Timestamps:
00:00 – 01:00 = Topic Introduction and Context (Discernment and Decision).
01:01 – 03:30 = Discernment Paralysis: Overthinking and Stagnation.
03:31 – 07:45 = Incorporating Prudence and Fortitude in Discernment.
07:46 – 12:00 = Taking Action: Career, Religious Life, and Marriage Discernment Steps.
12:01 – 15:10 = The Role of Counsel and Spiritual Direction in Discernment.
15:11 – 18:45 = Overcoming Fear: Trusting God’s Plan.
18:46 – 22:00 = Identifying Spiritual Gifts and Finding Your Mission.
22:01 – 25:14 = Key Takeaways: Counsel, Judgment, and Taking Action Despite Uncertainty.
25:15 – 26:30 = Truth, Beauty, and Goodness Segment (Personal Reflections).
26:31 – 26:40 = Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts.
In this episode of Living Fullness, Stina and Padre tackle the concept of “discernment paralysis,” a state where overthinking, planning, and hesitating leave us stuck instead of moving forward. Stina shares how discernment isn’t just about gathering information but also about taking the next reasonable steps forward, whether it’s in career decisions, religious vocations, or relationships. Padre offers a theological perspective, reminding us that true discernment involves action and that God guides us through these steps, not by giving us the full picture at once but by leading us one step at a time.
Key Discussion Points:
- Understanding Discernment Paralysis: Stina explains how overthinking and planning can become obstacles rather than aids in discernment.
- The Role of Action in Discernment: Padre emphasizes that discernment is not just mental or spiritual contemplation but requires concrete action, as shown by the lives of saints like Mary MacKillop.
- Practical Steps to Move Forward: Stina and Padre provide practical advice on taking small steps, overcoming fear, and relying on fortitude to push through paralysis.
Reflective Questions:
- Have you ever found yourself stuck in a state of discernment paralysis? What caused it?
- How do you differentiate between careful planning and overthinking in your decision-making process?
- What small steps can you take today to move forward in a decision you’ve been putting off?
- How does fear play a role in your discernment, and how can you apply fortitude to overcome it?
Practical Suggestions for Growth:
- Start Small: Identify a small, actionable step related to your discernment and commit to taking it. It could be as simple as having a conversation or doing some research.
- Avoid Overcomplication: When you sense clarity in one area, act on it instead of waiting for every detail to fall into place.
- Embrace the Journey: Remember that discernment is a process. Be open to trying, failing, and learning as you move forward with God’s guidance.
Truth, Beauty and Goodness
Padre – Divine Renovation by Fr James Mallon
Stina – Blessed is She – Summit
If you enjoy our Show Notes, you can listen to our Living Fullness Podcast on Spotify, Apple podcasts, directly from our website or watch our guest interviews on YouTube! Also check out our social media pages Living Fullness Podcast on Instagram , the closed Facebook group for links and discussions, and Virtue Ministry on Facebook and Instagram.