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TAKE A BREAK

Stuck? Try embodied decision making

Think to a time when you have had difficulty choosing between two options, in a “this” or “that” type of situation. Not so much at the level of what to make for supper, but life path choices such as which career to study for, or between a perceived responsibility and dream pursuit.

Perhaps that time is right now even. We may feel such a tension arise that we become immobilized and truly challenged.

Our minds and hearts and guts seem at odds with each other. Maybe neither, or both, of the options feel authentically right and so we ping pong back and forth.

If we introduce a third option, a stability of sorts can be attained. The tension becomes distributed in a balanced way, much like a triangle or three-legged stool. Often this option is a compromising blend of the original two, but may be something wild and previously unconsidered.

Trusted help may be enlisted to think outside of the box we were in, but boldly seeking that third option can bring strong feelings of spaciousness to then step into my favourite decision making method. We can do this as a solo experience, but having trusted observers to this process adds a wealth of information we might miss on our own.

The first step is to ensure we have three firm, clear options. The next step is to find three things we can

RETURN stand on, a piece of tape on the floor or a pillow TO REVERENCE perhaps. Designate one choice for each item and JULIETTE JARVIS stand before them. After a cleansing breath and a moment to “get into our body,” step onto the first option and feel as if you have fully stepped into that choice. Made and done. Notice now any emotions welling up and let them inform you. Take stock of physical tension in your body and your posture. Is your jaw clenched? Arms wrapped around yourself? Face grimacing? Now step back and shake it all off before “making” your second choice. Notice again and note any changes that occur. This is where compassionate witnesses can be helpful. Often they can see our stance and energy change better than we can. One of the three options will bring greater ease to our body with feelings of freedom, strength, or excitement while the others feel heavy, oppressive, or downright painful. We tend to rely heavily on our minds to make decisions, but our wise bodies have lots to tell us too. Give this practice a try next time you are stuck and feel it out! Juliette Jarvis offers card readings, shamanic sessions, medicine gatherings, and immersion programs online and in-person. Find her at 3FoldBalance.com and ReturnToReverence.ca