Have you ever wondered why you sometimes ignore your gut feelings, even when they scream louder than logic?

Join me, Sue Saller, and special guest, producer Marc Picard, on this captivating episode of the Small Steps, Big Wins podcast as we unravel the mysterious nature of gut feelings and their vital role in decision-making. Discover what it means to connect with your authentic self and how being present—like a musician lost in their art—can help you find balance and freedom beyond rational thought. This episode promises to enlighten you on how to listen to those inner warnings and make choices that resonate with your true self. Feeling overwhelmed by the constant struggle between mind and body? Marc and I offer practical advice for achieving peace and clarity in the present moment.

Learn about a simple yet life-changing practice: dedicating two 10-minute sessions each day to sit quietly without distractions. This consistent ritual can help you manage emotions, reduce mental noise, and ultimately live a happier, more balanced life. We also emphasize the importance of giving yourself permission to embrace these moments of calm, despite societal pressures to stay perpetually busy. Explore the profound idea that God’s presence resides within us, offering self-awareness and reducing ego. Marc and I bring perspectives from both Christian and Islamic viewpoints, enhancing your spiritual journey. We share transformative experiences with transcendental meditation, practical tips for integrating it into your daily routine, and the value of journaling to capture insights and emotions. Ready to take actionable steps towards lasting change? Tune in and remember, life improves by choice, not chance. Visit personalcoachfinder.com for personalized guidance to start your transformative journey today. Chapter Summaries: (0:00:02) - Exploring Gut Feeling and Authentic Self (11 Minutes): Marc and I dive deep into the concept of gut feelings and their importance in decision-making. We explore how gut feelings often arise when we sense we shouldn't do something, yet sometimes ignore this internal warning. Through reflective exercises, we discuss the idea of connecting with our authentic selves and the power of being present. The conversation also touches on the example of playing music and becoming one with the instrument, suggesting that our natural state is found in the here and now, beyond rational thought. (0:11:21) - Quieting the Mind for Clarity (7 Minutes): This segment focuses on the futility of the mind-body struggle and offers practical advice for finding peace in the present moment. Marc and I explore the concept that our existence is fleeting and that obsessing over thoughts and achievements ultimately detracts from experiencing life fully. We suggest a simple practice: taking two 10-minute sessions each day to sit quietly, without any distractions. By doing this consistently, you train your mind to embrace calmness and neutrality, making it easier to manage emotions and reduce mental noise. The importance of giving yourself permission to take these quiet moments is emphasized. (0:18:15) - God's Kingdom Within and Gut Feeling (6 Minutes): Marc and I discuss the concept of God's presence within us from both Christian and Islamic perspectives, emphasizing that recognizing this can lead to profound self-awareness and reduced ego. We share the transformative power of transcendental meditation, including personal experiences and practical advice for integrating it into daily life. Key points include using a mantra to focus the mind, the importance of silent reflection, and practical tips such as meditating upon waking and before sleep. The value of journaling to capture insights and emotions is also highlighted. (0:24:19) - Taking Action for Lasting Change (1 Minute): I encourage you to take actionable steps towards positive change after tuning in to the podcast. Emphasizing the importance of not just listening but also implementing what you've learned, I ask you to identify practical actions you can take today. Any small step can lead to significant improvements in your life. For those unsure where to start, I recommend visiting personalcoachfinder.com to find professional guidance. Remember, life improves by choice, not chance, and making small steps today can lead to big wins. Key Takeaways: - Trust your gut feelings and understand their importance in decision-making. - Practice being present to connect with your authentic self and find balance. - Implement a simple daily practice of two 10-minute quiet sessions to manage emotions and reduce mental noise. - Recognize God's presence within you to enhance self-awareness and reduce ego. - Use transcendental meditation and journaling as tools for spiritual growth and emotional clarity. - Take actionable steps today to improve your life, starting with small, consistent changes. Resources: - Visit [personalcoachfinder.com](http://personalcoachfinder.com) for personalized coaching guidance. - Learn more about transcendental meditation and its benefits. Connect with Us: - Follow the Small Steps, Big Wins podcast for more insights and practical advice. - Join our community on social media for updates and discussions. Tune In: Ready to unlock inner wisdom and make better decisions? Tune in to this transformative episode and take the first step towards a happier, more balanced life.