Discernment is the exercise of the mind applied to the comprehension of a real circumstance.

Knowing how to silence negative outbursts without damaging positive feelings, it's not simple.

Wanting to satisfy the desire for fairness, justice, harmony and grace in any given situation, good or bad, difficult or easy, it's an act of discernment, and it's a choice that can be taken only if we are aware.
It requires practice.

Surrendering to negative feelings creates a sort of determination that transforms the mind into a dark abyss of unenthusiastic emotions. This game drives to distorting visions and altered perceptions. It leads the mind to reduce everything to itself, even the light of truth and love.

We have the opportunity to consciously focus on the gravity force placed inside of us to eradicate these negative feelings, attitudes or behaviours. Silencing the negative and wanting to feed the positive instead - despite the challenges that life throws at us - requires strength and good-heartedness and a tendency to lean towards appreciation, respect and zest. It's a natural inclination.

We might need to try this a few times to be better at it, and that's okay. To feed the positive feeling of love for what's sound and fair instead of giving food to the negative is the purpose of spiritual enlightenment.

We have to ask ourselves, at any time of peace or war, what are we advocating for?

Penny Black ©