Fear vs. Intuition: A How-to Guide
Ever wonder if what you're feeling is fear or intuition?
Maybe you're about to make a big leap in your business but fear (or is it intuition?) is holding you back.
Maybe you're about to have a needed conversation with someone but fear (or is it intuition?) is holding you back.
Maybe you want to make a move on something in life that kinda feels right but fear (or is it intuition?) is holding you back.
I've been curious about this for A LONG TIME and I've recently come across a simple practice that helps clarify the difference between fear and intuition.
Hint: fear and intuition tend to be felt in very distinct places in your body.
Now when I talk about fear here, I’m talking about the fear that’s sneaky, could be untrue, and feels confusing. It’s a fear that can keep us stuck, playing small and staying comfortable.
I’m not talking about the fear that arises in truly dangerous situations.
If you’re in a dark alley feeling scared, by all means get yourself to safety!
But if you’re physically safe and are wondering if it’s fear or intuition guiding your next business or life move, here’s a simple practice to get you in tune to where these feelings show up in your body so you can move forward with clarity.
Find a relaxed place to sit or lie down.
Start focusing on your breathing. In and out. Not forcing anything, just observing.
Now think of something you truly, without a doubt, love deeply. Think of that person, place or thing and really observe where you feel this in your body.
Let that feeling of love and knowing fill that area. This is the place where your knowing, truth and intuition lies.
If you’re feeling direction from this place, you’re on the right path!
Now think of that same person, place or thing that you truly love and say instead that you hate this thing.
This is not your truth. Notice what you feel and where you feel it. This is the place where you feel anything not aligned with you, which includes fear.
You can use this practice when facing tasks, changes, or decisions that feel scary.
It’s OK to have fear and do things anyway. In fact, that’s where most of your growth lies. And again, I’m not talking about dangerous things. I’m talking about feeling fear around: being seen, saying out loud what you’re thinking or feeling, making important changes or decisions, saying “no”, saying “yes”, starting that business, buying those tickets, and living your dreams.