What are you trying to figure out?
Navigating the modern world requires a lot of using your brain. There are risks in attempting to leverage any part of this system in a silo. Without the knowledge and appreciation for all parts of the system. “Figuring it out” creates a channel to your cognitive brain. But often ignores the other two brain centers of your body. There’s a lot of “figuring things out.”
This happens when clients feel overwhelmed. Or unclear about their direction. Or when they are wanting to influence a person who doesn’t seem that cooperative. Or when they want to have a specific impact but their efforts are not fruitful. The words I hear in these situations is often “I just need to figure out how to…”
This is a time when they know something needs to change.
The loop of figuring it out
When a client utters those words, they're often on edge. There's a real sense things cannot continue as they are in perpetuity. And sometimes almost a desperation to figure things out as a way to get relief or make forward movement. They're trying but what they're wanting isn’t unfolding.
The challenge with this approach is that pushing more to figure things out rarely works. Especially when you're on edge. Doubling down on using your brain in these moments overrides other parts of your system. A greater portion of your whole being needs attention. Figuring it out focuses on only one part of your system - your head brain. You have two other brains in your system.
Your body’s 3 brains
A lot has evolved in our knowledge of intelligence as neuroscience has evolved. Your body actually has 3 intelligence centers or brains. Each has its own nervous system and together they work together.
Note that this is incredibly simplified for this article.
Mind - cognitive intelligence - knowing
Heart - emotional intelligence - feeling
Gut - digestive intelligence - processing
There are risks in attempting to leverage any part of this system in a silo. Without the knowledge and appreciation for all parts of the system. This “figuring it out” creates a channel to your cognitive brain and often ignores the other two brain centers of your body.
The brain center to activate instead
When you find yourself in a “figuring it out phase,” I want to invite you to shift your focus downward to your heart brain. There's a reason you're pursuing a solution. Beneath the tactical reason is a feeling that needs honoring or a need you're trying to meet.
How to activate the heart brain
Pause for a moment to check in with your heart brain. Literally, put your attention on your heart and get curious. What is the wisdom it has to offer you? Don’t think about what you hear, just listen. You can use this cheat sheet to support your practice.
This simple practice of acknowledging your heart brain’s wisdom will shift things. You’ll gain new perspective. And a new path for movement will emerge.
Oftentimes, after acknowledging the heart’s wisdom the problem will almost evaporate. There will be nothing more to do or pursue. At least not for now. Your cognitive brain was wanting you to take action to satisfy the heart brain. Your listening to your heart satisfies the cognitive brain’s alert to you.
When you learn to listen to your heart’s wisdom, your whole system will start working with one another. Instead of against one another.
Call for reflection:
What intelligence does your heart have for you in this moment?
Shine On,
Alicia
(Image by Ekaterina Belinskaya via Pexels)