Discernment: A Path to Spiritual Awakening

by Rose Mary Dougherty

How does God fit into our decisions and life choices? How do we discern what God wants us to do and what is truly right for us in our lives? “Discernment” is the process of realizing, and then following, our spiritual paths. Rose Mary Dougherty’s new book explains the essentials of cultivating a discerning heart. Drawing on the teachings of Christianity, other spiritual traditions, and her own life experiences, the author guides readers across the sometimes difficult terrain of spiritual discernment and invites them to explore their own experiences, reminding them that opportunities for discernment are embedded in all of life and that ultimately discernment is a way of life in and of itself. This valuable little book provides a wealth of practical and inspirational wisdom that will guide all spiritual seekers in their lifetime journey of awakening. †

Genres: Spirituality

96 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 2009

Reviews

[Christy Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an assigned book for a spiritual direction program I'm taking. Much of the material felt like a review of other spiritual direction books I read in seminary, but it is a short read and good overview to the topic. While some of the metaphors and examples didn't always resonate for me., there was enough in her questions for reflection that I would feel comfortable using this again with others in discernment. In particular, I enjoyed a variation on consolation/desolation that came from a dream of hers where a young child asked her, "Do you wanna?" For me, that is often the heart of discernment: is there desire, a joy or longing that is being pursued?

[Lee Norfleet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book about how God fits into our decisions in life. How do we follow a spiritual path? Below are two excerpts:

"The fruit of discernment is a deepening awareness of our oneness with all and a growing participation in God's caring love for all. Saint Ignatius speaks of this as finding God in all things, in order that we might love and serve God in all."

The above quote from the book reminds me of a metaphor I heard once. We love God as much as we love the person we like least. That hurts doesn't it? As much as it does, the only way we can find true peace in our hearts is by loving our enemies. The above quote also reminds me that if I can take the time I can see God in everyday things. I see it in nature & especially in family.

"Now is the moment we have, and all of life is contained in it...But what if there is no next moment? What if this is all there is? Would this be enough? Could we rest in the peace of knowing we have lived life well because we have lived this moment fully? Perhaps a discerning life begins when we can live each moment as though it were our last and make the choices that matter to us now."

I think anyone in my family would recognize that this quote above about living our lives fully each day is what life is truly all about. We don't know what tomorrow brings so love each other each day as if we were saying goodbye at the airport!

[J Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I have needed, not only for myself, but to share with others for some time. Rose Mary Dougherty writes clearly about a topic that can be both ethereal and belabored in spiritual writing. She pulls from sources that can sometimes warrant if not demand exactitude in explaining their concepts, like Ignatian use of consolation and desolation as use poles of the inner compass. She seems to be so familiar with the actual territory, that her map escapes intellectual speculation or embellishments.

While clearly rooted in Christian thought, Dougherty draws from multiple traditions and the book is hospitable and charitable making it an appropriate read for anyone just spiritual, all-out devoutly religious, or intellectually curious.

Even for those not to curious it should be assigned reading for life in general and could lead to people walking both more intentionally and humbly through life.

Its a quick read with a lasting impact. Read it twice

[Thomas (Tom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first reading interaction with Rose Mary Dougherty. This is one of the texts I am reading for the Spiritual Direction I am enrolled in at Richmond Hill (richmondhillva.org). Dougherty gives great clarity and definition to a word that has been overused and misinterpreted by the Christian community. Dougherty's statement in the conclusion, in my opinion, gives the best understanding of discernment, and the discerning life..."Perhaps a discerning life begins when we can live each moment as though it were our last and make the choices that matter to us now."(page 69)

[Logan Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, for real? This book was absolutely phenomenal. Of all the required reading I’ve been assigned, I don’t know if any have been so deeply cathartic and challenging all at once. Such a wildly different and intriguing take on discernment as a “moment-to-moment state of being” rather than praying really hard to make all of the right decisions. So many good quotes and practices that I’ll doubtless end up practicing for myself and showing others how to practice!

[Lauren Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book as part of a fellowship program with Shalem Institute. I got a used copy of the book and it was a gift from another gentleman who also went through a program at Shalem. It was filled with his notes as well. The book was like a conversation with a cup of coffee.

Look at Discernment not just as the big decisions but the moments in your daily walk. How do I want to spend my time? What little thing can I invite in my life?

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting overview. She doesn't limit her references to those who share her faith, but reaches across many to share the wisdom and information of those who seek to be closer to the divine/spirit /God.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slim primer filled to the brim with nuggets of wisdom

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on discernment I've ever read. Dougherty worked for the Shalem Institute for years. She was an RC nun and a Zen sensei (teacher).

[Christine Hiester · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little heartfelt book on Christian discernment.

[Amanda Crice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely little companion in deepening discernment.

[Martine Palmiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosemary was my zen teacher for about 18 years and as a Roman Catholic sister she also had a deep faith in her practice of both traditions. Her book resonates with the beauty of zen as a practice of discernment. She wrote about how ....to become sensitized to the patterns of thought that holds you captive and to those thoughts that free you. She wrote that discernment is a stance or way of being, and how to look deeply for our true self, and how through contemplation or zen sitting, discernment can teach us about our unfreedoms and resistance. Her pointers are clear and direct and practical on how to detach from our rigid thoughts and to find our true self as a sacred source that we share with all creation. Very zen.

[Annabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful book for seeking God in our lives. It raised some good questions and made me think. It's easy to read and I feel like it's the type of book you can come back to again and again.