The Power of Discernment
When we turn our attention to the past, we learn of rich and vibrant histories of ancient civilizations through the lens of their most cherished stories: the Odyssey, the Bhagavad Gita, the Old Testament. The stories that survived from long ago were the ones that carried so much meaning and value that they could be passed on for far longer than the cultures they told of existed. Time and the scarcity of the written word were the great filters that preserved only the most critical information and taught new generations only the most valued lessons.
In today’s world, neither of these filters apply. We can now interact with an enmeshed network of minds, where time, writing, geographic, and cultural barriers are no longer enough to separate thoughts and beliefs. There is so much power and agency in this fact—the internet is directly responsible for the growth of countless positive change movements across the globe, sparking strides towards equality, justice, global education, ecological harmony, and peace. But the fact remains that as more and more is shared and the barrier to entry is so low, the most meaningful stories and lessons get lost in the noise.
Information can numb, inspire, and expire. Your feed won’t tell you the value of a given piece of content—it will only show what grabs your attention and reflects your current state of mind. So when you feel propelled to seek deeper answers, knowing where to turn may not be as simple as it was in the past. Thousands of people, products, and organizations are all competing to be the answer you need, but not all of them can be. This is where the power of discernment steps in.
Discernment is a skill that when honed to a sharp edge can cut through the currents of information to reveal only the most valuable truths. And today, it is more valuable then ever. To get started developing this capacity, ask yourself and reflect deeply on the following questions:
- What is the question I’m asking and why am I seeking the answer?
- Where is the best place to look for the answer?
- What is important to find in the experience or person that is offering the answer?
- How do I know that this answer is the right one?
For example, if you’re looking for a way to achieve more lasting happiness, you might first ask yourself why you have this goal in the first place. Perhaps you know, somewhere deep inside of yourself, that it is possible. This internal dialogue can reveal a new line of inquiry that may be helpful in the next steps. For instance, it may lead you to look for your answer through techniques and practices that bring you in touch with that inner knowing. Or it could guide you to someone that reflects it right back at you and makes it hard to deny. Upon contemplation, you may realize that the answer you seek must quiet your mind, open your heart, and make you feel expansive.
This is just one example, and the process can be challenging—sometimes, it can take years to realize that a phrase someone said may have sounded right at the time but isn’t fully validated by your direct experience. Distinguishing between half truths and full truths takes practice, but if you work at it, the power of discernment will help guide you through all of life’s storms and catalyze your growth and transformation.
