Discernment vs Judgement

Do you know the difference between judgment and discernment?

Judgment compares and labels things. Wise discernment sees the difference between things without comparing them.

Why do I bring this up? The small intestine's energetic role is to discern what to keep and what to let go of, and its energy is running the strongest right now, in this early summer fire season.

In my recent emails, I've focused on the heart's energy since it's front and center. I have yet to give much attention to the heart's energetic partner, the small intestine.

Although the small intestine and the heart have very different physical functions, they are affected by the same energetic frequency and vibration. So they are both running the strongest in this early summer FIRE season.

The small intestine's discernment function serves us physically, mentally, and emotionally.

We can tap into wise discernment when choosing foods that give us energy and knowing the ones that deplete us or create irritability and inflammation.

This became clear when I gave up sugar for a week (including all fruits and high-sugar veggies) and noticed how calm and relaxed I became - nothing could bother me!

So now, when I witness others reacting aggressively or negatively, I try to refrain from judging and discern that it could be due to their diet. Because I now see how sugar can make me highly reactive.

My teacher spoke about judgment and said, "When we judge others, we put ourselves in a superior position." This shed new light on judging for me—as if we knew better. Sometimes, we may think we do, but wise discernment looks deeper into the reason for behaviors and actions.

When judging, I'm separating myself from the other. Discerning has a more profound and wiser understanding, which can elicit compassion in me. And compassion comes from the heart, the small intestine's energetic partner!

Try discerning something you're currently judging.

Drop the labeling and comparing and see what comes up.

Does it make you feel differently?

This is the time of year when we can utilize the wise discernment energy of the small intestine, as it's running the strongest.

And I've found that practicing discerning when I catch myself judging softens my heart and connects me more, which always feels better.

Namaste,

Maggie