Ever had a gut feeling that something wasn’t right, but you didn’t want to say anything because you didn’t want to rock the boat? That happened to me recently on a night out with friends and it reminded me how often we suppress our instincts to keep others comfortable.

On today’s Wise Walk we’re listening to those inner nudges we so often push aside. We’ll talk about what it means to listen to your instincts, how societal norms can condition us to silence them and how honouring that voice inside can lead to more aligned, authentic choices. Let’s slow down and explore what it looks like to trust ourselves more – one step at a time.

• Have you found yourself in a pattern of suppressing your instincts for the sake of others?
• Are you aware when your instincts surface and how you typically respond to them?
• Do you fear your instincts because they might make someone else uncomfortable?
• When a feeling emerges, do you justify it or layer it with logic to avoid acting on it?
• Is suppressing your instincts serving you, or is it something you want to change?
• How can you bring more awareness to your instincts and choose which ones to honor?
• Which instincts feel aligned for you, and which ones feel safer to compartmentalize?
• Do you know the difference between what feels aligned and what just keeps the peace?
• Have you been in situations where your fight-or-flight response kicked in?
• Have you felt unheard or out of alignment, yet stayed quiet to avoid discomfort?
• Are you filtering your voice or emotions for the benefit of others?
• Is that practice truly aligned with you, or is it something you'd like to change?
• When can your instincts serve you—and maybe even benefit others by revealing deeper truths?
• Where in your life can you honor and thank your natural instincts for showing up?
• Are you clear on what your true instincts are, or have they been clouded by conditioning?
• Could you be mistaking thirst for hunger or ignoring cues your body is trying to give you?
• Where can you return to center, drop into your body, and really give it what it needs?
• How can you eliminate the noise and distractions to reconnect with your true instincts?

As you move through your week, take a moment to reflect—and thank your instincts for showing up, protecting you, and guiding you toward what truly feels aligned.

I’d love to hear what resonated with you from today’s episode, so don’t hesitate to share. And be sure to join me next Thursday for another Wise Walk Conversation. Until then, prioritize fun, honor those inner nudges, and get your stride on.

In this episode:

[02:45] An example of how I spoke up and didn't suppress my instincts in a kind way.

[05:34] How one of my friends was embarrassed by me speaking up and having our needs met.

[06:35] We often suppress the instinctual reactions that are good for us.

[07:19] Another example from a friend of mine. Why can't we express our feelings? It doesn't have to be a hostile exchange.

[10:38] I discuss our natural instincts like eating, drinking, and sleeping.

[11:18] Humans have often been conditioned to suppress their instincts.

[12:38] Societal creations or norms are what challenge instincts just like the sweetness of donuts as opposed to ripe fruit.

[14:13] Interpreting cues from your own body and listening to your instincts. Be mindful of learned behaviors.

[15:01] How children aren't inhibited.

[16:15] How we may numb ourselves when we're disappointed for not speaking up.

[18:08] It's okay not to speak up if you don't feel comfortable. It's important to be present and aware and notice what instincts are surfacing within you.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Our instincts are still pure. What challenges that instinct is our societal creations or pressures or norms.” - Mary Tess
• “It’s okay to not speak up if you don’t feel comfortable yet. But the most important thing is to be present and aware and notice what instincts are surfacing in you.” - Mary Tess
• “As children, our instincts are pure and raw and real. Children have that beautiful quality of being just honest and direct.” - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

Mary Tess Rooney

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