On birding and near enemies: learning discernment

Are you a bird person? I have friends who are, although I would describe myself as “bird-enthusiast adjacent.” A non-bird person, like myself, can distinguish between a bird and a fish or a mammal. After all, learning stems from a process of differentiation. How is one thing different (or the same) as another? The differences between a bald eagle, a great blue heron, and a chickadee are distinct enough for me to identify each species. But all gulls look the same to me and I’m okay with that.

Thinking about birding has led me to ponder learning and enthusiasm in general. Rather than bird identification, my passion lies in healing from the effects of stress and sorrow and expanding my ability to discern between truth and error. I love teaching, and supporting people as they heal and grow. The more time, effort, and energy I devote to learning about and pursuing truth, the easier it becomes to recognize and enjoy it.

God is the source of all truth, light, and goodness. I believe in Christ and find peace and joy through making and keeping covenants and in growing in light and truth. God loves all his children and rejoices in every choice or change that strengthens our ability to love him and each other (see the two great commandments, Matthew 22:37-39).

Just as I could learn the difference between similar looking seagulls (if I so desired) by using a bird guide book or app, I can learn to differentiate between good and evil by study and prayer. Perhaps by focusing on opposites, I make this process look too easy. Often when we think about good and evil, we assume we know the difference. This would be like comparing a chickadee to a moose in my bird identification example. If I want to continue to learn and grow and refine my understanding of what is good, right, and true, I need to be able to discern between things that are good and choose what is best according to my understanding and experience.

Brené Brown, researcher and author, teaches about human emotional experience and psychology in the context of connection. In her book, “Atlas of the Heart,” Brown compiles and illustrates research into our emotions and their purpose as a means of communication. Her work is compelling and useful as we seek to understand what we are feeling, and the effects of emotion on our thoughts and actions.

Brown distills the writing of Chris Germer and Jack Kornfield on how the Buddhist concept of near enemies can help us increase awareness of our inner states and choices. Comparing love and hate is an example of far enemies—they are opposites, and obvious. Near enemies, in contrast, are emotional states and beliefs that appear similar but subtly undermine our intended goals. Brown provides examples of near enemies: compassion vs. pity; equanimity vs. indifference; learning and improving vs. knowing and proving.

As with seagulls, you may not be able to tell the difference between these near enemy states. The most important question is: Do you want to? How would life be different if you had more love, stability, and meaningful connections in your life and relationships?

How do I tell the difference between near enemies? I turn to my guides: scripture, inspired teachings, and prayer. God sends light to everyone on earth, and we all learn through study, experience, and following the pull of truth.

The prophet Mormon taught how to discern good from evil: “That which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and entieth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God…The way to judge is plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night….Wherefore, I beseech of you, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if you will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ” (Moroni 7: 13-19).

Christ taught that the Holy Ghost or Spirit confirms the truth through feelings of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23). He also taught us to pray, “If any of ye lack wisdom, ask of God in faith” (James 1:5-6).

God will answer through those same peaceful feelings of the spirit if I am on the right track. Discernment requires effort. I have to study, make choices, act in faith, and change course when I make mistakes. Like spending a day trying to track down an elusive bird, it’s the work of learning that makes it enjoyable.

Amity Condie is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She will be hosting a screening and discussion of The Abortion Talks documentary about addressing political polarization at The Annex in Palmer on Friday, July 14 at 4:30 pm. Learn more at https://whatisessential.org/the-abortion-talks. Space is limited, reserve your seat at bit.ly/abortionTALKS23.