Discernment Step #4: Intensity

Note: The most recent addition to this series appears below in black colored text.

This blog focuses on a continuing series on the topic of discernment, the practice of listening to our inner selves and learning how to recognize movements that rise from our spiritual depths.  To discern engages not only our minds but also our bodies and souls and requires us to be still and patient, developing the ability to detect something not inherently obvious.

To find meaning in our work and purpose in our lives we embark on a discernment journey to discover our call or life's work. This takes time, practice and patience. Thankfully, there are steps we can follow to practice this art of discernment. As the Quaker sociologist and author on discernment, Parker Palmer, said "you cannot chose your calling…you must let your life speak." And in order to hear what our life is "saying" we must learn to be still and listen. This is to discern.

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Discernment Step #4: Intensity — Check the Passion of your heart

Consider and contemplate the following questions to check the passion you feel in your heart and the intensity in your spiritual self...

1. Do you feel spirituality alive or have you lost your spiritual spunk? If lost, what is cause?
2. Do you sense the thrill of the "wind and waves of life" splashing in your face?
3. Where is your intensity level? 
4. In what area of your life to you feel the most intensity and passion/thrill?

Discernment Step #3: Wants — Check the Directionality of Your Heart 

What excites you at the core of your being?

Longings feed your heart all the time — some truth and some lies. What are these? Can you distinguish the truth from the lies or fears in your heart? Your eyes, memory and ego constantly feed your heart true and false information. Only a wide open heart can discern and prioritize your most true and divine longings.  

Discernment Step #2:  Longing — Listening to your heart

Developing a practice of discernment involves learning how to listen past your desires and wants to notice a longing inside yourself for meaning, truth, purpose and significance. Listen to the longing for true, faithful, divine love. Where does this meaning and truth lead you? Notice what things, places or people call you toward greater meaning and truth and move toward them. Avoid that which leaves you feeling confused, anxious, empty or drained.  

Discernment Step #1:  Create one focus statement

Define very clearly and succinctly the matter you wish to discern, for example, your life’s work.  Craft a sentence that suits your situation such as “I will leave my current job by next fall to explore my life’s work.” Or “I will choose a new position that better aligns my values and passion by next spring.”  Put a time commitment on the statement.