Hello, dear readers!
Welcome back to our newsletter. Today, we dive into a topic that often blurs the lines for many of us: the distinction between judgment and discernment.
This distinction is subtle, but suuuuppppper important in our daily lives, shaping our decisions, relationships, and overall outlook.
Understanding their nuances can lead to more thoughtful and harmonious living.
Judgment vs. Discernment: Unveiling the Differences
1. Judgment: The Critical Eye
Judgment is often perceived as a negative act, conjuring images of harsh criticism and condemnation. But it's essential to remember that judgment is a natural part of our cognitive process. We use judgment to form opinions and make evaluations based on our beliefs, values, and past experiences. It's what helps us discern right from wrong and make informed choices.
However, the shadow side of judgment lies in its potential for bias and prejudice, and in keeping us stuck in the ego’s outlook of: right/wrong, and good/bad thinking. This dualistic way of thinking is often overly simplistic, and keeps us stuck in old patterns of Being.
Judgment is like super glue that tethers us to limiting stories. When we learn to dissolve our judgments we free ourselves from these stories, and open our perspective to vastly new possibilities.
2. Discernment: The Wise Observer
Imagine going to a buffet, picking up your empty plate and surveying the option before you. What will you have? Will it be the fettuccini Alfredo, or perhaps you’ll go for the lasagna. Maybe instead you’ll stick to the egg salad. Whatever you decide on, what you’re doing in making this decision is discernment. You are figuring out what your preference is. You’re not going around making certain options bad, or wrong. No, you’re simply figuring out what your preference is in this now-moment. That’s the difference between discernment and judgment.
Discernment is a more refined and empathetic ability. It involves a deeper level of awareness and mindfulness. Discernment is about perceiving situations or people without jumping to conclusions. It's the act of observing, listening, and evaluating with an open heart and mind.
Discernment encourages us to seek understanding, to put ourselves in others' shoes, and to acknowledge the complexity of life's many shades. It empowers us to make decisions that are not solely based on judgment but rather on a holistic view of the circumstances.
Why Does the Distinction Matter?
In our personal and professional lives, the ability to discern can lead to more compassionate and effective interactions. By practicing discernment, we can avoid hasty judgments that may damage relationships.
Developing discernment can support us in our personal growth journey by encouraging us to learn from our experiences rather than labeling them as good/bad, right/wrong. It helps us navigate life's challenges with resilience.
Discernment plays a pivotal role in resolving conflicts. Instead of immediately judging someone's actions, taking a discerning approach can uncover underlying motivations and emotions, leading to more meaningful resolutions.
In essence:
Welcome back to our newsletter. Today, we dive into a topic that often blurs the lines for many of us: the distinction between judgment and discernment.
This distinction is subtle, but suuuuppppper important in our daily lives, shaping our decisions, relationships, and overall outlook.
Understanding their nuances can lead to more thoughtful and harmonious living.
Judgment vs. Discernment: Unveiling the Differences
1. Judgment: The Critical Eye
Judgment is often perceived as a negative act, conjuring images of harsh criticism and condemnation. But it's essential to remember that judgment is a natural part of our cognitive process. We use judgment to form opinions and make evaluations based on our beliefs, values, and past experiences. It's what helps us discern right from wrong and make informed choices.
However, the shadow side of judgment lies in its potential for bias and prejudice, and in keeping us stuck in the ego’s outlook of: right/wrong, and good/bad thinking. This dualistic way of thinking is often overly simplistic, and keeps us stuck in old patterns of Being.
Judgment is like super glue that tethers us to limiting stories. When we learn to dissolve our judgments we free ourselves from these stories, and open our perspective to vastly new possibilities.
2. Discernment: The Wise Observer
Imagine going to a buffet, picking up your empty plate and surveying the option before you. What will you have? Will it be the fettuccini Alfredo, or perhaps you’ll go for the lasagna. Maybe instead you’ll stick to the egg salad. Whatever you decide on, what you’re doing in making this decision is discernment. You are figuring out what your preference is. You’re not going around making certain options bad, or wrong. No, you’re simply figuring out what your preference is in this now-moment. That’s the difference between discernment and judgment.
Discernment is a more refined and empathetic ability. It involves a deeper level of awareness and mindfulness. Discernment is about perceiving situations or people without jumping to conclusions. It's the act of observing, listening, and evaluating with an open heart and mind.
Discernment encourages us to seek understanding, to put ourselves in others' shoes, and to acknowledge the complexity of life's many shades. It empowers us to make decisions that are not solely based on judgment but rather on a holistic view of the circumstances.
Why Does the Distinction Matter?
In our personal and professional lives, the ability to discern can lead to more compassionate and effective interactions. By practicing discernment, we can avoid hasty judgments that may damage relationships.
Developing discernment can support us in our personal growth journey by encouraging us to learn from our experiences rather than labeling them as good/bad, right/wrong. It helps us navigate life's challenges with resilience.
Discernment plays a pivotal role in resolving conflicts. Instead of immediately judging someone's actions, taking a discerning approach can uncover underlying motivations and emotions, leading to more meaningful resolutions.
In essence:
- Discernment is the ability to make decisions from the perspective of mindful Awareness.
- Judgment is the ability to make decisions from the perspective of Ego.
Cultivating Discernment
So, how can we cultivate discernment in our lives? Here are some tips:
Practice Mindfulness: Regular mindfulness meditation can help you become a more conscious observer of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions.
Seek Understanding: Make an effort to truly understand others' perspectives before passing judgment. Ask questions, listen actively, and empathize.
Challenge Your Assumptions: Be aware of your own biases and preconceived notions. Challenge them and be open to alternative viewpoints. As the Swiss psychoanalyst, Carl Jung said: “thinking is difficult, that is why most people judge”.
Instead of judging yourself harshly for mistakes, use them as opportunities to invite discernment into your life for the purpose of growth.
In Conclusion
The distinction between judgment and discernment is a subtle but powerful one.
Judgment keeps us stuck reliving old family patterns
Discernment allows us to make choices and decisions that are truly in alignment for us, without the added baggage of making others wrong, so we can be right (and vice versa).
Discernment can bring depth, empathy, and wisdom to our lives. By nurturing our discerning abilities, we can navigate life's complex crossroads with grace and understanding.
And, in doing so, fostering growth and self overcoming of limiting stories and beliefs.
We hope this newsletter has shed some light on this important distinction and inspired you to incorporate more discernment into your daily life.
Remember, it's not about eliminating judgment altogether, but about balancing it with the art of discernment for a richer, more harmonious existence.
Thank you for being part of our community, and as always, we welcome your thoughts and feedback.
Love and Power,
Alex