Discernment

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“It usually takes me two or three days to prepare an impromptu speech.” – Mark Twain

One of my favorite words these days is discernment, especially when it applies to my own actions. That is to say, when I take the time to discern to what I should or should not be doing.

Oxford Dictionaries defines discernment as “the ability to judge well.” I think of it more broadly as taking the time to choose how I apply my energy and time. Also, to notice when I’m trading routine for quality.

Lately I’ve been writing my blog posts on the morning of the post instead of what I’d done most of the year, which is to draft something the day before and finish it the morning I post it. Putting a little time between when my fingers hit the keyboard and when I hit “publish” served to give me space for reflection and hopefully be a little more thoughtful.

Discernment tells me I need to stop publishing every day so that I have more time to think about things. So that I can do a better job. Maybe three thoughtful pieces a week instead of five slapdash ones. And now I’m laughing because of the post I wrote about Interrupting the Pattern earlier this week – it’s hard to break a habit.

What role does discernment play in your life?

(featured photo from Pexels)

38 thoughts on “Discernment”

  1. Feeling you with this post…giving me a little perspective! 😉 I’ve been doing the same – trying to get ahead with a post or two, but I’m often too inspired in the moment and want my blogging efforts to reflect what’s true, current and top of mind/heart. Three a week sounds like a terrific goal – and you know whenever you post, folks will be happy to read and receive. xo! ❤

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    1. What a lovely comment. Thank you, Vicki. And I know exactly what you mean about wanting things to be current. It’s such a delicate balance! One that you seem to be handling very well! Have a great day.

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    2. Indeed, it’s giving me more than a little perspective, and I love the honesty: I’ve heard some great speakers say that “you either have it or you don’t.” And I side with the truth of Mark Twain’s quote. Yes, there are some folks that are naturally charismatic, and I know someone who starts to tell a joke, and you start laughing just because of how well he tells it, well before he gets to the punchline.

      And there’s another quote that’s sometimes (mis?)attributed to Mark Twain “I didn’t have time to write you a short letter, so I wrote you a long one.” So long live discernment and yet sometimes it’s a balancing act?

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      1. Love that maybe Mark Twain quote, EW. So true – editing can be so time consuming!

        And such an interesting point about natural story and joke-tellers. I wonder if they have some built-in discernment? Or just the charisma to carry it off?

        A balancing act for sure!

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  2. Thanks for sharing another great post with us, Wynne. I agree that’s discernment is so important to put into practice in every aspect of our life. I can definitely relate to your example of discernment related to our rate of publishing.
    For me, the most important use of discernment (a term used widely in our spiritual practice) is that of “knowing” through direct experience the difference between false self and true Self shining within. 🙏 It continues to shine even more brightly from the other side once re-discovered.

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  3. I don’t often hear or use the word discernment but I like it. There is a touch of refinement and wisdom in using the word, versus simply speaking of judgment. Discernment makes me think of thoughtful contemplation; of putting effort behind decisions which I think falls in line with your thoughts Wynne regarding trading routine for quality. Discernment may be the opposite of a snap judgment.

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  4. I always wondered how you could be so well disciplined to publish one post each day. You have done a great job so far and if you feel you would need to put some space with your posts, just do it. I changed my routine/pattern several times and at the beginning I tend to blame myself. But sometimes we just need a change, whatever the reason be.

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  6. I hear you loud and clear about how many times to post and how far in advance to prepare it. I struggle with the same things.

    The summer after I quit my teaching job I was playing trumpet for a conference in Wisconsin. Everybody there was basically volunteering their time for the organization I was playing for. So often when I’d meet people, the conversation was about “what do you do for a living” or what type of work do you do. I felt weird answering questions like that the entire summer and most of that conference because I didn’t really know what I was doing or going to do at that point. Eventually I spoke to someone who told me that discerning is among the most important and even holy things a person can do. They told me not to shy away from embracing it or admitting to it out loud. It was a meaningful and helpful random conversation with a stranger that helped me get more comfortable with not knowing how my new work life was going to pan out.

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  7. I rarely if ever publish what I write minutes after I write it. I need time to discern if it is really what I’m trying to say. I’m also discerning in other areas of my life, being one who tries to do things right the first time– and not ruffle any feathers unduly.

