path by our previous actions, leaving us ultimately with no real choices.
Now you may be diving into your mind, think lightly - this concept shouldn’t give you too much grief, to ask yourself “What moments have I already experienced in my life, the past year, or even today that have gotten me here”? Think about it, did you give yourself time to make lunch before work? If not, now you must pick something up at the local deli or sandi shop, unless you “choose” to abstain out of spite or hunger. So really was that a choice or a pre-determined path, based on the fact that you didn’t prepare yourself for the future?
But, don’t go down the rabbit hole. There is more than one way to peak through this looking glass…
Let’s say you didn’t pack lunch and are starving. It’s 12 o’clock on the dot and you can’t wait to start nibbling on that Monday special avo, turkey club the shop downstairs prepares just perfectly. You look up and your co-worker is walking toward you. Before you can say anything, they ask to go to lunch at the new fusion cuisine spot down the street. PAUSE! Take a second and think. You ultimately have multiple routes you can take. One, you can go get that sandwich you’ve been drooling over. Two, you can go to lunch and try something new, maybe have a conversation about the new exhibit at MOMA in NY and how Williamsburg isn’t as trendy as it was in 2016, or run into your middle school best friend at the restaurant. Three, petition your immaturity by resisting monetary temptation and resist the satisfaction of a full belly and beating heart.
So the argument stands, do you have free will or are you determined by your previous set of actions?
I’d argue that being present in your life gives you the freedom to choose your path. Being able to observe your daily thoughts, behaviors, conversations, actions, and patterns gives you the freedom to choose your next whimsical adventure. It gives you the ability to take charge in your life, “seize the day” as they say (or carpe diem, if you please).
Now let’s pause again. Think through your choices. What are the repercussions of your actions? What will happen if you choose to eat the sandwich; will you be too full for the delicious leftovers from Reunion Kitchen waiting for you in the fridge at home? What happens if you go to the restaurant; will you decide you miss city life and immediately apply to every big city on the east coast? What happens if you miss lunch (PLEASE tell me you didn’t take this option if you thought about it drink some water and try again)? Well, if you took health in high school, you should know that you need to eat protein, fats, and carbs to keep that little body and big brain functioning at peak capacity. Don’t be a fool, fuel yourself and be great. Drastic and potentially dramatic, I know, but these little decisions and hypothetical situations are just considerations of what may occur when you take choice into account. It’s all about being present.
Let the opportunities in your life flow through to your front doorstep. Let your future align with your thoughts and actions. The more presence you give yourself, the more choices you will see in front of you. The more choices you allow yourself, the more freedom you have for your next adventure. So go on the adventure of a lifetime and build your dream, make sure you keep your honor and your diginity. You can’t take your house to the grave but you can keep your promises.