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Discrimination

Our mental body has 7 senses. There are two in particular that are most timely for us to develop in order to shift consciousness to a more soul centered perspective that is vital for peace and unity. These two senses are essential in our journey toward soul consciousness, but they have to be cultivated as they do not develop without some effort. The words that describe these two senses are often interchanged as though they meant the same thing. But there are important differences. These two senses are discrimination and discernment. We will discuss discrimination in this Soul Perspective, and discernment in the next one.

Discrimination is found in the personality or lower mind, but is a bridge to the soul or higher mind. This sense enables us to differentiate between the nature and quality of things and to differentiate one thing from another by understanding their distinct characteristics. When discrimination is not influenced by soul, it becomes something used to create separation, and at times rejection. It is then influenced by personal bias, prejudice and ignorance. When it is influenced by soul it is used to appreciate and value differences.

True discrimination can be developed by such things as:

• Focusing on details – characteristics and qualities that are unique.
• Gaining a thorough knowledge of whatever the reality under consideration is.
• Learning about the function or role of specific things, and what they are part of.
• Exploring the uniqueness of the people you meet in life.
• Exposing yourself to new experiences to see what you can learn or how they can enrich your life.
• Being precise in naming things accurately.
• Learning what the contribution of specific things are – such as the different elements in nature or the variety of people in your community.
• Experiencing different cultures from your own so that you can appreciate and value them.
• Studying the specific contributions to humanity of different religions and different cultures.
• Sensitizing yourself toward what is right and helpful and what is wrong or a hindrance, and then choosing right action.
• Observing the effects of thoughts, and cultivating ‘right thought.’
• Choosing freedom instead of falling into victimhood.
• Making soul-inspired choices in the face of contrary mental or emotional tendencies.

The purpose of discrimination is to help us see what is unique and special about people and life. It is helpful in opening ourselves to be harmonious with people and at one with life. When it is used in any other way, let us remember what its true purpose is and attempt to use it in a positive way, thereby enhancing our own inner peace and unity.

Exercises: 1. What are some typical situations in which your attitudes reflect a negative use of discrimination? 2. Take each of those situations and write or formulate truths using your discrimination in a positive way. 3. Take the above ideas on developing discrimination and write down practical things that you will do to develop this vital sense within you.

This is one of 150 Soul Perspective articles. For more articles visit Soul Perspectives Index.

Andrew and Bonnie Schneider are now offering personal interactive email coaching for the 4 Level Soul Journey program. Connect weekly with Andrew and Bonnie on how to develop soul consciousness. Read more about this personal coaching from Andrew and Bonnie Schneider by clicking here.