Discernment of Spirits I

Healing and beneficial… or wrong after all?

Every day we make decisions—both small and large. But how do we know whether our impulses and actions are truly healing and beneficial, or whether they are actually hindering us on our spiritual path?

Often there are quick answers from outside: “I wouldn’t put up with that!”, “You have to do it this way!”, “The wisest one gives in!”, “Jesus was angry sometimes too…” But how do I find clarity about what is right for me?

The Discernment of Spirits helps here and creates clarity.

Discernment of Spirits II

Discernment helps you consciously perceive where a thought, decision, or inner impulse might be leading. When wondering whether a path is nurturing or misleading, it can help to ask yourself:

Does this desire or thought open me into spaciousness and freedom – or tighten me into fear and constraint?
Does it foster community and openness – or does it lead to loneliness and isolation?
Does it bring clarity – or does it deepen confusion?
Does it encourage me to independent path – or make me dependent on external authorities?
Does it offer comfort – or does he leave behind desolation?
Does it fill me with inner fullness – or does he let me empty back?
Does it awaken Joy – or does it lead to oppression?
Does it strengthen Love - or leave behind lack of love?
Does it draw me closer to God –-or distance me from Him?
Does it help me grasp the message of Jesus more deeply?

These questions can offer valuable guidance not only in spiritual matters but also in everyday decisions. Often, the answer doesn’t arise solely through thinking—but through our feeling: Sometimes we intuitively sense that a decision, while sounding logical, doesn’t truly nourish us within.

By asking these questions, we learn to perceive not only our thoughts and emotions, but also trace their roots: Where does this impulse come from? Does it lead toward healing—or steer me away from it? Discernment of Spirits is an invitation to conscious reflection and helps to gain clarity about one's own direction.

Discerning spirits takes time

From the hustle and bustle and the soul

A white African explorer was impatient—he wanted to advance inland as quickly as possible. To increase the pace, he paid his porters an additional salary, and for days they moved forward with greater speed.
But one evening, the porters suddenly stopped. They sat down on the ground, laid down their bundles, and refused to move on. The explorer offered them more money, but they remained unmoved.

he asked for the reason behind their behavior. Their reply:
"We have walked so fast that we no longer know what we’re doing. So we’re waiting for our souls to catch up.”

This story reminds us that inner clarity cannot be forced. Discernment of Spirits requires time, space, and conscious reflection. Those who move too hastily risk losing themselves.

Discernment of Spirits III

Nicholas of Flüe (1417–1487), the Swiss national saint, asked a simple but profound question: What helps me – and what hinders me – on my path to myself and to God?

Perhaps you might ask yourself: What truly moves me forward? Which choices lead me to greater clarity, inner peace, and deep connection?
Nicholas summarized this concern in a prayer:

"O my God, take from me all that draws me away from You.
O my God, grant me all that leads me closer to You.
O my God, take me from myself—and give me wholly to You.”

Personal responsibility for your life

Decisions shape our lives. Perhaps you know the feeling of standing at a crossroads and asking yourself:
What is really right for me?
The greatest regret often comes not from wrong decisions, but from those that were never made.

The Discernment of Spirits can be a valuable guideline. It invites you not only to adopt the opinions of others, but also to question your own impulses.
All too often, othersclaim to know what's "logical," "reasonable," "right" or "good" for you. Yet wisdom lies not in rushing to follow advice nor in blindly trusting your own first impulse or reaction.

Take your time. Gently ask yourself:
Does this decision open your heart into spaciousness—or does it narrow you?
Does it guide you forward—or hold you back?

Perhaps the Discernment of Spiritswill help you take your next step—with courage and inner clarity.

Discernment of Spirits I

Healing and beneficial… or wrong after all?

The Art of Decision-Making – Spiritual Guidance

The tradition of spiritual discernment

Discernment of Spirits II

Discerning spirits takes time

From the hustle and bustle and the soul

Discernment of Spirits III

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