Struggling with a decision: The Whole Body Yes

Recently, I was facing a big decision that would set the trajectory of my next phase of intense learning and, ultimately, my career. As I talked about struggling with the decision, and that I was reaching out to experts in the field for feedback, a friend asked “What will you need to hear to know?” In other words, how will you know what the right choice is?

I stopped. Good question. What these experts said was an important component in my decision-making, and I also knew that I would just know.

To dissect that a bit, my strategy was to:

• Talk to a few people who knew more about this field. To be curious and open to their experience. I chose people who exhibit a relatable integrity as well as deep experience. One of them is also a very close friend.

• Ask thoughtful, specific questions and share that I’m struggling with the decision. By being vulnerable, I give them the opportunity to help me.

• Stay conscious of how my body responds during the conversations. Look for the “whole body yes” that is the signal from my intuition. Recognizing my intuition and body intelligence is a practice. A tool to hone over time.

And quickly, I had my answer. It was messy, grey (not black or white) and it was my customized solution. I immediately felt calm, grounded, unrushed. “The pressure is off.” I sighed. And a new, equally challenging, but easeful and intuitive track was revealed. Our bodies know before our brains do. Being conscious to the sensations leads us to our intuition.

For more about The Whole Body Yes, watch this: