Fear Versus Intuition – A Great Tip to Help You Tell the Difference
“Practice interpreting sweaty palms and a swirling, whirling stomach not as signs that you’re afraid but as signs that you’re ready to rock.”
– Marie Forleo, “Everything is Figureoutable”
Can you always tell the difference between feeling fear that needs to be moved through – versus your intuition telling you not to do something?
I know I’ve hit upon an outstanding book when I can write multiple blogs about it. Such is the case with Marie Forleo’s gem, “Everything is Figureoutable.” This is my third blog about the book…and it likely won’t be my last!
This particular blog is about the importance of moving through the fear that may be holding us back from reaching our goals and dreams…our highest potential.
Let’s face it: facing our fears can be daunting indeed. Share on X“When you’re faced with an opportunity to grow, it’s normal to feel hesitant and unsure,” writes Forleo. “But how do you tell the difference between helpful, directive fear that needs to be metabolized and moved through, and your intuition telling you not to do something that you’ll later regret?”
This is a brilliant question. Let’s ask it again:
How do you tell the difference between fear that needs to be moved through – versus intuition that is warning you NOT to do something…for good reason? Share on XBecause in my experience, it can often be very difficult to tell the difference.
Here is Forleo’s answer:
“Whenever I feel torn about a situation and can’t immediately tell whether I’m experiencing normal, healthy, directive fear (a sign to say yes and GROW!) or an intuitive hit to run the other way, I always find my answer through a subtle, visceral body check. This only takes seconds and it produces a clear answer. Every. Single. Time.”
Forleo suggests this: get in a comfortable position, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths to allow your mind to settle, then ask yourself this question:
“Does saying yes to this make me feel expansive or constricted?”
“When you imagine moving forward with this opportunity,” writes Forleo, “what happens in your body the nanosecond after you ask the question? Do you feel an openness, a sense of moving forward, a lightness in your chest? Joy, excitement, or fun?”
That probably means your answer is yes.
“Or do you feel an immediate sense of heaviness and dread? Does your heart sink?” asks Forleo. “Does something subtle inside of you retreat, pull back, close down, shut off, or somehow energetically say no?”
That likely means your answer is no.
“Your body has an innate wisdom that extends far beyond reason and logic,” explains Forleo. “You can’t think your way into accessing your body’s intelligence, you have to feel your way in.”
If your answer is a resounding, knee-knocking “OMG…I can’t believe I’m going to do this…I am scared shitless…but yes oh yes oh yes, I say YES!” then:
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
– Susan Jeffers
When I look back at my life experience thus far, I realize I often waited far too long to take brave new steps forward to achieving my goals and dreams.
I allowed the discomfort of healthy fear – that needed to be moved through, not avoided – to hold me back. Share on XIn other words, I often listened to the wrong early warning system. Too often, I let my fear – not my soul – run the show.
But that’s okay…because those days are done. The dress rehearsal is over. My soul runs the show now. Most of the time 🙂
How about you?
Is there an action you know you need to take but are scared to do so? Perhaps take a moment, close your eyes and listen to what your body & soul are trying to tell you.
And I shall do the same!
Related blogs by Maryanne
Beliefs – Beware the Behemoth Beneath Our Thoughts
Maryanne Pope is the author of “A Widow’s Awakening.” She also writes screenplays, playscripts & blogs. Maryanne is the CEO of Pink Gazelle Productions and Co-Founder of the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund. To receive her blog, “Weekly Words of Wisdom,” please subscribe here. And be sure to visit our PinkGazelleCards Etsy shop.