This is a reflection on the process of belief development regarding situations in society and humanity but also pertaining to any given situation where we are considering our beliefs.
It is not very seasonal, but I AM weighing in on how to I plan to approach the new year.
Did that really just happen? 2024
What can we look forward to? What should we find ways to avoid?
After carefully assessing risks in a belief, I may risk either not believing, or choose to believe in something, even without conclusive evidence, either way!!!
That which seems possible from some angles, but doubtable from others is fair game to form a belief about (in certain situations that I can not categorise here). Developing the intention to believe can not only cause stronger belief (if that is what we desire) but can also have the effect similar to a self-fulfilling prophecy, by influencing the actual validity of a belief when our belief causes the world around us to change in practical ways, like by changing influential behaviour, or convincing others to form beliefs also. For example, if I believe that the future is going to be good, a positive perspective could trigger events that help make it that way, like more grounded emotions and interactions.
While there are always possibilities, and I could remain agnostic due to lack on conclusive evidence, I aim to instead, develop a more firm belief, in order to avoid potential anxiety surrounding uncertainty, and to avoid belief in negativity, especially in the case that it woulld have a negative impact from forming that belief. Likewise forming a belief or choosing to not believe could determine that the stand we takes becomes accurate such as an “accurate belief,” again in my opinion similar to a self-fulfilling prophecy (important to note, this is not always applicable).
From a different perspective, some of the things which are quite doubtable in certain instances, demand my belief and make the whole process of developing other beliefs in general, very difficult without the absolutely most conclusive evidence, mostly because it raises the bar as to what is impossible, because maybe, not much is.
Then I may get back to agnostic, choosing to not form a belief.
Then I may re-evaluate. If I have to make a decision after pushing myself more on believing, I may get to the point or back to the next default, and perhaps one of the most helpful questions of all, “What difference does it really make, and beyond the intensity that it might impact: honestly, what difference. does. it. really. make?”
Then if I do find necessity based on the more significant and impactful difference in choosing a belief, then I will put wheels in motion (as beliefs tend to do) to develop belief in what I expect to be most probable, but not commit to a belief if it seems potentially helpful not to, and without conclusive proof. Then with careful confidence and consideration, I will take actions that are from my viewpoint: for the better outcome based on believing or not, or choosing to remain agnostic…
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I did mention that it might not appeal to some.
The bottom line is, I aim to be an optimist, because it may influence positive outcomes, help others feel better, and TBH, with careful confidence and consideration, it makes me feel better too.
MacroMichael 