A few years ago, I had an irregular EKG during a routine checkup. Doctor’s orders? “Cancel everything and get a cardio stress test—immediately.”
But the hospital was backed up, so I spent a week doing nothing but spiraling. Cue: panic attack. 😳
After the test, the cardiologist told me my heart was totally fine. I asked, “So… how do you tell the difference between a heart attack and a panic attack?” ❤️
His answer: “Um… you can’t?” Not exactly comforting.
But it’s the perfect metaphor for the things that matter in life.
Much like panic attacks and heart attacks, fear and intuition can feel almost identical.
We like to think intuition is calm and clear and fear is loud and frantic. But in the moment? They can both feel like a racing heart.
That’s because your body often reacts before your mind has time to make sense of what’s happening.
As somatic experiencing teaches us:
💡 The body often reacts before the mind makes meaning.
The difference isn’t always in the sensation—but in how we relate to it.
So that racing heart? That flutter in your chest? It doesn’t always mean stop. It might mean pay attention.
Context is everything
Later, the cardiologist added something important: The only real way to tell the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack is context. Had something stressful just happened? Were there other signs of a deeper issue?
👉 And of course—if you're ever unsure, treat it as a heart attack and seek medical care. I’m not a medical professional, and this isn’t medical advice.
That idea—that context helps us interpret what’s real—stuck with me. Because it doesn’t just apply to symptoms. It applies anytime we’re trying to access our intuition.
💡 One context clue to try: Contraction vs. Expansion
Ask: Does this feeling create contraction or expansion?
- Fear contracts. It makes the world feel smaller, like doors are closing.
- Intuition expands. Even if it’s scary, it opens the door to possibility.
Think back to a decision you’re proud of.❓Did it feel like closing in—or like a quiet pull toward something bigger?
Now think of a time you ignored your gut.❓Did the choice lead to freedom—or to an “ugh, I knew it” moment?
What if you’re reading it right—and just not trusting it?
Some of the best moves don’t feel peaceful. They feel raw, electric, uncomfortable—because they matter.
And when something matters, your nervous system might react before your intuition has a chance to speak. That’s not a flaw. It’s just how bodies work.
So give it space. Tune in. Don’t assume that discomfort means “don’t.”
That's easier said than done—and that’s where experimentation comes in. You don’t have to be certain. You just have to be curious.
But you can also start small and practice tuning into your intuition.
🪞90-second tune-in: Borrow a mirror
Often (erm, always?!) your body knows before your brain does. You just need someone to reflect it back.
👉🏻 So grab a buddy and try this:
1️⃣ Pick a small choice—where to go this weekend 🌎, what to eat 🍔, which book to start 📚.
2️⃣ Tell a friend both options. Not just the words—add a bit of why.
“I’m craving the eggs 🍳 because I’m tired and want protein. But I’ve been thinking about waffles 🧇 all week…”
3️⃣ Ask them: When did I light up? 💡 (When did your voice shift, or your face soften? ☺️)
4️⃣ Go with that one. Don’t overthink it. Then ask yourself after: Did it feel like possibility—or like pulling away?
That spark? That lift? That’s your intuition speaking.
Start with the small stuff—and you’ll get better at hearing it when it really counts.
Next week: 🤔 Is it not right… or just not yet?
Follow your intuition 😉, subscribe here so you don't miss it:
This one was a little more nuanced than usual—how did it land? Hit reply and let me know.
To an intuitive weekend,
Amy
Photo by Simran Sood on Unsplash
