The body does not produce a single type of signal
Bodily signals are not uniform. Some operate as baseline signals, appearing consistently across different contexts. Others emerge as reactive responses, triggered strongly under stress or pressure.
Confusion arises when all bodily signals are treated as commands for immediate action. This often leads to impulsive decisions or unnecessary avoidance.
Distinguishing between these signals prevents extremes in either direction.
Characteristics of baseline signals
Baseline signals from the enteric nervous system tend to:
These signals function as directional guidance rather than instructions. They indicate a stable tendency rather than a demand.
Observed over time, baseline signals demonstrate greater consistency than short-term emotional reactions.
Reactive responses and distortion
Reactive bodily responses are commonly linked to stress, fear, or unresolved pressure. They appear quickly, intensely, and often seek immediate action to relieve discomfort.
Acting directly on these responses may reduce pressure temporarily, but it rarely addresses underlying causes.
In such cases, pausing allows differentiation between baseline signal and reaction.
The function of pausing
Pausing does not mean ignoring the body. It creates the space needed for stable signals to become clearer.
During this pause:
Pausing prevents decisions from being made while the system is insufficiently integrated.
Integrating body and thought in decision-making
Clear decisions emerge when baseline bodily signals and thought no longer conflict significantly. This does not require perfect agreement, but a reduction in internal pull between opposing directions.
When integration occurs, action tends to:
Integration signals readiness for action.