In this powerful episode of The Coachable Podcast, Tori Gordon dives deep into the critical topic of distinguishing true intuition from fear-based instinct. We often feel powerful inner signals guiding us, but how do we know whether these signals are coming from our higher self or are simply reactions based on past trauma or survival instincts? Tori shares tools and insights to help you sharpen your discernment, align with your authentic self, and make decisions that lead to greater clarity, peace, and growth. Whether you're struggling with commitment, facing tough decisions, or navigating personal or professional challenges, this episode will help you identify the difference between your soul's true guidance and the fear-based instincts that keep you stuck in survival mode.
Key Topics:
Intuition vs. Fear-Based Instinct:
Understanding the key differences between these two powerful inner signals.
Intuition: Calm, clear, grounded, and expansive. It’s a deep inner knowing that doesn’t need external validation.
Fear-Based Instinct: Urgent, constricting, and reactive. Often rooted in past trauma or old survival patterns.
How to Discern Your Intuition from Fear:
Signs that you’re being guided by true intuition: Calmness, clarity, expansiveness, and neutrality.
Signs that you’re operating from fear-based instinct: Panic, contraction, urgency, and seeking validation from others.
Practical questions to ask yourself when faced with a strong inner signal:
Does this feeling feel calm or urgent?
Would this guidance still make sense without past pain or trauma?
Is the thought looping or arriving with quiet confidence?
The Role of Discernment in Decision Making:
Why urgency in decision-making is a sign of fear, not intuition.
How fear can prevent us from committing to the right things or following our true path.
Commitment and fear of making the wrong choice: How to move past these fears to make aligned decisions.
The Neurobiology of Intuition and Fear:
Understanding how the brain and nervous system process fear vs. intuition.
Fear-based instinct activates the amygdala (fight or flight), while intuition activates the default mode network and insula—areas associated with self-awareness and inner truth.
Spiritual Discernment:
Why intuition must include our humanity, not bypass it.
How to recognize when spiritual "intuition" is actually avoidance or projection.
Intuition should be rooted in humility, clarity, and care, not panic or ego.
The Importance of Somatic Awareness:
How your body can help you discern true intuition from fear.
The body’s response to fear and intuition: Fear feels tight, constricted, and urgent, while intuition feels expansive, calm, and grounded.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Anywhere Clinic: A powerful mental health resource offering online psychiatric care, including ketamine therapy. Visit anywhereclinic.com/tori for more information.
Tori Gordon’s Coaching Services: For those looking for a holistic approach to leadership, success, and well-being, you can apply for private coaching with Tori at hello@torigordon.com or reach out on Instagram @thetorigordon.
Get Involved:
Share Your Thoughts: If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend or family member who could benefit from learning the difference between fear-based reactions and true intuition.
Join the Conversation: Tag us on Instagram @thetorigordon and share how you're applying these tools in your own life. We’d love to hear how you're using discernment in your decisions.
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