Originally published by Fr. Kenneth J Nelan, MOSF on October 29th, 2010 – modified for readability and to update concepts.
Discernment ~ a process where one sits in silence and examines the path laid out before them. Literally it means to understand something not before seen or understood
Webster, 2010.
It was a thing usually reserved for religious or philosophically-minded individuals; however, today it is a term most appropriate for those who have chosen a path of personal or global awareness. It is a process of discovery and awakening.
We are, right now, in a time of awakening, a time of discovering how we fit into the world around us, and now more than ever we should be discerning how we interact with our sisters and brothers on this earth and with our own inner spirit.
We are beings with three separate and distinct parts, or as they are sometimes called, bodies, all of which need equal attention. When we ignore one of the bodies, they all fall out of balance. Discernment can help bring them back to equilibrium, or what is commonly known as homeostasis – “stability”.
The Quiet Mind
So exactly how does discernment come into play? Have you ever meditated? Have you ever sat in quiet contemplation of events or things affecting you? Have you ever let go of any and all expectations for a result while trying to discover the meaning behind an event or reading? Then you have already taken part in a process of discernment.
Discernment is an acceptance or a part of taking accountability for one’s being, actions, thoughts, or words.
Discernment is a process of growth.
When do we need discernment and why should I care?
We need discernment to help forge a path through the obstructions in our minds. When our minds become cluttered, we miss some truly awesome “+Creator” (+Divine) moments of inner and outer discovery in our lives. We’re not talking about some “woohoo” experience or some way out fantasy stuff here; we are talking about our own greater connection to the Universal Force which binds all of existence together.
There is rhythm and purpose behind even the most out-of-control bits of chaos. We need discernment because we are all led by our inner voices and by an outer force that is greater than anything we can ever imagine. Whether you call it by the term God, Spirit, Energy, Being, Angel, or some other anthropomorphic name there is something which St. Anselm referred to as “a being than which none greater can be conceived” (Anselm, 1962).
When do we need discernment?
~ A chance encounter with just the right person at just the right time suddenly happens.
~ A thought or conviction keeps growing or nagging at you in the back of your mind.
~ Something from a particular reading keeps surfacing in your mind.
~ Something said in a conversation that keeps coming to the forefront of your mind.
~ An opportunity suddenly opens up – and if you ignore it, it ‘bites back’, becoming harder to stop the more you or anyone else tries to hold it back.
Meditation
How do we discern?
It’s actually something we do naturally and many of us have experienced it without even knowing we’ve done so. We first learn to discern through Daydreaming; the process of letting our minds wander about freely but usually associated with something about which we have been thinking. In daydreaming, we begin a process of discernment by letting go of an expected outcome. We let go of preconception and control, and just exist within our minds freely roaming the vast oceans of possibilities.
Then, finally, we focus our attention on a given theme, event, situation, or area that needs our attention. We then draw ourselves into what it is that has surfaced and allow our minds to freely explore all aspects of whatever we are discerning. It’s much like a brainstorming session in that we freely allow any and all thoughts regarding that which needs attention to flow unrestrained until something stands out and makes us take notice of its presence. Then we hone in on that path and delve deeper into the issue until we either find a resolution or need a break for a while.
At Peace
If we find resolution, the last part of discernment is engaging in action. We have a choice that we alone must make. We have to look at all possible outcomes for making the choice (another part of discernment) and then follow through with the decision for the betterment of our beings.
If we don’t find a resolution, and even if we do, we should seek out competent advisers with whom we can explore the fullness of our beings. If nothing else, we can always use a sounding board to help us muddle through our own minds and decision processes.
We are so much more than the sum of our parts and we are so worth the time and effort to pause and discern our place in the universe. It’s time to come out of hiding and accept that we have a spiritual side and that our spirituality affects our mental processes (even if one doesn’t believe in a Divine being, there is some part of them that connects to some force or thing which they deem to be greater than themselves.) It’s time to recognize our emotions can have effects on our physical bodies. It’s time to give voice to all parts of the whole and let go of preconceptions.
It is okay to take time for the self and for personal discovery. Sit with yourself in silence and discover yourself again.
Peace.
