Discernment Listening

Are you processing a decision that doesn’t seem to have a clear direction forward? Do the possibilities before you clutter your process? Perhaps the uncertainty of what is unknown or the obstacles that appear in the way cloud your view. 

What if the wisdom you need is deep within you? As Quakers, we believe that we all have the Present Teacher and Eternal Listener, and when we pause to listen deeply to what is going on internally, we can hear the wisdom we need to discern a way forward. Listening together in a discernment process is often a helpful way to recognize our desires and hear the Sacred leading. 

This deep listening includes an embodied approach to help listen to the way forward. Our bodies hold wisdom for us as well. We can begin to recognize the texture of God in what is going on internally for us, within our minds, emotions, and physical selves. We can hold this listening space together, listen to the decision in front of you, and discover a way forward. 

This space is open to individuals and groups. For groups, one option is a process called a Meeting for Clearness, which can be a helpful way of deeply listening with those who know you. It is a space facilitated by a spiritual director to discern the way forward in a known community. If this is a process you might be interested in, please reach out for more information.