Discernment is defined as the ability to judge well. What does that mean anyway? To judge well? I’m not sure I agree with that definition. In my humble opinion, discernment can be best described as:
a moment in time where we are offered an opportunity to know what is right for us. A moment in time when we choose what resonates deep within our heart. A moment in time when we make a choice that best suits the evolution of our soul.
I like to think of it as the space between breath and reaction. The quiet stillness between the conflict of the ego and the soul. An internal knowing of what is elevating us and what is contracting us. It’s the emotional time out we take before reacting from a patterned, triggered place.
The issues with discernment, as I see it are instant gratification and old triggers.
We have this appendage we call our phone, and it can get us the information we need right when we need it. The question is, do we really need it? And do we really need it in that moment? If we can find what we think we need, in a moment when we think we need it, are we offering up space to evaluate if we really even need it or not?
Maybe not. Then we’re left with information taking up brain space that we really didn’t need.
Old triggers … yeah, you know what I’m talking about. Something happens that’s not really in alignment with your “chi” and you fly off the handle. You say something that feels “old”, react in a way that is less than love and then you’re left standing there wondering “who the hell was that person?”
Don’t tell me you’ve never experienced these things either. I know you have.
How to remedy this? You take a breath. FYI, it’s free. And it feels good.
In that one breath, space is infinite, presence is palpable, love is emanating, and the soul is ignited. In that moment, that one moment in breath, we are offered a second to discern what is really happening. And we are better able to act from a place more in alignment with our soul.
Discerning what is real, not judging what is right. This one simple act can change the world.
By Dana Damara
“My passion on the mat is proper alignment, powerful breath and effortless flow so you feel that off your mat. Your practice becomes sacred space where you arrive to find more meaning, depth, authenticity and integrity in your life."
- Dana Damara: mother, author, yoga instructor, speaker and yogini. Visit DanaDamara.com for more inspiration from Dana.
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