(based on the source: Martha Beck "Finding your own North star")
Do you have a big decision ahead?
You don't know how to be certain that you will take the right one?
There are many advice givers out there telling you how to take a decision. The most common might be "Make a pros and cons list!" or "Think through all the consequences and then decide which decision entails the most benefits or the least risk." Those are mentally guided advices. But what about "Just listen to your gut."? Or "Your heart knows what's best." Or better yet: "Just be yourself"? They seem a bit corny but include your body as an advice giving machine towards the best outcome.
Based on the various fascinating books written by Martha Beck (PhD), I want to propose a compass that includes our mind, body and emotions.
The body compass
When we weigh the different options we have, the body will be the quickest to respond and give us information about the path we consider taking.
Let's take a look at a precise situation: You think about moving and you just visited an apartment where you're not quite sure if it is a potential new home. Close your eyes and then go back to the apartment in your mind. Wonder through the different rooms and let the impressions sink in. How does your body react? Does it contract, tingle, burn, expand? Feel into the different regions: chest, head, belly and so on. And then just notice: Does this sensation feel generally good or bad? Does your body tighten or release tension?
If you have trouble sensing your body, calibrate your body compass by first remembering an uncomfortable moment of your life and feel what physical sensation comes up for you. Give it a number on a scale from 0 to -10, -10 being the most uncomfortable sensation. Then remember a satisfying, even happy moment of your life and feel into your body. Give it a number from 0 to +10, +10 being the most pleasant sensation.
Then, go back to your decision and see, if the sensation connected to your current situation feels more like the first or the second state you just experienced again. You can give it a number too, just to be sure.
This is a small explanation of how to ask your body what decision to take.
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