From my perspective, this is how I see things, though I recognize others may have different views. I have here what I believe to be important reminders about personal discernment.
In essence, personal discernment is the art of holding space for contradictions, knowing that truth often lies in the balance of what is and what is not, allowing for deeper insight and authentic decision-making.
"Take what resonates, leave what does not" is a shorter statement of reminding us that our own personal discernment is not simply objective.
Artists often work within certain rules, form, technique, structure, but true creativity emerges when these rules are transcended, embracing contradictions and paradoxes. The canvas may follow lines of form, but within those lines lies the potential for ambiguity, abstraction, or hidden layers.
Art becomes a reflection of discernment, what the artist creates is a form of reality, yet it simultaneously is not fixed in meaning. Each brushstroke may be intentional, yet the interpretation remains fluid. Just as discernment balances between truth and uncertainty, an artist’s work navigates the tension between control and surrender, form and formlessness, bringing to life the paradox that reality and imagination are one and the same.
"It Is and It Is Not" is representative in what I believe to be the acceptance that a truth or understanding can be both valid and incomplete.
By this concept, Personal Discernment is:
A subjective and individual experience: Personal discernment varies based on unique individual experiences, thoughts, beliefs, and emotions, which vary from person to person.
Non-verifiable: It cannot be independently confirmed or measured by others, unlike objective facts.
A unique interpretation: Different individuals may interpret the same situation or experience in completely different ways.
Influenced by personal belief systems: It is shaped by one’s background, beliefs, and worldview, making it inherently personal.
Not a universal consensus: There is no single, agreed upon standard or truth that applies to everyone’s personal discernment.
Culturally relative: Personal discernment can be influenced by cultural or societal factors, meaning that people from different backgrounds may interpret similar experiences in ways that align with their traditions or beliefs.
Dynamic in nature: Personal discernment can evolve over time. A person’s insights might change as they gain new experiences or perspectives, emphasizing its fluid and non objective nature.
Non-replicable: Unlike scientific experiments, which can be repeated under the same conditions to yield similar results, personal discernment is unique to the individual and their moment of insight, making it impossible to replicate exactly for someone else.
By this concept, Personal Discernment is not:
Unquestioning of Personal Biases: It is not ignoring your own biases or assumptions. True discernment involves being aware of your tendencies, limitations, and blind spots to avoid distorting the decision-making process.
Focused Solely on Outcomes: Discernment isn't only about focusing on achieving a specific result or outcome. It values the integrity of the decision-making process itself, even if the outcome is uncertain or not immediately favorable.
Blind Conformity: Personal discernment is not simply following rules, traditions, or societal norms without question. It requires active, thoughtful engagement rather than passively adopting others' views or beliefs.
Emotional Impulsiveness: It is not about making decisions solely based on emotions or momentary feelings. Personal discernment involves balancing emotion with reason, reflection, and understanding of the broader context.
Rigid Judgment: It's not about being rigid or judgmental of oneself or others. Discernment is about openness and flexibility in making decisions while considering multiple perspectives, not about enforcing strict, unchanging standards.
Merely Preference Based: Personal discernment isn't just about what you prefer or like. While preferences play a role, true discernment considers values, principles, and a deeper understanding of what is right or good, even if it goes beyond personal likes.
An External Process: It is not something that can be dictated or wholly guided by others. External advice may help, but discernment is an internal process that relies on your reflection, wisdom, and intuition.
Quick Decision Making: Discernment is not about rushing to conclusions or making snap judgments. It requires patience and careful consideration. Immediate reactions can often miss the nuances of a situation.
Perfectionism: It is not the expectation that you'll always make the "perfect" decision. Discernment is about making thoughtful choices based on the best information and reflection available at the time, accepting that some uncertainty may remain.
A One Time Event: Personal discernment is not a single decision or act but an ongoing process. It evolves as new experiences, information, and insights come into play. What may seem clear today might require reevaluation tomorrow.
Personal discernment being what is and what is not is an understanding of the paradoxical nature of understanding truth and self awareness. It involves the ability to perceive reality beyond surface appearances, recognizing that things can hold contradictory qualities simultaneously, resulting in a truly individual experience of life for each and every one of us.
The Author - Rose
what a fabulous decision to make your own platform, I salute you Britney Rose and will enjoy your writings and readings, very cool indeed, you were SOOO missed that First time you vanished from YT, and when you came back OMG that was truly awesome, the feeling for me like discovering a led zep album you'd never heard before despite having all the led zeppelin albums, lol , in another words, you make sense and I appreciate you, your kindness and wisdom...next level, so thank you ....have a great day x