I have been examining the ideas of discernment and judgement as they relate to mindfulness and serenity. The reason I decided to write about this is the difference is important to understand. I looked both up in the online Merriam-Webster dictionary. The word judgement has come up a lot in conversation this week. We make judgments about how to live in this challenging time. Judgement is defined by Merriam-Webster as “the process of forming an opinion or estimate”, synonyms are: sense or common sense. This seems to be solid ground and a good way to move forward. Yet, for me, the word judgement also implies that the matter has been settled and no further information or inquiry is needed. When we were looking at which car to buy and then purchased our car, we made a judgement, formed our opinion and made our selection. After the purchase, we were done, it was complete.
Discernment not used as often. Discernment is defined as “…the ability to notice the fine-point details or the ability to understand and comprehend”. This implies an ongoing process, a lively process, a journey even. It’s not a discrete event, but rather an ongoing evaluation and re-evaluation, with more information or experience. We often hear the phrase, “Use your own judgement”. A better phrase might be consider the following. This implies detailed considered thought, not a one-time decision.
How does this relate to mindfulness? I am so glad you asked! A mindfulness practice keeps you firmly centered in the now of life, not thinking about something else, but paying attention to what is happening in the present moment. Briefly, this is now it works: practice meditation ten minutes a day. For those ten minutes, practice becoming aware of your thoughts, allow them to pass by like clouds. Pay attention to your breathing, let your breath be the anchor that brings you back to the present moment. There are free apps such as Insight Timer that offers timers and guided meditations. Here is the benefit, as you learn to observe your thoughts, you understand that you are not your thoughts. Your brain will begin to allow time before reacting, giving you time to respond.
Why is this important? In the sometimes politically and emotionally charged times we live in, this will allow time to articulate a compassionate response rather than an emotional knee-jerk reaction, not if but when something comes up. Discernment requires some time to examine the fine details before a response. It is so easy to become emotionally attached to our opinions and beliefs that if something comes along that challenges or is seen as a threat, a gut level reaction can happen. Mindfulness and meditation create that split-second space that gradually grows wider, making room for a truly well-reasoned response, not an over wrought emotional reaction.
Some might argue that meditation is navel-gazing. Nothing is further from the truth. The practice of regular meditation is rigorous and requires discipline. Imagine committing to sitting quietly for ten minutes each day, no phone, no tv, computer or any other distraction. Could you do it? Imagine seeing your thoughts as clouds that drift by and gradually being more in the driver’s, less at the whim of what ever thought your brain comes up with. The brain thinks thoughts like the heart beats, the lungs breathe, and the stomach digests. That is its purpose. We can control our breathing and some even their hearts. We all have some control when we choose to eat. We do not simply grab the nearest food item when our stomach growls, and most of us are able to hold our breath for a short time. Imagine the calm of allowing some thoughts to simply pass by. A driver cuts in front of your car, an angry thought bursts in, but you will not take the bait, instead, you think well,’ it’s really not a big deal’ and move on with the day. Instead of wallowing in anger and creating a resentment, you move onto the next thing and your day is calm, peaceful. Before you know it, your inner world has peace and serenity despite the chaos outside. You can navigate this current situation with some sense of ease and safety, making better choices and decisions, using discernment. This ability to stay calm and think clearly might help you avoid disaster. One man who survived a fiery airplane crash credited his long-time meditation practice. His foot caught on a seat as he struggled to exit. The smoke was building and the flames racing towards him. Because he was able to respond, not react and panic, he moved his foot and got to safety. He was certain if he had not been able to think clearly in that moment, he would have perished.
Imagine being able to set aside your thoughts at the end of the day and relax into restful sleep. Or instead of endlessly thinking about things that you have no control over, you are able to calm you thoughts and be fully present in the moment, enjoying beauty and not missing all the blessings that are right there for you. Consider beginning a meditation practice, commit to just ten minutes a day for a week and see what happens. You may notice that you move from judgement into discernment.