Meditation has long been seen as a doorway into divine communion—an opportunity to quiet the outer world and listen to the inner guidance of Spirit. In the Unity tradition, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore called this sacred inner space “the Silence.”
It is in the Silence that we turn toward the spiritual realm and open our hearts to inspiration. As J. Douglas Bottorff wrote in A Practical Guide to Prayer & Meditation, meditation is “the process of consciously communing with God by entering the silence to be inspired with divine ideas.” Through this stillness, we come to know the indwelling presence of God not as a distant power, but as a living reality within our own minds and hearts.
Charles Fillmore described meditation as “a state of consciousness entered into for the purpose of putting man in touch with the Divine Mind so that the soul may listen to the ‘still small voice.’” In that listening, divine ideas begin to shape our thinking, our emotions, and even our physical well-being.
Listening to the Still Small Voice
Meditation is more than relaxation—it’s an act of spiritual alignment. As the mind grows quiet, the chatter of fear, judgment, and worry fades. In its place, a deeper wisdom begins to surface. This is the voice of divine discernment—the intuitive knowing that allows us to see clearly and respond lovingly.
In this sense, meditation and right judgment are intimately connected. When we enter the Silence, we develop the capacity to “judge righteously,” as Proverbs 31:9 reminds us: “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” True judgment doesn’t condemn—it clarifies. It helps us see with compassion, not criticism.
Judge Not, but Judge Rightly
Jesus’ words still ring clear across the centuries: “Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1). Too often, we interpret this as a command not to think critically at all—but spiritual judgment is not about labeling people as good or bad. It’s about aligning our perceptions with divine truth.
Justice, in spiritual terms, is impersonal and impartial. It doesn’t depend on appearances but on principles. The ancient image of Lady Justice, blindfolded and holding a balance scale, reminds us that true discernment looks inward. The eyes are turned away from outward appearances and toward inner truth, where divine principles operate without bias.
Charles Fillmore wrote, “Whatever thought you send out will come back to you. This is an unchangeable law of thought action. A man may be just in all his dealings, yet if he condemns others for their injustice, that thought action will bring him into unjust conditions; so, it is not safe to judge except in the Absolute.”
In other words, condemnation creates a cycle of pain. When we release judgment of others, we free ourselves from that cycle. Forgiveness becomes the great equalizer of the soul, restoring balance and opening the heart to divine justice.
Forgiveness: The Balance Within
The prayer Jesus taught us—“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors”—is a reminder that forgiveness is not a single act, but a way of living. When we forgive, we realign ourselves with divine order.
We cannot expect a just and loving God to forgive us while we hold bitterness toward others. Forgiveness and mercy are inseparable from spiritual justice. To forgive is to release the mental and emotional weight that clouds our inner vision. It allows our natural discernment—the faculty of righteous judgment—to operate with clarity and love.
The Faculty of Judgment
Myrtle Fillmore offered a unique insight into the divine faculty of judgment. She wrote that this faculty “has built the sense of taste,” and when we give it proper attention, it can “keep us from bitter experiences.”
In other words, right judgment is like spiritual taste—it allows us to “discern” what nourishes the soul and what brings bitterness. Just as we can develop a physical taste for wholesome foods, we can refine our inner taste for truth, kindness, and peace.
Every moment presents a choice: to respond with love or react with judgment. By cultivating this faculty consciously, we can learn to recognize what aligns with our highest good and gently release what doesn’t.
Discernment Through Meditation
Meditation strengthens discernment because it teaches us to listen without reacting. In the quiet space of the Silence, we can observe thoughts and emotions without labeling them right or wrong. This creates an inner spaciousness where divine ideas can flow freely.
Over time, this practice transforms how we experience life. Instead of reacting to circumstances, we begin to respond from the steady center of divine guidance. We discover that true judgment is not about correction but about perception—seeing the world through the eyes of Spirit.
When we meditate regularly, we become more attuned to the still small voice within. That voice doesn’t shout or scold—it gently guides, reassures, and directs. It invites us to forgive, to understand, and to see beyond appearances.
Living in the Silence
To live from this consciousness is to bring the Silence into daily life. It is to move through the world with an open heart and a quiet mind, allowing divine wisdom to lead the way.
When judgment arises, we pause and listen inwardly: What is Love asking of me in this moment? Sometimes Love says “speak up,” and sometimes it says “let it go.” This is righteous judgment—not rooted in ego, but in Spirit.
A Prayer for Discernment
Dear Spirit, lead me into the Silence where I may hear Your still small voice.
Teach me to see through the eyes of love, to forgive easily, and to discern rightly.
Help me taste the sweetness of truth and turn from bitterness and blame.
Let my thoughts be aligned with divine justice, my words with compassion, and my heart with peace.
And so it is.
In the end, releasing judgment and cultivating discernment are not separate paths—they are both expressions of our connection with the Divine Mind. Meditation opens the doorway; forgiveness clears the way. And righteous judgment—guided by love—keeps us walking in harmony with Truth.
When we turn inward and listen deeply, we discover that divine wisdom has been speaking all along, waiting patiently in the Silence for us to hear.
Body Mind Spirit Guide
