Episode 121: Holy Indifference and False Consolations: A Deeper Dive into Discernment(Part 2 of 2)

Embracing the Ignatian Discernment Process: A Path to Clarity

Welcome back to Soul Care for Therapists. I’m Gabriel, your host. In today’s blog post, we’re delving deeper into the discernment process, specifically focusing on the Ignatian approach. The journey of discernment can be a powerful tool, especially for therapists, business owners, and leaders who face a multitude of decisions daily, both personally and professionally.

Understanding Discernment

In the previous part of our mini-series, we explored the basics of spiritual discernment — the practice of aligning decisions with God’s will, whether those decisions are business-related or personal. We touched upon concepts like consolation and desolation.

Consolation moves us towards God, bringing inner peace and a sense of alignment with our values and higher purpose. Desolation, on the other hand, pulls us away from God, often leaving us feeling anxious, confused, and disoriented.

Diving Deeper: Identifying False Consolations

In this continuation, we are going to explore the more subtle aspects of discernment. One intriguing concept is false consolation, which can mislead us by presenting something seemingly good but ultimately disruptive to our spiritual journey.

Gabriel mentions, “There are some things that can present themselves as false consolation.” It’s about discerning those distractions, discouragements, and doubts that appear beneficial at first glance but actually divert us from our true path.

Practical Steps for Discernment

  1. Journaling: Start by clearly stating the decision you need to make. Gabriel advises, “Identify the choice that you’re making and really state it in a very brief and specific statement.”
  2. Self-Reflection: As you write, ask yourself where you naturally lean towards and pray for your heart to align with God’s will. Gabriel notes the significance of this practice: “Where do you already lean to?”
  3. Evaluating Attachments: Consider both healthy and unhealthy attachments that might influence your decision. “Attachments basically are a desire or something that we want and we love and we seek after,” Gabriel explains.
  4. Talk it Out: Discuss your thoughts with a trusted friend or spiritual director. Their outside perspective can be invaluable. Gabriel shares a personal experience: “Sometimes you need to talk to someone to help you get out of that spiral when you’re in the discernment process, ’cause it’s too close to you.”

Holy Indifference

Another critical concept is holy indifference. Gabriel describes it as “an attitude or a willingness to choose what God desires over all other things that we desire.” It’s about finding freedom in choosing God’s path, being willing to let go of our personal desires when they do not align with His will.

Call to Action

Engaging deeply in the discernment process can bring a profound sense of clarity and peace. I encourage you to integrate these practical steps into your decision-making process:

  • Start journaling your decisions.
  • Reflect on your attachments.
  • Seek guidance from trusted individuals.
  • Embrace holy indifference.

If you have a discernment journey you’d like to share or questions you need answers to, feel free to reach out to me at dawn@soulcarefortherapists.com. I answer all my emails and would love to hear about your experiences and reflections.

Thank you for reading, and may you find profound clarity in your discernment process.

Links and Resources