How can I make better decisions? The art of discernment.

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker explores the concept of discernment as the ability to judge well and make decisions that align with one's truth. They discuss the importance of being clear about personal desires and feelings, and how these guide discernment in the past, present, and future. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to become more discerning, emphasizing the need to pay attention to one's inner truth and feelings, especially in areas like relationships and career choices. The talk encourages self-reflection and intentional living to create a fulfilling life.

Takeaways

• 😌 Discernment is the ability to judge well and make decisions based on one's truth and desires.
• 🔍 Feelings act as a guide in the discernment process, helping to identify what is appealing and what feels uncomfortable.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Discernment can be applied in three contexts: the future, the present moment, and the past.
• 💡 Clarity is essential for discernment, symbolized by sharpness and transparency, aiding in making better decisions.
• 👥 It's important to be discerning about one's preferences, even when they differ from the crowd or societal norms.
• 🌟 Personal tastes and desires are dynamic and can change, requiring continuous self-awareness and adjustment.
• 🎶 The speaker's personal story illustrates the importance of discerning one's professional and personal interests from an early age.
• 🚫 Learning to be discerning in relationships is crucial to avoid unhealthy partnerships and to align with one's spirit.
• 👂 Listening to one's inner truth is vital, especially when it comes to activities and people that cause discomfort or unease.
• 🌱 The speaker emphasizes the value of paying attention to how one feels in the present moment to discern what activities are fulfilling.
• 💭 Negative thinking can deplete one's spirit, and discernment involves being aware of and controlling one's thoughts for a positive mindset.

Q & A

What is the official definition of discernment according to the speaker?

The official definition of discernment is the ability to judge well.

Why are feelings important in the discernment process?

Feelings are important in the discernment process because they act as a guide, helping individuals understand what they truly desire and what makes them feel good or icky.

How does the speaker suggest we think about discernment in different contexts?

The speaker suggests thinking about discernment in three ways: discerning the future, discerning in the present moment, and discerning the past.

What does the speaker mean by 'taste what you don't like' to figure out what you do like?

The speaker means that by experiencing and paying attention to what you don't enjoy or what makes you feel icky, you can better understand and identify what you truly like and desire.

How does the speaker describe the importance of being in touch with one's inner truth?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of being in touch with one's inner truth by communicating with oneself and being aware of personal preferences and desires, which are constantly in flux.

What childhood experience did the speaker share to illustrate discernment in choosing a professional path?

The speaker shared an experience of being discerning as a child by choosing to pursue the pipe organ, which was a unique and fulfilling interest, with the support of their parents.

How did the speaker's lack of discernment in relationships affect them?

The speaker's lack of discernment in relationships led them to date people who were not a good match for them, causing emotional dissatisfaction and a lack of resonance.

What is one method the speaker found helpful to become more discerning?

One method the speaker found helpful to become more discerning is paying attention to how they feel when engaged in a particular activity, which helps in identifying what aligns with their inner truth.

How does the speaker relate the concept of discernment to the mind and its role in creation?

The speaker relates discernment to the mind by stating that the mind is for intentional creation, and by discerning thoughts that turn them on and building reality models of the future, one can create a fulfilling life.

What advice does the speaker give for someone who is unsure about what they want?

The speaker advises that if someone is unsure about what they want, they should get clear about not knowing and use tools like journaling to explore their thoughts and feelings, experimenting with life and building virtual models of different scenarios.

How can discernment be applied to the past to learn and grow?

Discernment can be applied to the past by combing through past experiences, identifying lessons learned, and understanding what not to do or how not to react, which aids in making better decisions in the future.

What is the speaker's perspective on money and its relation to discernment?

The speaker's perspective is that money itself does not excite them, but rather what they could buy with it does. They emphasize that discernment is more about understanding what truly brings joy and fulfillment, regardless of monetary value.