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  8. I think I am overly focused on discernment, which perhaps slows down my decision making too much. I punctuate it with spontaneity, like when Eagle and I biked to an outdoor show last weekend five minutes before it started. Cycropia is Madison’s answer to Cirque du solei (sp?). It was gorgeous!

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  9. Time and distance do help make a difference. It certainly helps when pondering a personal issue or an issue related to work. I find sometimes the act of sleeping and letting the thoughts sort themselves out in the subconscious help too. As you said, we don’t always have to react and respond right away. Happy weekend!

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  11. Thank you for sharing!!.. you still need to take the time to create more memories to share, cannot write every day… like me, just let your fingers do the walking and your heart do the talking, when it is ready… 🙂
    Whenever I contemplate setting a routine or schedule the words of Rose Milligan come to mind.. 🙂
    Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better
    to paint a picture, or write a letter,
    bake a cake, or plant a seed.
    Ponder the difference between want and need.

    Dust if you must, but there is not much time,
    with rivers to swim and mountains to climb!
    Music to hear, and books to read,
    friends to cherish and life to lead.

    Dust if you must, but the world’s out there
    with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
    a flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
    this day will not come round again.

    Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
    old age will come and it’s not kind.
    And when you go, and go you must,
    you, yourself, will make more dust!
    (Rose Milligan)

    Have a wonderful day every day and until we meet again..
    May love and laughter light your days,
    and warm your heart and home.
    May good and faithful friends be yours,
    wherever you may roam.
    May peace and plenty bless your world
    with joy that long endures.
    May all life’s passing seasons
    bring the best to you and yours!
    (Irish Saying)

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  12. I knew I was going to relate to this post from its title alone, and knew thusly correctly!

    I finally had an occupational therapy appointment last week. This involved a lot of talking, and my telling the OT something that made her exclaim, “Oh! You’ve learned discernment!” Upon a moment’s reflection, I decided that was exactly right.

    I said, “I wish I could have learned this a bit sooner.” She waved away the comment with a laugh, replying that it is wonderful to learn at all.

    She was right, I can now … discern with certainty. I’m grateful to be reminded. 💕

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  13. On my laptop, I have a post-it that says: PAUSE. This is a reminder not to dash off personal emails and texts without waiting. I’ve gotten myself into a bind when I click Send too quickly or impulsively. Too often, when writing from a place of high emotion, we act before thinking clearly. Discernment. We are highjacked by our amygdala. This is particularly true for those of us challenged by post traumatic stress. When it comes to publishing my writing, in the past I’ve sent pieces out too early which led to rejections. Later, I’d reread the essay and realize it needed more work. So, I continue to revise, let the story sit (ferment), and then revisit. This has paid off well.
    I think you might be one of the last daily personal bloggers, Wynne. When I first found your site, I was amazed at the frequency of your posting, along with the quality. A mother of young children, to boot! But I’m in the camp of less is more. I tell my writing students this. Don’t take ten words to say what you can in five. I think adage can apply to many parts of our lives. Whatever you discern about blogging frequency, I’m sure your ideas will continue to shine and touch all the more.

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    1. Wow, Evelyn, there is so much wisdom and great experience in this comment. Thank you for sharing those great thoughts with me! Such a wonderful lesson – revise, sit and revisit. A very thoughtful practice!

      Thank you for this thoughtful reflection and kind words!

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  14. I’ve been constantly impressed by your ability to post daily. If you toned it down, well, it would make me feel like less of a slacker. 😉 And I agree about the benefit of putting some space between the initial draft and hitting publish. I’m generally glad when I’ve done that. Other times I think, “Quit trying to be a perfectionist! It’s fine!” ;P

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    1. Wow, you have illustrated so well the balance! Yes, it’s nice to be thoughtful — but it seems like I have so much content with these two little story makers running around. Ah, it’s good to have blog fodder. Right, Betsy?

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  15. Your ability to produce daily blogs at a high level of excellence always astonished me. My only advice is this: don’t feel required to do so because your readers enjoy them. You also need to allow yourself to breathe!

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    1. Such wonderful advice and a lovely compliment all in one. Thank you, Dr Stein! I’m so grateful that this blogging journey has led me to get to know your gentle and funny wisdom!!

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