The Wisdom of the Body

When we face uncertainty or feel torn, our reflex is often to turn to the mind. We analyze, weigh pros and cons, and try to “figure it out.” But when we rely on thinking alone, we miss a vital source of intelligence. The body knows things the mind doesn’t.

As coaches, we may notice our clients doing the same. They often go straight to the mind to find the answer. You might even see them look up when asked an introspective question, as if the truth lives somewhere above their eyes.

But the body is a sensing instrument. It stores experience, reacts to truth and untruth, and speaks in signals. Tightness, restlessness, fatigue, buzzing, energy, posture, breath, and temperature. These are not random. They are information. They are messages.

We can help clients access this information by guiding them into their experience, not just analyzing it from the mind. When clients gain awareness of their body, they often discover clarity and choice that were not available to the thinking mind.

Questions to help your clients access the wisdom of the body:

• What’s happening in your body right now?

• What is your body trying to tell you?

• Where do you notice that feeling in your body?

• What happens when you simply sit with this?

• What is your gut telling you?

• Let's sit with this sensation and not turn away. What do you notice?

• What happens if you close your eyes and sense into this?

Coaching application: In your next session, notice when your client is “in their head.” Gently guide their attention into the body by asking one of the questions above.

Life application: Pause. Close your eyes. Observe what’s going on in your body right now. What is your body trying to tell you?

Relevant Upbuild content: [Podcast] The Seduction of Anger (Apple / Spotify)