Discernment and Judgement

Discernment is an inner guide or compass. It is loving and expansive, and offers freedom, honor and options. Judgment on the other hand dishonors, condemns, and contradicts.

Judgment is all about others. It always sets up a polarity or emotional value of this is good and this is bad. An example of this is: A person looks at a brown car and decides brown cars are boring and ugly.

Being judgmental forms a vicious cycle. The very nature of judgment is to always focus or look at the bad. And since "like attracts like" looking for the bad becomes the black DOT, or primary focus. The alarming reality of this is, not only does one only focus on the bad in others, but that is all they can see about themselves. To be honest, one first becomes intimate with their own feelings of shame and inferiority. Then as a way to get relief, they target someone else to shame, so they can feel superior (rather than inferior).

Discernment on the other hand is assessing a situation objectively, with no emotional attachment, to decide what ones decision is. In this case: A person looks at the brown car and decides they do not care for the color of the car. Discernment is all about oneself, This is not for me. Discernment does not offer excuses, blame others or make empty promises. Discerning individuals do not change the facts to what they think they should say, they conform their actions to the facts.

Discerning individuals accept others just as they are. And they are aware they have choices or options that can assist them so their best interest is served. For example, I accept that my co-worker talks a lot about how "rough" her life is. For me, this is not something I enjoy hearing or taking a part in. In a conversation if I notice she is doing this, I have options on what I can do. I can change the direction of the conversation to a topic that we both enjoy, I can excuse myself from her company, etc. Discernment is all about choosing what kind of experience and life you want for yourself.

Discerning individuals have the following attributes:

▸ They know disagreeing is an acceptable option

▸ They are in charge of their life, and ready to make choices

▸ They know NO THANK YOU is an acceptable response

▸ They realize some people may not like or agree with their decision and choices

▸ They choose what brings them peace

▸ If in the process they feel uncomfortable they know this is acceptable, as they are forming a new habit that serves them

While we may decide to discern rather than judge from here on out, we have to realize that judgment does exist within us, unconsciously at times, formed from past belief systems and old habits that we have not yet released. So if you do catch yourself judging, don't judge the judgment! Simply be thankful it came up to be recognized and can be released. This now gives you the option to "switch gears" and discern at the next opportunity.

Mary Kay Buttery,2005

Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it just makes you walk funny. "Kathryn Carpenter"

Mary Kay is a natural healer, passionate that people discover peace and simplicity in their everyday experiences. She facilitates live events in the Las Vegas area. Be sure to visit her website and sign up for her *FREE* Monthly Newsletter, which is filled with inspirational, motivational and helpful information on creating a life you truly love. You may contact Mary Kay directly by calling 702-239-5451 or e-mailing: marykay@sfgtd.com

Anamcara - The Blessing of Peace

"Come out of the circle of time and into... Read More

Journaling for Two

Journaling is a powerful tool that can enhance our lives... Read More

Anamchara - Making Sense of Life

Many successful persons advise you start your day with a... Read More

Take Action and Make a Better World

Albert Einstein is quoted as having said, "the world is... Read More

Directions For Life

Give people more than they expect and do it... Read More

The Information Age

Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 1,... Read More

My Journey

I believe it's important for you to develop a mission... Read More

No Problem!

Thanks to Walt Disney's "The Lion King", children the world... Read More

Discernment and Judgement

Discernment is an inner guide or compass. It is loving... Read More

Live the Adventure!

Think of an adventure that you might like to take.... Read More

Spring Quotations - Top 30 Quotations About Spring Time

"Is it so small a thing To have enjoy'd the... Read More

Encouraging Blossoms of Achievement

The tiny dogwood sapling was only a twig when my... Read More

Create Your Way Out of It

When life has you feeling less than happy, and you... Read More

Beluga Whale Hits the River

Wonders never cease. Just when those in our area of... Read More

Your Inner Wisdom -- Crouching Ego, Hidden Guru

Wouldn't it be nice if you had a spiritual counselor... Read More

Playing With Fire

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 21,... Read More

The Karate Kid

I have an unexpected relationship problem. It's hard to believe... Read More

Two Drops Of Water

Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 17,... Read More

The Research Sector

Kevin had worked as a barber at The Clipper Joint... Read More

A Life Time of Strategic Thinking

You may be one of the thousands who think "Strategic... Read More

Opening Hearts is as Easy as Opening a Window

Two-year-old Owen goes to speech therapy twice a week. The... Read More

Fulfilling Your Dreams: The Magic Of Starting

Fulfilling your dreams will remain a mirage if you simply... Read More

Making Commitments of Love and Courage

There is a story about a little girl who suffered... Read More

What Does Faith Have To Do With Marketing?

No, this isn't going to be a sermon or anything... Read More

Joy in Perseverance

I will persist until I succeed. Always will I take... Read More