Using Your Three Centers of Intelligence
Have you ever made a decision that looked perfect on paper—the salary was right, the role was prestigious, the logic was sound—but a few weeks later, you felt completely drained? Or perhaps you’ve passed on a "good" opportunity because it just didn't "feel right," even though you couldn't explain why?
We often treat decision-making as a purely rational exercise, and it seldom ever is. Most of Western culture is based on this "head” first approach to decision making. It all started with Descartes declaring “I think, therefore I am.” But I digress, as that philosophical musing is for another blog post. We have three centers of intelligence: our heads, our hearts and our bodies.
Considering all three is essential when faced with a lot of the pressures and decisions that face us today, and this is the inspiration behind the name "Three Centers”.
These centers are our data points and learning to check in, connect with and listen to all of them isn't a "nice-to-have", it's how you make more confident decisions, how you maintain your energy for the long haul and how you keep yourself grounded in times of stress.
All three of our centers are present with us, but we use them differently and often we have a default for decision making. In the Enneagram assessment, which I use with many of my clients, we call these "Centers of Expression.” and together they are the balance of how you express patterns of thinking, feeling and action. Some people project and connect to their emotions, whereas others are more connected to their thoughts and others, to their bodies.
What does this look like in practical terms? Here is an overview of how the different centers drive us when they show up as our dominant center:
The Thinking Center (Head): Your first impulse is to gather data, analyze the risks, and look for the logical outcome. You feel most secure when you have a plan.
The Feeling Center (Heart): Your first impulse is to gauge the relationships, the impact on others, and the emotional resonance of the decision. You want to know if it feels “good” and serves the right people.
The Action Center (Body / Gut): Your first impulse is based on gut instinct and movement. You want to know: Is this the right time? Does this give me energy or take it away? You tend to make quick decisions to move things forward.
You probably already have an idea of your default, you don't need an assessment to confirm it. None of these are right or wrong. But if you only use your default center, you’re only accessing one-third of your intelligence. And in this state, are you making whole choices, grounded in all available information? Likely not. The goal is to ensure that you consult all of them and our work together guides you use all 3.
The Alignment Check
Next time you are faced with a decision, note the initial decision you want to make. Then, take a moment to sit with your three centers. Use this brief exercise to guide your reflection.
State your decision: Write down the choice you are leaning toward.
Consult the Head: Ask, "Does this decision make sense? What is the data telling me?"
Consult the Heart: Ask, "How does this feel? Does this align with my values? Does it excite me or drain me?"
Consult the Gut: Ask, "Is this right for my energy? Is this the right move for my life right now?" "What in my body lets me know this?”
Note what shifted for you from you initial reaction. Which center might need to listen and consult more often? Feel free to tell me about it.