What choices are not necessarily authentic?

If I choose to do something purely to get it done, I may be productive. If I choose to do something to keep busy, my actions may successfully respond to the proverb “idle hands are the devil’s playground.” If I choose to do something because I know I can do it fast, I may prove that I’m efficient. If I choose to do something because I know I can do it well, I may prove my competence. In no case, however, am I necessarily choosing authentically.
If I choose to do something because it’s the way we always do it in this family, I may be following tradition loyally. If I choose to avoid the “wrong kind of people,” I may be a good boy or girl. If I choose to work hard and rise up through professional ranks to a more and more responsible position, I may garner a reputation that brings me respect and admiration. If I choose to increase my knowledge of a particular field of study, I may become an expert. In no case, however, am I necessarily choosing authentically.
If I choose to follow the wisdom of sages or practices of spiritual traditions, I may become adept and feel spiritual. Yet, I still might not be choosing authentically.
So if choosing authentically is not necessarily any of these choices, what is it? That’s what we’ll go into in our next blog.