Somatic Intuition: Listening to Your Body's Wisdom

Have you ever felt a quiet knowing in your gut, only to override it with logic or doubt?

As a somatic coach, I often witness clients rediscover this inner wisdom—not as some elusive gift, but as a reliable ally encoded in their body's signals. For leaders charting bold paths, parents attuning to unspoken needs, or anyone at life's crossroads, somatic intuition bridges the gap between head and heart, offering clarity that feels grounded and true. It's about reclaiming that voice within, turning hesitation into empowered steps forward.

The science behind this is as fascinating as it is practical: Your gut-brain axis, home to 90% of the body's serotonin, plays a starring role in these intuitive nudges (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Studies in embodied cognition (Barsalou, 2008) further show that tuning into physical sensations sharpens decision-making, cutting down on post-choice regret by fostering alignment. This isn't reserved for the "intuitive types"—it's a skill anyone can cultivate, starting with simple awareness that invites your nervous system to speak without the noise of overanalysis.

Let's awaken that wisdom with a straightforward 2-minute micro-practice:

• Plant your feet solidly on the ground, creating a stable base.
• Breathe steadily, in and out, to settle any mental chatter.

Now, bring a current decision to mind and scan your body: Does it evoke openness and expansion, like a "yes" blooming in your chest? Or contraction and tightness, signaling a "no"? If the response feels murky, pause and inquire gently: "What does my body need to feel safe in this choice?"

From a coaching lens, trust the initial sensation—it's your system's unfiltered truth. If doubt arises, exhale fully and reaffirm: "I'm building trust here," allowing the practice to unfold with patience and curiosity.

Carry this inquiry deeper with these reflection prompts, treating them as compassionate conversations:

• What decision in my life could benefit from my body's honest input?
• Where have I dismissed my intuition in the past, and what might that teach me now?
• How can I lean into that wisdom more fully this weekend, perhaps in a small, low-stakes way?

These prompts are tools for self-discovery, empowering you to navigate with greater confidence.

To integrate this fully, experiment over the weekend by applying somatic intuition to an everyday choice—like weekend plans or a conversation. Note the body's feedback afterward, journaling it to reinforce the habit. For those new to this, begin with neutral questions to build familiarity, remembering that somatic coaching is about progress, not perfection—each listen strengthens your inner guide.

Should trusting your somatic intuition ignite a desire for more, our self-guided Anchor In program offers structured exercises to hone this skill—available whenever you're ready to deepen the connection