How Does Discernment Function?

From a Yogic standpoint, enhancing our discernment—our ability to make conscious choices—is essential for realizing our true potential. This can manifest in everyday life as:

• Taking a moment before meals to ask yourself: Am I genuinely hungry, or just eating because it's "time"?
• Reflecting after a meal: How do I feel now? Was dessert necessary?
• Analyzing challenging situations: Did I control my emotions, or did they control me?

According to the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali states that 'viveka', or the ability to discriminate, helps remove the barriers to understanding our authentic selves:

Sutra 2.26: viveka-khy?tir aviplav? h?na-up?ya?

Uninterrupted discriminative discernment is the method for its removal (Swami Satchidananda translation).

The term viveka encompasses unwavering discernment, right judgment, and the ability to differentiate between reality and illusion.

Delving Deeper into Discernment

Practicing discernment involves consciously shaping our habits to better serve our goals. As we become more skilled at this, we make choices that align with our true desires and values.

This process helps us avoid the frustrating cycle of questioning our past decisions. By examining our motivations without judgment, we start to see things as they are—ourselves included. This clarity leads to choices that resonate with our true self.

Understanding the Nature of Sattva

Sattva signifies truth, characterized by purity and knowledge. Thus, when we engage in the practice of discernment, we begin from a foundation of truth, making it easier to recognize what is necessary and true to our nature.

What is My True Nature?

You might be asking how to uncover your true self beneath layers of conditioning and identity. Yes, everyone plays a role in life's grand performance, but it's crucial to differentiate between your authentic self and the identities we adopt.

In Yogic philosophy, the true Self emerges once we set aside obstacles and false identities. Often, we become so entangled in these external representations that we forget to recognize our true essence. This misidentification can lead to a state often referred to as being "asleep," which is where the practice of Yoga comes into play.

The first video, Triggers: Why Don't We Do What We Know We Should Do?, explores the reasons behind our decision-making processes and the internal triggers that lead us astray.

Reflecting on Our Roles

We all have roles to fulfill, yet it’s essential to remain true to ourselves while performing these duties. To assess if you are aligned with your true self, consider your goals.

Have you documented what kind of person you aspire to be? Reflect on the traits you admire in others, as they often mirror qualities within you.

When you find yourself in conversations, notice which topics catch your interest. This phenomenon, known as brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER), shows that our subconscious is drawn to what resonates with us.

Identifying Your Positive Traits

What are your strengths, and what aspects would you like to improve? Gaining insight into our habitual responses and how they affect others is vital. Schema therapy can assist in this exploration.

Consider a simple scenario: when you see litter, do you pick it up or walk past it? If you choose the latter, does it linger in your thoughts? Learning to manage your energy effectively can prevent unnecessary mental clutter.

Your Legacy Matters

Think about the impression you leave on others. Are you consistently distracted, seeking validation, or are you fully present in your interactions? This self-reflection can lead to meaningful changes.

Dream Big

Imagine if money were no object—what would you pursue? If you're unsure of your life’s purpose, now is the time to discover it. Create a collage of your aspirations and revisit it after three weeks to gain insights into your desires.

The second video, How Do We Know What We Know? Philosophy of Science, dives into the foundations of our understanding and the philosophical questions surrounding knowledge and perception.

Conclusion

As I often remind my clients, you already possess the wisdom you seek within your heart. Paying attention to your surroundings and interactions is crucial. The answers you need will reveal themselves over time.

If you find yourself needing guidance on this journey, please reach out. Remember, you are not alone—I am here to support you.

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