A consequence is a result or effect of an action or condition. B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) is best known for developing the theory of Operant Conditioning, which uses re-enforcers or consequences to change behavior. According to this theory, the rate at which a certain behavior occurs is determined not by what precedes it, but by the consequence that follows it. For example, when a child puts away his toys, he gets praised by his parent. This positive consequence of the child’s behavior will increase the likelihood that he will put away his toys after playing with them.
But what about when the consequence for an action is a punishment, and how does that affect the decision or behavior? It seems that the consequence of positive reinforcement or punishment can factor into the decisions for some, but not for others. Perception of a consequence may form adaptive behavior, which brings consciousness into the equation. If we reform our decisions to act based on a perception of consequence, the new model is formed by what is referred to as a conscious agent.
Is the reason that people disregard the consequences of their actions due to a low level of conscious awareness in the face of a conscious agent? Impulsive behavior might be a sign that we were removed from intuition, thus in a state of lower consciousness. I am reminded of the time my 12-year-old self jumped off the roof of a house to avoid being caught and broke my ankle (tee tee). Let’s get a whisper on the subject of consequence:
Human behavior is established by the conditioning each person experienced as a child, and the conditions under which they currently operate. Change the conditions and you change the way a person expresses their identity. If a child is raised without a means to increase conscious awareness, they are likely to face challenges with regard to fully perceiving the potential consequence of their actions. Spiritual lessons are part of the operant conditions. Whether the teachings come from the parent, the church, or the community, each person will make better decisions when some consciousness of consequence is built into the thought-to-action equation.
No one can predict the future, so any potential consequence can easily be disregarded. One of the keys to the perception of consequences revolves around levels of compassion. When higher levels of compassion are held in matching vibrations with expressing core values, behaviors are more likely to be driven by peaceful perceptions. The conscious agent evokes awareness around how others might be affected, consequences become more of a factor, and consciousness is expressed through actions.
Create a more peaceful environment, and the operant conditions will create higher vibrations. Demonstrate compassion through a greater awareness of consequences to lead by example. There would be no need for punishment if everyone took reasonability for their actions. Failure to commit to any action that is void of love would make connecting to love the only consequence. Behavior modeled under a perception of compassion would mean an individual could thrive when looking inside, for all they would see is light in the world.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of. An apparently trivial indulgence in lust or anger today is the loss of a ridge or railway line or bridgehead from which the enemy may launch an attack otherwise impossible.” C. S. Lewis
