Understanding Intuition: 5 Ways to Find ‘YES’ in Your Body with Shantani Moore
Shantani Moore is a Holistic Fitness Trainer and the Ultimate HypeWoman, she has inspired thousands of people all over the world to fall in love with movement, elevate their lifestyles, and start living their BEST LIVES lives right now.
She uses compassionate coaching, high energy, and mindful motivation to meet you exactly where you are on your fitness journey. Born and raised in Southern California, Shantani began her fitness journey as a way to support the physical and mental demands of her career as a professional dancer. She creates diverse workouts using skills she's learned teaching dance, spin, yoga, barre, strength training, HIIT, sculpt, TRX, and trampoline cardio over the last decade. Her positive approach and dynamic energy has led her to train celebrities, partner with major fitness brands (FitOn, Equinox, Xponential Fitness, Pure Barre, Vitruvian, Jumpsport Fitness), and curate international retreats throughout her career.
To learn more about Shantani visit her website and follow her on IG @shantani.moore.
“Should I take the job? Should I stay in this relationship? Should I add more avocado?” With the exception of the last one (always YES), these questions can be tough to find the answers to. When life is constantly throwing uncertainty at us, knowing which choice is the “right choice” can stir up internal battles we didn’t know needed fighting. We may go hours, days, even weeks at a time feeling paralyzed around making a decision. Can you relate?
Finding your ‘YES’ is quite an adventure to say the least. Being a human is hard. Tapping into your intuition is the deepest quest into who we are and who we choose to be. Know that it is not always easy, but it will be the missing link to unlocking your BEST LIFE right now.
Stay true. Stay you. And never for a second doubt your magic.
Welcome to understanding your WHOLE BODY YES. Your WHOLE BODY YES is the feeling you get when you know the truth - YOUR truth - in an immense, intense, and simply immeasurable way. It is undeniable, and strong enough to make you abandon all logic and take a leap of faith into the unknown.
More often than not, people understand what ‘NO’ feels like in her/his/their body. You could say that rejection comes easier than receptivity these days. That being said, in a society that relies on us dropping out of our bodies, disassociating with our needs, and staying distracted, understanding the WHOLE BODY YES can feel like a stretch.
So where to begin? Today’s answer: tune into ALL FIVE SENSES to find your ‘YES’. The human body responds to the environment as a means for protection and self-preservation. The more you develop a relationship with your body and the way it responds, the more likely you are to know what to do, when to do it, and how to manifest the life you are meant to live.
Below you will find a few fun, simple ways within which you can start to integrate mindfulness into your everyday life (with a few BONUS CHALLENGES to keep things interesting). Each option is up for your interpretation - this is YOUR journey after all. Simply stay curious. Let this be your invitation to liberate your authentic self and start living your BEST LIFE right now.
Here are a few helpful tips before we dive in. Three words -
INFLUENCE + INTEGRATION + INTERPRETATION:
INFLUENCE: The opposite of intuition is influence. Read that again. Sometimes, it isn’t so much that we cannot hear our wants and needs, as much as it is that we are not listening to our OWN voices. Between social media and societal pressure, it’s no wonder more people can’t hear themselves think. Start being more discerning about what you are putting into your system and what you are allowing to have influence over your life.
JOURNAL PROMPT: What are the 3 biggest influences that impact my daily action? How are they in alignment with my future vision?
INTEGRATION: Space and stillness. We all need more of it. When you are wiped from your workday or tending to your to-do’s, your mental clarity decreases. Burnout is REAL, and it is important to know when you’ve reached your breaking point. Honor yourself, and give your body the basics for survival: food, water, and Schitt’s Creek reruns. Rest is the revolution and the key to unlocking your intuition. Protect your peace, and allow yourself to get curious about what is possible for you AFTER you have taken the time to replenish.
JOURNAL PROMPT: When was the last time I felt truly rested? Describe it in detail. How can I create more rest for myself this week?
