Discernment Flashcards by Kirsten Nina EVANGELISTA

is a process of carefully considering and evaluating various options or choices in order to make wise decisions.

Discernment

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Rooted in the Latin word "discernere," which means to separate
or distinguish, discernment involves the ability to perceive, evaluate, and differentiate between
different possibilities. It requires a deep understanding of one's values, desires, and priorities, as
well as the willingness to listen to intuition and seek guidance from trusted sources.

Discernment

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what is the latin word for Discernment

"discernere"

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"dis-" meaning

"apart"

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is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of self-reflection, growth, and
learning.

Discernment

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By incorporating elements of ———, ———,
————- ———–, and ———————–, ———–helps individuals navigate
complexities and make choices that align with their authentic selves and lead to a sense of
fulfillment and purpose.

awareness, freedom, prayerful reflection, and seeking wise counsel, discernment

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It can be applied in various aspects of life, such as personal decision-making, career
choices, relationships, and spiritual matters.

Discernment

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The etymology of "discernment" can be traced back to the combination of two Latin elements:

"dis-" and "cernere"

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"cernere" meaning

"to separate" or "to sift."

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This combination gives rise to the
meaning of "discernment" as the ability to separate or distinguish between different options or
possibilities.

"discernere."

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what is "discernere." in english

"discernment"

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emerged in the English language in the late 16th century.

"discernment"

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when did the noun "discernment" emerge?

16th century

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it referred to the keenness of intellectual perception, insight, and acuteness of judgment. Over
time, its usage expanded to encompass the act of perceiving by the intellect and the ability to
make wise and insightful decisions.

"discernment"

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its etymology highlights its origins in Latin, specifically the
combination of "dis-" and "cernere," which denotes the ability to separate or distinguish.

"discernment"

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in its broadest sense, refers to the process of carefully considering and evaluating
various options or choices in order to make a wise decision.

Discernment,

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Discernment, involves using our faculties of
———-, ———–, and ——– to differentiate between different possibilities and determine
the best course of action.

perception, judgment, and intuition

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discernment requires taking the time to ——————-, —————–, and ———– in order to make choices that align with who we are and
what we want to achieve.

reflect on our values, desires, and priorities

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Discernment is not a one-time event, but rather an

ongoing process.

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discernement is a skill that can be developed and honed over time through

practice and self-awareness.

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One aspect of discernment is the ability to weigh

pros and cons

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Another important element of discernment is listening to our

intuition.

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8 key factors to consider in discernig one’s course or path in life

Personal Values and Passions:
Skills and Talents:
Interests and Curiosity:
Personal Growth and Development:
Lifestyle and Priorities:
Impact and Contribution:
External Factors:
Guidance and Support:

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this ability involves considering the
potential benefits and drawbacks of different options and evaluating their potential impact on our
lives and the lives of others. This requires careful analysis, critical thinking, and the ability to
anticipate potential consequences.

ability to weigh pros and cons.

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these two qualities of ours can provide valuable insights that may not be immediately apparent through rational analysis.

instincts and inner wisdom

Discernment also involves seeking external ----------- and ---------

guidance and wisdom.

this factor allows you to Take stock of your unique skills, talents, and strengths. Identify what you excel at or enjoy doing. Understanding your abilities can help you choose a path where you can leverage your strengths and make a valuable contribution.

Skills and Talents:

this factor allows you to Consider how different paths can contribute to your personal growth and development. Will a particular path challenge you, help you acquire new skills, or broaden your perspectives? Choosing a path that promotes growth can lead to a more enriching and rewarding life journey.

Personal Growth and Development:

this factor allows you to Explore your interests and areas of curiosity. What subjects or fields captivate your attention? What do you enjoy learning about? Pursuing a path that aligns with your interests can lead to a more fulfilling and engaging journey.

Interests and Curiosity:

this factor allows you to Reflect on your core values and what truly matters to you. Consider the activities, causes, or subjects that ignite your passion and bring you a sense of fulfillment. Your values and passions can serve as a compass to guide you towards a path that is meaningful to you.

Personal Values and Passions:

this factor allows you to Reflect on the impact you want to make in the world. How do you want to contribute to society or make a difference in the lives of others? Considering the potential impact of your chosen path can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Impact and Contribution:

# [](http://)[](http://)[](http://)[](http://) this factor allows you to Think about the kind of lifestyle you envision for yourself. Consider your priorities in terms of work-life balance, flexibility, financial stability, or other factors that are important to you. Understanding your lifestyle preferences can help you make choices that support your desired way of living.

Lifestyle and Priorities:

this factor allows you to Take into account external factors such as market demand, job prospects, and societal trends. While it's important to follow your passions, it's also beneficial to be aware of the practical considerations and opportunities available in the fields or industries you're interested in.

External Factors:

this factor allows you to Seek guidance from mentors, advisors, or individuals who have experience in the areas you're considering. Their insights and advice can provide valuable perspectives and help you navigate potential challenges or opportunities.

