Make Better Decisions: Think With Your Body

“Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.” ~ Napoleon Bonaparte

Have you ever felt stuck on the question “What should I do”?

It can feel like there’s a right answer out there somewhere, if only you knew where to look or who to ask. It’s like we’re still chasing a gold star for making the perfect choice.

We’re trained to think things through logically and to analyse every angle before making a move. We’ve been taught to use our heads and think through the problem before showing our working. This approach might have gotten you good grades in school, but in the messy, unpredictable world of adulting, it leaves something on the table.

Yes, logic, intellect and analysis are valuable tools, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. We have another powerful source of intelligence that you probably don’t tap into much: your body. Intuition, gut feeling, somatic or body wisdom — it’s all pointing to the crucial role your body plays in helping you navigate a complex, changing world.

Tuning into Your Body’s Whispers

Embodied cognition shows that our bodies are constantly processing information and influencing our choices. Next time you’re wrestling with a decision, try asking your body for guidance instead of just your brain.

• What feels good?
• What could a next step be?
• What sensations arise as you dream into yourself following each option?
• Where does your curiosity want to take you?

Your body might speak to you in different ways. A word or an image might pop into your head. You might a movement in your body or energy might shift. You could have a sense of a colour or a sound.

It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t make sense straight away. It’s okay for your brain to be confused. Get curious and keep pulling on that thread. See if you can get curious about it. What does the feeling tell you? What symbolism does that colour or image hold for you?

Simple Exercises to Activate Your Embodied Intelligence

Here’s an exercise you can try. Write down your options on separate pieces of paper (no more than four!) and put each option in a different corner of the room. Stand in the middle of the room and slowly walk to each option in turn, returning to the middle each time to reset.

Notice what you do in your body. How does it feel in each of these places as you imagine yourself following this path? How does it feel to leave it?

Here’s a guided version.

An even simpler version? Flip a coin. Pay close attention to your immediate emotional response.

Feel Your Way Forward: The Benefits of Embodied Decision-Making

We all have the gift of this wisdom. Embodied decision-making is about learning to listen to this intelligence alongside what your brain is deducing. By tuning into these subtle signals, we can make more well-rounded decisions, reduce decision fatigue, and tap into a deeper sense of knowing.

So next time you’re facing a tough call, don’t just think it through — feel it through. Your body might just surprise you with the clarity and power it holds.

Empower yourself to make wiser choices. Download my free e-book, Listening to Your Body, and discover the power of embodied decision-making. For those who want to take it a step further and unlock the full potential of this approach, my 1:1 coaching programme can help you navigate complex choices with greater clarity and confidence.

Originally published at https://vixanderton.com on April 4, 2024.