Thursday, January 22

Pascal's Wager

Truth doesn't change, but we do. We are always in a process of seeking and discovering.

We are constantly being bombarded with information. New thoughts, ideas, research, and theories are continually being presented to us as the latest and greatest. Some of this information we accept, and some of it we reject. What causes us to decide one way or another? Some factors could include:

1. intuition- it instinctively seems right or wrong 
2. previously held beliefs- how the new information fits in with our existing knowledge
3. past experiences- how the information corresponds with our first-hand experience
4. impact- what implications come with the information

Other factors depend not on the message but the messenger. Our judgment can be influenced by:

1. the manner in which the material is presented
2. the presenter's level of expertise in this field
3. the witness of the speaker's life
4. the speaker's opinion on other matters

We may wonder about:

1. the speaker's level of conviction
2. the speaker's motives for presenting the information

And we may consider:

1. what other people think about this information
2. the application- how the information affects us

We may immediately be convinced one way or another. If we aren't sure, we will only continue to wrestle with a question if we find value in doing so.

I have heard about oils for years. But I was only recently introduced to Young Living's Essential Oils by my godmother. She is a messenger that I trust. She was in a desperate situation, gave it a go, and has had a profoundly positive experience.

I'll admit that my decision to try oils was motivated by her, and my desire to help her. However, I had something to gain. I'm not the epitome of health- I have a lot of different issues. What have I got to lose? The least this could do is teach me a little about plants and give me a sensory adventure. Best case scenario is they work, and they help me. What a fun way to pursue healthy living through the power of nature with a network of like minded people- especially my family!

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