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When people think of the word conscience, perhaps one of the first things that pops to mind are those two little fellows sitting on our shoulders. One is dressed in a white gown and has wings, while the other is wearing red and displaying horns on his head. Sound familiar? And while they bicker back and forth, we must go through the judgment process and make a decision.

The human conscience is developed on many levels. We learn right from wrong in our homes, in our schools, from our personal faiths, and by the laws that govern us. From the moment we are born, we are digesting morals and creating fears. We learn at a young age that if we do not follow the rules we will be punished. Yet each individual conscience is unique. Some people may not have a spiritual faith and therefore have no fears of remorse by breaking a couple of commandments, while others say their penance. Some people may choose to dodge an army draft because they feel war is not the answer, while others throw their lives to the front lines. Attempting to weigh what is appropriate and what is not becomes an individual experience. Therefore, the conscience works on two separate levels, the social level and the individual level. And finding that inner balance becomes a part of the human journey.

Perhaps the true conscience is not of the mind, but instead lies in the human heart. In place of I think therefore I am', we could be saying I feel therefore I am'. The mind is the tool that processes all the evidence we need in order to make a judgment call. But before we make that final decision, it is our hearts that has the last say. When decisions have been made in good conscience' there are no regrets to come back to haunt us. But if we make a decision that is based upon what others expect of us, chances are there may be regrets. In the end, it comes down to your conscience is your own personal judge. When life seems complex and we don't really know which way to turn, then perhaps it is time to turn inward. By allowing your inner conscience be your own personal judge and following your heart, life can become a little less complicated.

Learn more about this author, Patricia Travers.
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