Faced with the crucial question of whether to stay in or leave a relationship? Your body holds wisdom your mind can't access. This episode completes a seven-part journey through conscious relationship decision-making with arguably the most powerful question: What does your nervous system tell you when contemplating staying versus leaving?

Many of us live disconnected from our bodies, missing crucial guidance hidden within our physical responses. Even those drawn to somatic practices may struggle to maintain this connection. Drawing from personal experience, I share how tuning into my body revolutionized my understanding of my relationship needs. When considering staying during conflict periods, the physical sensation of pulling back wasn't necessarily a sign to end the relationship, but crucial information about boundaries needing attention. Similarly, feelings of relief when imagining leaving provided important data without dictating a specific action.

Through two transformative exercises, you'll learn to access your own nervous system wisdom. The first practice helps you identify whether your body moves toward connection, pushes against in resistance, has an urge to get away from or detaches completely when considering each relationship path. The second, "Leaps and Landings," acknowledges that both staying and leaving involve stepping into the unknown, and helps you recognize both fears and hopes associated with each direction.

These exercises aren't designed to deliver a definitive "should you stay or go" answer. Rather, they establish communication with your nervous system, allowing its wisdom to inform your decision-making process. Whether you're new to somatic awareness or an experienced practitioner, these exercises offer valuable insights cognitive approaches alone cannot provide.

Connect with me on Instagram @trish.sanders.lcsw to share your experience with these practices. Remember that meaningful change doesn't require seeing the entire path at once – just take one step, any size, in any direction. Getting to a place that feels better, more joyful, and more connected is possible for everyone, including you, even when depression is in your bed.

If you are interested in checking out the "Leaps and Landings" exercise referenced in this episode and more information about how the nervous system is at the heart of our lived experience, check out Deb Dana's Anchored.

- If you are looking to take the first step towards improving your connection and communication with your partner, check out this FREE monthly webinar on "Becoming a Conscious Couple,".

- If you and your partner are ready to co-create the roadmap to the relationship of your dreams, join us for the next in-person "Getting the Love You Want" Weekend Couples Retreat!

For support in how to have deeper connections and better communication in the relationships that matter most in your life, follow the host, Trish Sanders on Instagram , Bluesky or LinkedIn.