Decision Making — the importance of discernment

I recently tuned in for guidance on whether to go to a conference.

At first I framed my inquiry in isolation: It furthers the Make Light Work body of work for me to participate in XXX conference. My intuitive response was “Yes”, but I sensed a hesitancy. This nudged me to reframe the issue, this time including more context: Taking into consideration all the ways I can further Make Light Work, it is a high priority for me to participate in conference XXX. This time I got a “No”.

Experiences like this remind me of my early encounters with computer programming, back in the days when one talked to computers through cards with holes punched in them. Until I was diligent about including every single step, my programs were “Garbage in, Garbage out.”  I.e. not the basis for making wise decisions.

Here’s a checklist of factors that you might need to include when tuning in about a specific decision:

• What is the appropriate timeframe — today, this week, this year…?
• What is the context — How much is on the table — e.g my energy on this project, my energy on all current projects, all my energy?
• What is the best duration? I.e. this action is a priority, but for 5 minutes, not 50.
• Am I aware of enough of the context and/or possibilities to tune in at this point?
• Is it appropriate for me to be the one tuning in? (It’s important not to usurp decisions that rightly belong with a client or family member.)

And here’s a wonderful catch-all statement: The way I am framing the inquiry serves the highest. If you don’t get a “Yes”, keep listening for what is trying to come through.