In a world where we are all being bombarded with huge amounts of true and false information it is essential to develop the skill of discernment. By enhancing the skill of discernment we can improve our overall wellbeing.
Anything that can improve our overall wellbeing is worth in my view investing our time in.
So what exactly is “DISCERNMENT”?
Discernment is the ability to perceive and understand the subtleties and nuances of a situation. It involves being able to distinguish between what is important and what is not, what is true and what is false, what is helpful and what is harmful. When making decisions, discernment is crucial. It enables us to make wise and informed choices, and can help us to avoid making mistakes that could have serious consequences.
There are many factors that can influence our decision-making process. These can include our emotions, our biases, our past experiences, and what is crucial is the information that is available to us.
Without discernment, we may be swayed by these factors and make decisions that are not in our best interests.
One of the key benefits of discernment is that it allows us to see beyond the surface level of a situation. It enables us to look deeper into the matters at hand, to consider all the factors that are involved, and to make a more informed decision as a result.
For example, if we are considering taking a new job, discernment can help us to see beyond the salary and benefits package and to evaluate the company culture, the life-work balance, and the potential for growth and development.
Discernment also allows us to identify and avoid potential pitfalls. When we are faced with a decision, there are often risks and uncertainties involved. Discernment can help us to recognize these risks and to weigh them against the potential rewards. It can also help us to identify potential red flags or warning signs that may indicate that a particular course of action is not advisable.
Another important benefit of discernment is that it helps us to align our decisions with our values and goals. When we are clear about what’s important to us, when we know our values and goals, we are better able to discern which decisions are in alignment with them and which are not. This can help us to avoid making decisions that are not in line with our long-term vision for our lives.
There are several practices that can help us to develop our discernment. These include:
- Practicing mindfulness: By practicing mindfulness, we can become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and biases, and learn to see them more clearly. This can help us to make decisions that are more grounded in reality and less influenced by our own biases and beliefs.
- Seek out different perspectives this is essential: When making decisions, it can be helpful to seek out a range of perspectives from people with different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. This can help us to see a situation from multiple angles, it allows us to see the bigger picture and helps us to avoid getting stuck in our own limited perspective.
- Asking probing questions: When making decisions, it can be helpful to ask ourselves probing questions that challenge our assumptions and biases. For example, we might ask ourselves, “What evidence do I have to support this decision?” or “What are the potential consequences of this decision?”
- Reflecting on past decisions: By reflecting on our past decisions, we can identify patterns and tendencies that may be influencing our current decision-making process. This can help us to make more conscious and deliberate choices in the future.
Discernment is a crucial skill for making wise and informed decisions’ it should be taught and encouraged in our young people. It enables us all to see beyond the surface level of a situation, to identify and avoid potential pitfalls, and to align our decisions with our values and goals.
By practicing mindfulness, seeking out different perspectives, asking probing questions, and reflecting on past decisions, we can develop and enhance our discernment and make better decisions in all areas of our lives therefore improving our mental health and overall wellbeing.
Remember’ Discernment is the ability to see things as they “REALLY” are and not for what you “WANT” them to be.
Jacqui Taaffe