Guidance and Support:

4 examples of discernment in various contexts:

1. Personal Decision-Making: 2. Career Choices: 3. Relationships: 4. Spiritual Matters:

2 examples of using discernment in Career choices

Choosing Between Job Offers: Transitioning to a New Career:

2 examples of using discernment in Personal Decision-Making:

Choosing a College Major: Moving to a New City:

2 examples of using discernment in Relationships

Choosing a Life Partner: Navigating Friendships:

this discernment refers to the approach to decision-making and spiritual guidance developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

Ignatian Discernment

2 examples of using discernment in Spiritual Matters:

Discerning a Vocation: Making Ethical Decisions:

is rooted in Ignatius' own spiritual experiences and insights, which he detailed in his spiritual masterpiece, the Spiritual Exercises.

Ignatian discernment

the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

St. Ignatius of Loyola

what did St. Ignatius of Loyola found?

Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

developed his discernment method during a period of spiritual transformation in his own life.

St. Ignatius

developed a method of discernment that emphasized the importance of prayerful reflection, inner freedom, and attentiveness to God's presence and guidance.

St. Ignatius

After being wounded in battle, he underwent a deep spiritual conversion and dedicated himself to a life of service to God.

St. Ignatius

this Ignatian discernement involves developing a habit of prayerful reflection and attentiveness to God's guidance through daily experiences.

Awareness of God's Presence:

6 Key principles of Ignatian discernment include:

1. Awareness of God's Presence: 2. Spiritual Freedom: 3. Discernment of Spirits: 4. Consolation and Desolation: 5. Prayerful Reflection: 6. Seeking Wise Counsel:

this ignatian discernment means being open to God's will and detached from personal desires, fears, and attachments that may cloud one's judgment.

Spiritual Freedom

this Ignatian discernement involves paying attention to one's inner experiences of consolation (spiritual joy, peace, and alignment with God's will) and desolation (spiritual despondency, anxiety, and feelings of separation from God). Discernment involves navigating these experiences to discern God's presence and direction in one's life.

Consolation and Desolation:

this Ignatian Discernment means being open to God's will and detached from personal desires, fears, and attachments that may cloud one's judgment.

Spiritual Freedom:

this Ignatian discernment involves engaging in prayerful reflection, meditation, and imaginative contemplation to discern God's will in specific situations. This may include using Ignatius' techniques such as the "Examen" (a daily reflective prayer), "composition of place" (imagining oneself in a Gospel scene), and "discernment of spirits" (reflection on inner movements).

Prayerful Reflection

this Ignatian discernment identified different "spirits" or inner movements that influence human decision-making, including the "good spirit" (God's voice) and the "evil spirit" (temptation or deception). Ignatian discernment involves learning to recognize and discern these inner movements to distinguish between what leads toward God and what leads away from God.

Discernment of Spirits:

10 Obstacles During the Discernment Process:

1. Emotional Turmoil: 2. Conflicting Desires: 3. External Pressure: 4. Lack of Clarity: 5. Overthinking: 6. Spiritual Dryness: 7. Limited Perspective: 8. Past Trauma or Conditioning: 9. Attachment to Outcome: 10. Lack of Support:

this Ignatian discernment encourages seeking guidance from wise and trustworthy mentors, spiritual directors, or companions who can offer insights, support, and accountability in the discernment process.

Seeking Wise Counsel

is a holistic approach to decision-making that integrates prayer, reflection, inner freedom, and trust in God's guidance. It is widely practiced not only by Jesuits but also by laypeople, religious, and individuals from various Christian denominations who seek to discern God's will in their lives.

Ignatian discernment

this Ignatian Discernment involves engaging in prayerful reflection, meditation, and imaginative contemplation to discern God's will in specific situations. This may include using Ignatius' techniques such as the "Examen" (a daily reflective prayer), "composition of place" (imagining oneself in a Gospel scene), and "discernment of spirits" (reflection on inner movements)

Prayerful Reflection

Strong emotions such as fear, anxiety, doubt, or guilt can cloud judgment and make it difficult for individuals to discern God's will or make rational decisions.

Emotional Turmoil:

Strong emotions such as -------, -------, -------, and ------ can cloud judgment and make it difficult for individuals to discern God's will or make rational decisions.

fear, anxiety, doubt, or guilt

When individuals have multiple desires or goals that are in conflict with each other, they may struggle to prioritize or discern which path to pursue.

Conflicting Desires:

it is the pressure from family, peers, society, or cultural expectations can influence decision-making and lead individuals to prioritize external validation over their own values or inner calling.

External Pressure

it is the uncertainty about one's own values, goals, or identity can make it challenging to discern the best course of action or make decisions that align with one's authentic self.

Lack of Clarity:

it is Overanalyzing or obsessing over every detail of a decision can lead to paralysis or indecision, preventing individuals from moving forward or trusting their intuition.

Overthinking:

it is the periods of spiritual dryness or feeling distant from God can make it difficult to discern God's presence or guidance in one's life, leading to feelings of confusion or abandonment.

Spiritual Dryness

it is having the narrow-mindedness or resistance to considering alternative viewpoints can limit individuals' ability to discern the full range of possibilities or solutions available to them.

Limited Perspective:

these can shape individuals' beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, influencing their discernment process and decision-making patterns.

Past Trauma or Conditioning:

it is ___________ or fear of failure can bias individuals' discernment process, leading them to overlook or dismiss alternatives that do not align with their preconceived expectations.

Attachment to Outcome:

it is having limited access to supportive relationships, mentors, or spiritual guidance can hinder individuals' ability to navigate the discernment process effectively and make decisions with confidence.

Lack of Support:

Discernment Flashcards

(76 cards)