INTERPRETATION: Your intuition speaks in whispers. At first, you might feel that you don’t hear much of anything or that what you hear is difficult to understand. Sometimes it feels like you are sending messages, putting yourself out there, but your intuition has simply left you on ‘Read’. #ouch Tapping into intuition is about building a relationship, and just like every other relationship it takes time and quality effort. REMEMBER: Patience is the most important practice, and sometimes silence is the answer you need right now. Stay consistent, and before you know it, you and your intuition will be besties in no time.
JOURNAL PROMPT: When was the last time that I listened to my ‘gut instincts’ or intuition? How did it play out? What did I learn from that experience?
5 WAYS TO FIND ‘YES’ IN YOUR BODY USING YOUR FIVE SENSES
SEE
People-watching: Go mingle with the muggles. Watch the ridiculous reality show that is being a human. Whether that is a local park or your neighborhood cafe, take some time to observe people simply being themselves. As you sit, tune into how certain people make you feel as they walk by. Do you feel open, friendly, lusty, or uncomfortable? Are you experiencing tension or ease? Notice where this manifests in your physical body. Heighten your sense for what and who makes you feel safe. Safety is a WHOLE BODY YES.
PRO-TIP: Bring your sunglasses and make sure they are dark. Let’s be conscious - not creepy.
BONUS: Digital detox
Go through your social platforms, contact lists, old photo albums, etc. and delete anything that doesn’t make you feel like a million bucks. Oh, so you’ve already done this? Do it again. Practicing discernment with your influences can make a huge difference in how deeply you are able to listen to your intuition and find your ‘YES’. Shame is insidious and it lowers your vibration. You don’t need any extra stress in your life. Mute. Block. Delete. NEXT.Not sure if you should let it go? Ask yourself: “Is this going to matter to me 5 years from now? Is this helping to take me where I want to go?” If not, say ‘thank you’ for the lessons and LET. IT. GO.
SMELL
Essential Oils: Essential oils can create an incredible advantage for you when the present moment feels miles away. The sense of smell is a powerful tool to understand what is safe, clean, and healthy for our overall well-being. Smell is also very closely connected to past memories, which can be an awesome resource when used intentionally.
Go online or to your local apothecary to purchase some of your favorite fragrances. Score some bonus points with the Universe by purchasing the oils without reading the descriptions or purpose for each one. Trust yourself, tune in your body and listen deeply.
From there, integrate essential oils into your everyday life. Place them on your hands and take a deep breath. Notice how the different smells make you feel in your body. Is there a lightness through your head or a sense of grounding into your feet? Do you feel vibrations or a tingly sensation anywhere? What parts of the body are activated with your FAVORITE smell? That’s your ‘YES’. It is through pleasure that your body will tell you what you enjoy and what you crave. Whatever it is, your nose knows.
Note: Make sure to check all ingredients on the bottle before purchasing. Nothing will pull you out of intuitive bliss more than an itchy rash or allergic reaction. Be conscious, my friends!
BONUS: Nature
Two words. FRESH AIR. Getting into nature is such a great way to connect with yourself and regulate your nervous system. Take nothing but the necessities with you and take intentional deep breaths. How do you feel? Allow your time in nature to be connected to your ‘YES’ by ditching the map and trust your intuition to guide you on an adventure.. Respect the power of Mother Earth - stay safe, and stay curious!
HEAR
Music: What’s your PUMP-UP song? A great way to tap into finding ‘YES’ in your body is to start with what you know you love. Take your favorite track and BLAST IT. Sing loudly or simply just listen. When the song is over take a moment to reflect. How do I feel in my body RIGHT NOW? What sensations am I feeling? What feels ‘lit up’ for me right now? If you’re not sure, that’s okay. Try listening again! Patience is important and the worst thing that happens is you have to listen to your favorite song… AGAIN.
BONUS: Make a ‘PLAY’list and dance it out!
