Spirituality

Understanding Spiritual Discernment

Sometimes, it’s easy to get swept up in other people’s energy. Maybe it’s someone’s mood, a wave of fear, the latest spiritual trend, or even old stories you tell yourself. Suddenly, you’re feeling things you didn’t expect.

That’s where spiritual discernment comes in. It’s like your personal filter for all that outside noise.

You might have felt it before—what I call “the knowing.” It’s that gut feeling you get in everyday life.

For some people, it’s goosebumps. For others, it’s a weird pressure at the top of your head, or even an ache in your bones. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, pay attention! This is real.”

The tricky part? Most of us ignore these feelings, or we don’t even notice them. A lot of people think this kind of knowing is out of reach. But honestly, once you start tuning in to your body and your higher self, you’ll realize you already have this skill. We all do, just in different ways. So, what exactly is discernment?

Discernment is all about pausing before you react. It’s listening a little deeper to what’s really going on. Some religions say only “special” people have this gift, but that’s not true. Those folks are just more in touch with themselves. Is it a kind of magic? Sure! But it’s also just a natural instinct that lives inside you. And yes, you can make it stronger.
Here are some simple ways to practice:

First, notice how energy feels in your body. Your body is usually the first to know. Truth feels calm and steady, even if it’s tough to hear. Sometimes it’s peaceful, or you get those goosebumps. If something feels heavy, urgent, or confusing, that’s a sign it might not be right for you. Think of your body as your compass—it’s here to help, not hurt.
Second, slow down before you judge a person or situation. Not every sign is a message, and not every message is meant for you. There’s energy everywhere, and sometimes it’s just background noise. Give yourself a little space. What still feels clear after you rest? That’s usually what’s real.
Third, ask yourself: does this lift me up, or does it drain me? If something makes you feel tired, divided, or like you have to follow blindly, it’s probably not for you. Let go of what drains you. Your true path should feel good and empowering.
Fourth, clear out the clutter. Too much scrolling, too many opinions, or even too many rituals can mess with your intuition. Take breaks. There are so many distractions out there trying to pull you away from your purpose. Remember to ground yourself every day, even if you don’t think you need it. Silence and nature are amazing for this.
Fifth, let change happen at its own pace. Real transformation doesn’t shout—it hums quietly in the background. You’ll know it’s real when it just fits into your life, or when you can handle chaos without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll find yourself moving through change with more grace.

And here’s the thing—you don’t have to solve every mystery today. Just start noticing what feels clear and true, and let go of what doesn’t. That’s discernment in action.