The Metal Season of Discernment: Refining Our Choices in Autumn
As we move out of summer and into autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, the air shifts, and so does the energy around us. Summer, with its fiery abundance, has been a time of growth and expansion—the Fire element in full bloom, radiating warmth and vitality. Now, as the leaves begin to fall, we enter the season of the Metal element. Metal cuts, refines, and clarifies, stripping away what no longer serves to reveal what is essential. It’s a fitting time to reflect on discernment, a quality that mirrors Metal’s precision in helping us carve out a life of true value.
Discernment vs. Discrimination
Discernment and discrimination are often confused, but they lead us down very different paths. Discrimination, at its core, is a negative trait—a rigid prejudice that clashes with the natural flow of life, often rooted in fear or bias. Discernment, on the other hand, is the heart’s quiet wisdom. It’s the choice to invest your energy in spaces and relationships that are truly profitable—not in a monetary sense, but in terms of health, longevity, and evolutionary potential. Discernment means stepping away from people or situations that drain you, not out of judgment, but out of self-preservation. This isn’t about abandoning a partner after a rough day—that calls for a conversation—but about recognizing when individuals or cultures are more aligned with entropy than with positive creativity. Sometimes, this misalignment is temporary, and discernment helps us navigate that nuance.
The Struggle with Discernment in Spiritual Communities
Learning discernment has been a deeply personal and challenging journey for me, especially in so-called “spiritual communities.” I’ve witnessed a disconnect between words and actions—people preaching love and unity while their behavior reveals something else entirely. These spaces often attract individuals with deep trauma, seeking healing and belonging. While the intention to create a safe haven is noble, an open-border policy can degrade the community’s quality, undoing the hard work of those who built it with genuine hearts. It’s a dynamic I’ve seen mirror the rise of a communist movement: an ideal of equality that, without boundaries, erodes the very foundation it stands on.
My struggle with discernment likely stems from my upbringing in a stable, loving family. I never doubted my family’s best intentions for me—both my immediate and extended family, rooted in Christian faith, were trustworthy and kind. This gave me a solid foundation but left me unprepared for the wider world beyond my “Hobbit town.” I grew up with a naturally watery nature, as I like to call it—flowing and adaptable, but without disciplined boundaries, I’d spill over into a puddle, my energy evaporating. When I began training in the spiritual arts, I leaned into the idea that “God loves all,” assuming I should accept and engage with everyone. This mindset, while well-intentioned, led me to poor health. I couldn’t stand up for myself, leaving me vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Beneath the surface, anger and depression festered from my lack of agency, and I’m certain this bred pathological behaviour in me.
Also, the flip side was experiencing others’ discernment toward me. It hurt deeply to be on the receiving end, but in hindsight, it was profoundly productive for my growth. It forced me to confront my own patterns and evolve.
Building a Life of Truth and Connection
The lesson I’ve come to embrace is this: fill your house with truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Tune into your body’s signals—the sensations that arise as situations unfold. Look beyond people’s words to their actions, because actions reveal the heart’s true alignment.
Discernment is harder than ever in today’s complex world. Faith in institutions is at an all-time low, and loneliness is rising. Yet, the more refined our discernment becomes, the more “profitable” our existence is. When we align with what truly resonates with our core, we feel more connected—not just to others, but to our true selves. This authenticity allows others of a similar vibration to see us clearly, fostering deeper, more stable unions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this stability is tied to Earth qualities—groundedness and balance.
The Path Forward
Discernment isn’t about closing off or judging—it’s about choosing wisely where to invest your energy. It’s a skill that requires practice, especially in a world that’s increasingly noisy and disconnected. By listening to our bodies, grounding ourselves in truth, and observing actions over words, we can cultivate a life that’s not just profitable, but deeply fulfilling. In this season of Metal, as nature refines itself, let’s do the same—cutting away what no longer serves to create space for genuine connection, stability, and growth.