Gather all of your favorite songs, new and old, into one place so you can access the feeling of joy, play, and ‘YES’ - anytime, anywhere. Get up, dance, shake, and express yourself! Play with movement and try not to take yourself so seriously. Take moments either during or after to feel the sensations in your body and how this music influences you. The best way to find your ‘YES’ is through the gateways of joy and pleasure. Let the music be your guide and trust that the feeling of joy is the feeling of ‘YES’!
TASTE
Treat yourself to your favorite meal: Take this as your permission slip (not that you need one) to indulge your favorite foods. When it comes to channeling your higher purpose through intuition, you need to know what honors your cravings, leaves you truly satiated, and nourishes you on the deepest level. What better way to do this than with your favorite food? Treat yourself to your favorite meal and take your time. Savor every bite and notice what physical sensations arise in your body. Does it feel warm? Does it bring back a great memory from your past? Connect with where your thoughts are wandering and what feels truly delicious for you in the present moment as a whole.
BONUS: Build a charcuterie with your besties
Intuition can be experienced with others. Why not make it a family affair?! Get your best people together and have an intuitive tasting! Ask everyone to bring their favorite charcuterie snack foods and build a charcuterie board together. Once it is complete, go around the circle and allow each person to choose each bite following their intuition. Hover your hands over the board, and feel into what your body is looking to eat next. Before picking it up, maybe share where you feel drawn and what you are feeling in your body. Take a bite and let your people know where else you feel yummy in your body. There are no rules for this game. Besides, any excuse to build a board is reason enough to give it a try!
TOUCH
Massage: Hands up if you need a massage! Whether you do it yourself or invest in the full spa experience, getting a massage can help you understand the landscape of your body and where you are starting your intuition journey. Most of us store physical tension which may be blocking access to ‘YES’ and our intuitive sense. As you receive your massage, notice the sensations in your body. Notice what feels good and what is not what your body is looking for. And for the love of Lizzo if it is not feeling good… SPEAK. UP. #truthhurts, and this is supposed to be FOR YOU after all.
BONUS: Hot/cold therapy
If you are looking to take this whole sensory experience to the next level, look into hot/cold therapy. Many people use hot/cold therapy to awaken the senses, regulate the nervous system, and understand themselves more deeply. You may find many psychological benefits that can help with anxiety and depression. You can find this is the form of an infrared sauna/ice bath combo, but there are many ways to engage in this type of sensory awakening. Connect with your doctor to make sure this is a safe option for you first as it does shock your body’s system in new ways. Once you get the okay, start your research. If it is good enough for Madonna and Alicia Keys… it’s good enough for the rest of us.
Note: Short on cash? Try it at home! Switch the shower from hot to cold on your final rinse. It will not be comfortable the first time, but no one said growth would be easy. Breathe deeply and stay with it until your body and breath regulates. Do this daily and see how long you can hold in the cold. After your shower, grab some luxurious lotion and treat your skin to some much needed TLC. Take your time, and revel in the rush of experiencing yourself on multiple levels.
JUST FOR FUN: Intuitive dress up
This is an all-time favorite and one that you can do every single day. Before getting dressed, take a few deep breaths to ground your energy. From there, begin with choosing your underwear (or wherever you like to start building your outfits from). Instead of choosing what looks good together, feel into which specific garment you feel drawn to today. Continue this process, doing your best to drop out of the idea of constructing an outfit or conforming to beauty standards. Simply choose what feels like it is calling you the most.
Once finished, put every piece on and tune into the physical sensations in your body. What information can you gather? How do you feel? Again, there is no right or wrong. This is just about tuning in, playing dress up, and having fun! Note: if nothing is calling you, maybe it’s time to go shopping! Take it from Marie Kondo, EVERYTHING must spark joy.
BONUS: Go out and continue the rest of your day in your best feeling outfit
See what happens! I dare you. You may be pleasantly surprised at how your day unfolds!
RESOURCES
WORKOUT: Movement Practices/Workouts with Shantani Moore
PODCAST: “How to Actually Tap Into and Trust Your Intuition” with the CosmicRX
BOOK: “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert
PLAYLIST: Glennon Doyle’s FUN playlist (author of Untamed and Love Warrior)
