The Power of Intuition: Developing Self Trust with the Full Body Yes

As human beings, we are equipped with an incredible tool for self-protection: our intuition. Our amygdala, the primitive part of our brain, developed intuition over centuries of evolution to keep us safe from danger. It's that feeling in your gut, that sense that something isn't quite right.

But how often do we ignore our intuition and try to rationalize our way through a situation? We tell ourselves it's nothing, that we're being paranoid or overly cautious. We push aside that feeling and carry on, even when it doesn't feel right.

The truth is, ignoring our intuition can be harmful. It can lead us into dangerous situations or cause us to make choices that aren't aligned with our values or goals. Enter the full body yes.

According to Diana Chapman, co-founder of the Conscious Leadership Group, the full body yes is a physical sensation that occurs when your entire body feels aligned with a decision. It's a sense of calm, clarity, and conviction that arises when you're making the right choice for yourself.

But how do you know if you're experiencing a full body yes? According to Chapman's research, there are several physical cues to look out for. These include a feeling of lightness in the chest, a sense of excitement in the body, and a feeling of expansiveness or openness.

Chapman argues that tuning into your body's physical sensations is key to making better decisions. When you're faced with a choice, take a moment to notice how your body feels. Do you feel tense, closed off, or contracted? Or do you feel open, expansive, and calm? By paying attention to these physical sensations, you can start to discern which decisions are aligned with your values and goals.

Of course, learning to trust your body's intuition takes practice. We're often taught to rely on our rational minds to make decisions, and it can be challenging to tune into our bodies' signals. But as Chapman notes, the more you practice noticing your physical sensations, the easier it becomes to make decisions that are aligned with your true self.

So the next time you're faced with a decision, take a moment to tune into your body's physical sensations. Trust that your body knows what's best for you, and look for the full body yes that signals you're on the right path. By doing so, you'll build self-trust, make better decisions, and lead a more fulfilling life.