Parting of the Fog

The moment Discernment creates a parting of the fog; I pull out my barometer and begin looking for signposts. Discernment always enlightens, which makes continuing in the same way, impossible.

Discernment cuts through the obscure, illuminating us to what is. It does not come as a conclusion to analyzing, but rather rises up from within or flashes before us, in the blink of an eye.

What we do with discernment becomes the question. Is the Knowing for me alone, or also for another? Sharing a tough discernment is, well, tough. Difficult messages are rarely welcome because, if accepted, they require a shift or change of some kind.

Discernment clarifies what is. Authenticity embraces the discovery.

I do not recall ever leaving a place, and failing to later see an opportunity rise up. At a point, I realized that the opportunities emerged primarily because I had been there, and also because I was not still there.

As I have studied this serendipitous pattern, I attribute the opportunities to moments of untainted authenticity. There was a twinkling of shared discernment when soul met soul, later finding each other on the journey at another junction.

When I share the thing that has become necessary to share, it is like standing in front of a barometer waiting to read the atmospheric pressure. I listen to the response, and then, in the days following, watch to see where the other person, or perhaps the community puts its weight.

Invariably, this process highlights values, but also loitering shadows, in others and myself. Sharing discernment always reveals more of what is; which becomes the signposts along the way.

When Discernment creates a parting of the fog, there is an invitation to go deeper into prayer asking, is this something of my own making or a gift, illuminating the way? Sift, through Love, every part that wants to hold on in a possessive way. Wrestle with every confusion, as long as it takes.

If it becomes necessary to share an unfavorable discernment, be prepared to meet Disillusionment. Welcome her, for as we embrace whatever rises up, we discover more of True Self, while learning how to better love one another.

Finally, sleep well. What others do with this parting of the fog is not your responsibility!

Sacred Ruminations*