An Exercise for Making the “Fork in the Road” Decisions
July 24th, 2008
WORD COUNT: 734 Brief … Yet Clarifying Words
TIME to ALIGN: * About 3 MINUTES *
Imagine that you are at a crossroads. You’re ready to make a decision that will impact you for the next several years.
You may decide to turn left, right, or go straight up the middle. Which is best for you?
This is a situation that calls for the wisdom of your Higher Self. Your Spirit will guide you in the best direction, far better than the ego or intellect ever could.
When faced with “fork in the road” decisions, it can be tempting to rely on the intellect to analyze the numbers and weigh the pros and cons. Yet many people find this approach leads to more confusion than clarity. Without the guidance of the heart, the head can ultimately lead you into analysis paralysis, or decisions that are not aligned with your best interests.
Because high-impact decisions carry so much weight, this is the time to be directed by your highest intelligence, the wisdom of the heart. Certainly, tap your intellectual resources to organize, plan and work through the details. But now is the time to lead from the heart, the source of your highest intelligence.
So how do you align with the divine wisdom that will help you make the best decisions possible?
Here’s a simple, yet powerful…
FORK in the ROAD EXERCISE to ALIGN with YOUR INNER GUIDE.
You can do this exercise as a sitting meditation with your eyes closed, or as a walking neditation. Choose the approach that helps you get to a place of inner stillness. If it’s easier to do that while you’re walking on the beach or in a park, do that. If you prefer to sit in your favorite chair in silence, choose that approach. Use whatever method helps you align with a deep sense of peace.
1) START BY CLEARING YOUR MIND. Simply focus on your breathing. Release all “have tos”, worries and “shoulds”. Direct your attention to your breathing for about 5 minutes. If a thought pops up, just let it drift away and gently refocus your attention on your breathing.
Don’t try to make anything happen, just allow the inflow and outflow to come and go naturally.
2) FROM YOUR PLACE OF STILLNESS, introduce the intention to receive guidance and counsel from your Higher Self. Ask for this divine wisdom to guide you on your journey. Know that the answers you seek will be made clear to you.
3) NOW IMAGINE THAT YOU’VE MADE A DECISION. Let’s say you’re at a crossroads. You’re feeling overwhelmed and know that you need to make a shift in your business model, because you’re tired of working so hard. You want better results and more life balance. Yet you don’t want to sacrifice the revenue you’ve worked so hard to attain. You’re considering bringing in a business partner. Envision that you’ve made a decision. You’re now working with a partner,
and the two of you have been together for quite some time.
What do you see? What have you accomplished? How does it feel to share responsibilities, work, decisions, control and profits with another? Pay particular attention to how you feel as you picture the results of this decision.
4) TAKE THE OTHER PATH. After you’ve explored the first decision, imagine that you’re back at the fork in the road. You move in opposite direction. In this example, you imagine that you chose not to bring in a partner, and you’re looking several months into your future. What do you see? What have you accomplished? Has anything changed? If so, what is better, worse or the same? How do you feel?
5) RECEIVE THE BEST POSSIBLE DIRECTION. Pause and take a few deep breaths. Ask your inner guide - is there another path that is better for me right now? If so, show me the way.
Be still and see what comes to you. Expect to be surprised by new insights and alternatives. In this case you might find a better solution, such as simplifying your business model by narrowing your product assortment, outsourcing a function that’s depleting your energy, or finding a better way to partner with another.
If you don’t receive something right away, don’t worry. Often great insights appear in the hours and days after you’ve done this exercise. You may get a sudden flash, find more clarity in a synchronistic email or article, or be inspired by a dream and suddenly everything is clear. Just be open to receive what’s best for you at this moment in time.
Then commit and ask for the strength to move forward in calm confidence, knowing that you are indeed on your highest and truest path.
You have all of the resources and answers within you to excel in any direction you choose.
Decide, Be, Plan then DO, Always Expecting the Best!
Your friend and partner in mindful decisions,
Laura
Copyright© Laura Cardone 2008. All Rights Reserved. This is a Daily Discovery Series edition. http://www.profitswithpurpose.com is for enlightened business owners and professionals who are passionate about creating a successful business, AND a fulfilling and balanced life.
