Making Clear Decisions

Have you ever had trouble making an important decision? Or you’ve made a decision and then you find yourself second-guessing it?

Lingering doubt eases its way into your consciousness and what felt clear, now feels partly cloudy and soon you find yourself completely overcast with doubt.

It’s times like this that you have to support yourself in making a decision from your best self, your most evolved self, the self that is calling you to thrive rather than survive.

All of us have a chorus of voices vying for attention but it’s up to us to select which voice gets to be the soloist. When you’re making an important decision you need to find ways to support the voice of your inner wisdom.

A few days ago I was in the midst of making an important decision. I was on a morning bike ride and I wanted to enjoy the cool air and the green trees but I was ruminating over the decision and I felt tortured by the constant back and forth. I knew that I needed to quiet my mind to get to the heart of the matter to find a place of clarity.

I parked my bike and leaned it against a bridge. I scampered down a path that led into the woods and brought me close to a stream. Sitting near flowing water always clears my head. It quiets me and in the quiet my heart has room to speak.

I found a place to sit on the root of a tree near the water and then I heard voices on the main trail. They were talking animatedly and a woman started singing. I thought to myself “I hope they’re not taking my bike!”

I decided not to feed the fear. I was here to tune into my heart. I drew my attention to the movement of the stream, so sweet, so gentle so beautiful. And the cedar branches that were hanging over the stream were fragrant. I sighed. I felt myself calming. Here in this place by the stream I felt supported and clear again. I knew the decision I needed to make.

When I returned to the trail I was infused with clarity and happy to find that my bike was just where I left it.

It wasn’t until I started riding home that I realized the song the woman was singing…

“I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way”

“Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright, bright
Sun-Shiny day.”

This is a true story! Isn’t it delightful?

Where is it that your clarity resides?
Can you find it in the presence of a candle?
Is it drawn forth in the purposeful inhalation and exhalation of your breath?
Is it awaiting you in nature or in a conversation with a trusted friend or mentor?

Go there.