What Are the Differences Between Intuition and Discernment?

“Let your heart be your compass, your mind your map, your soul your guide…and you will never get lost…” ― Angie Karan

As we continue to evolve individually and collectively, it is critical to understand and know the difference between intuition, discernment, and following the heart. All three are vital as we continue the ascension to higher consciousness. Below, I briefly provide insights into all three as I use and understand them.

№1 Intuition

(noun) — the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.

When we are using our intuitive sense, we are using our instincts. Intuition is usually defined as a gut feeling. You do not know how you know, but you know. For example, let’s say you are walking home on your usual route. As you continue towards an alley, you suddenly have an instinct to take an alternate route (even though you do not sense any danger with your physical eyes). As you draw closer to the alleyway, the feeling intensifies. At the last second, you decide to take a sharp left turn. As you do, you see a hooded person exiting behind a dumpster.

Notes: Whenever you experience this gut feeling, it is vital to pay attention. Your Angels and Spirit Guides are attempting to keep you safe by sending signals to your stomach (or Solar Plexus area).

Intuition attempts to warn or guide us away from pending danger unseen to the naked eye. This instinctive ability cannot be explained by science. All humans have access to this power, but most do not understand or utilize it. This is because most humans are wired for rationality. The good news is that intuition can be developed over time. The more we trust our gut instincts, the stronger our intuition becomes.

№2 Discernment

(noun) — the ability to judge well.

As much as I would love for humanity to come together and sing kumbaya, we still have a ways to go. For this reason, the gift of discernment is as precious as gold. Here is the best way I can explain this wisdom. Let’s say there is a new pastor at your church. He’s speaking and sharing some new ideas with the community. Everyone in the congregation appears to welcome and accept his teachings. The new young minister is charming, handsome, and progressive. But no matter how often you listen to him, you can discern (or judge) that something is off with this new leader. (You later find out he is on the run and wanted for committing heinous crimes).

Discernment differs from intuition because it may take time to draw a conclusion. You may need to sit with a person, situation, or thing for a while to ensure your feelings are valid. On the contrary, intuition is a sudden, intense feeling or nervousness in the pit of your stomach. The ability to judge well can be learned and developed over time. However, the individual must be open and accepting of what is true. If someone despises truth, they cannot utilize sound judgment. Thus, they are prone to manipulation, deception, and control.

“Discernment enables us to see through illusions and false appearances. It exposes the wolves in sheep’s clothing, so we must align with truth, be open to truth, and accept what is true.” — Ari Love

Notes: Discernment increases after a spiritual awakening and is common in those with psychic abilities.

№3 The Heart

I have written several blogs stating, “The heart is the compass for the soul.” While your intuitive senses attempt to guide you away from an unpleasant outcome, your heart is leading you toward your destiny. If you are being led by your heart, you feel it in the center of your chest. It is a deep, intense inner knowing that you should never ignore. For example, let’s say you are to be married in one week. You love your partner with all your soul but cannot shake the feeling that they are not the right person. It does not make sense, but you know marrying this person would be a mistake.

This situation has nothing to do with your partner; your heart interfered because you are headed in the wrong direction. Before you incarnate to Earth, you prepare a destiny. If you marry this person, it will alter the course of your life. So, your higher self, through your heart center, is attempting to get you back on track by tugging at your heartstrings.

Learning to follow the heart can be developed over time. However, I should mention there is usually disappointment. You might need to pass on a job, end a relationship, or move from your favorite city. Although these situations are challenging, they will all make sense one day.

“Follow your heart, listen to your gut instincts, and never ignore red flags. Do what makes you happy and what is best for you. This is your journey, and you owe no one an explanation.” — Ari Love

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© Ari Love, 2023