Full Body Yes, Full Body No: A Somatic Practice for Decision-Making

Lately, I’ve been in full-on wedding planning mode. Which is a joyful thing. A beautiful thing. And also… a million tiny decisions! From honeymoon locations to napkin colors to which version of myself I want to bring into this next chapter- it’s a swirl of choices that can feel equally sacred and overwhelming.

And in the middle of all that swirl, I’ve noticed something: my head can answer questions much faster than my body. But when I actually pause long enough to feel the answer- sometimes, it's a different one altogether.

That’s where somatics comes in.

The Wisdom Beneath the Noise

In a culture that rewards logic, speed, and “just pick something already,” we don’t always remember that the body has its own kind of knowing. A slower wisdom. A truer one.

Sometimes your body leans in before your brain does. Sometimes your chest tightens, even while your voice says “sure.” Sometimes your breath gets shallow- or your shoulders relax, before the thought even forms.

That’s your nervous system talking.

And when it comes to decision-making, especially during a big life transition like a wedding- those subtle signals matter.

Try This: The “Full Body Yes” Practice

When you're unsure, pause and ask: What does a Yes feel like in my body? What about a No?

Close your eyes and bring to mind a past decision that felt really aligned. Remember how your body responded. Did your breath deepen? Did your spine straighten? Did something inside exhale?

Then recall a decision you regretted or made under pressure. How did that feel? Maybe your stomach tightened. Your energy shrank. Maybe your smile felt forced.

You’re building your inner compass- not from overthinking, but from noticing. And that compass is always available, even when your to-do list is not.

When You Don’t Know Yet

Some decisions don’t get a clear yes or no. Some ask for time. And that’s okay.

Your body doesn’t rush. It waits for safety. So if your answer feels foggy, maybe the somatic cue is simply this: “Not yet.”

And that’s a decision, too.

Whether you’re planning a wedding or just trying to choose dinner- let your body be part of the conversation.

You are wise. Even when you don’t know yet. Even when you're tired of choosing. Even when the answer surprises you.

You can trust the inner Yes when it comes.

And you can trust yourself to wait until it does.

With love and breath,

Cathy

Begin Within - Inner Nature

Would you like a practice to help strengthen your somatic compass in daily life? My Inner Nature sessions include gentle body-based guidance for decision-making, clarity, and calm. You can explore the Guided Journeys I offer here.