Month: February 2020

After a week of Discernment, our random pick has given us Decisiveness to work on this week. It is always interesting how a random pick comes up with something related to the week before. But I think that it is mostly because the virtues are all entwined and cannot be separated from each other.

After a week of thinking things through to come up with the best decisions, it is now time to put those decisions into practice. It is no good knowing what is best, if one doesn’t take the effort to put the decisions into action.

Though I haven’t been writing about things this week, I have been working on changes in our diet, looking to see what is available in my local food store and buying different ingredients to make changes in our diet. See other blog posts for more information about these changes. I will continue to look for new recipes this week and to make different things with new ingredients.

“Decisiveness is firmness of mind in taking a stand or making a decision. It requires us to be both courageous and discerning. At times, a choice appears and we must make it instantly, without hesitation, prompted by a deep knowing that it is right and timely. Decisiveness can also call us to hold a decision with patience, prayer and deep contemplation. We seek a pure intent, which guides us to a conclusion we can trust. Then one day, we reach the bedrock of truth and know it is time to act. We move forward with resolve and confidence. Being decisive, we are content with our decisions and do not second-guess ourselves. The timing of a good decision is just Divine.”

I am practicing Decisiveness when I

• have the courage to decide
• have confidence in my choices
• am not afraid to act in the moment
• take the time I need to discern the wisest path
• trust my deepest truth
• carry my decisions into action.

Discernment is not a commonly used word today and yet it implies that one thinks and reflects before making decisions and acting. Discernment implies that one makes good decisions, based on facts and not being swayed by what is in fashion.

For me, discernment is using the knowledge that I have gained over 70 years to help me decide what is right for me. For example, my husband and I are trying to alter our diet, so that the foods we choose to eat are less harmful to the environment. Today a lot of meat is raised by feeding the animals foods that we could eat ourselves. This becomes a waste of resources. By deciding to cut out meat from our diet, we are hoping to have a slightly smaller impact of the global environment.

Another decision has been to buy locally produced food where possible. Tomatoes and cucumbers are grown in greenhouses in Norway, but they are grown locally and are not transported long distances to the stores. Carrots and potatoes are also grown locally, though in late spring, the Norwegian supply may be used up and they have to be imported until the locally produced vegetables are again available. I have an egg farm close by, so I can walk up there and buy my eggs both fresh and locally.

By doing some investigation about the food that is produced in Norway, I want to work on buying less imported foods and learning to make interesting and nutritious meals with ingredients that have a lower impact on the environment. For example, I have found out that barley is grown in Norway, but that very little is eaten by humans. Barley is nutritious and good for us, so it will be given a more prominent place in our varied diet.

Discernment is accessing the wisdom of our intuition to discover what is essential and true. Detaching from our desire to rush decisions, we seek to distinguish the true from the false, the facts from our assumptions, and then choose the best path. Reflecting in silence creates space for our deepest perceptions. With contemplative vigilance, we open ourselves to clarity. We listen deeply for the true questions, trusting that the answer will unfold and reveal itself when the time is right. We become alert to the messages that come in subtle and surprising ways. We hold decisions lightly until the truth emerges. Discernment empowers us to be guided by Grace.

When I practice Discernment, I

• trust my inner vision
• seek full information
• release the pressure to decide by determination alone
• take time for reflection and prayer
• hone my intuition
• am alert to the signs placed in my path
• am open to revelation