Recent neuroscience findings have uncovered that we have complex and functional neural networks — or brains— in our heart and gut.

Called the cardiac and enteric nervous systems, respectively, these adaptive neural networks display amazing levels of memory and intelligence, and there’s a growing array of evidence that these brains are deeply involved in the control and processing of numerous functions and core behavioural competencies.

What are the three brains and their functions?

The first of the three brains is the obvious one. It is the head brain, and the master of processes such as thinking, perception, and cognition. It recognises things, makes meaning of them, creates narratives and masters language. Head based language sounds like this: “I think”, “I reckon”, or “I understand”.

The second is the heart. Ask a person where they feel an emotion, and their hand will land directly above their heart. Nobody gestures to their elbow. We know intrinsically that this is the place that processes deep emotion. What else is the domain of the heart brain? Here lie our values, along with the process of emoting, the process of valuing and the way we feel about relationships. Heart based language centres on “I feel” or on the expression of the deep emotions and values that lie in the heart brain.

The third is the gut. Here we find our core identity. What is me, what is not me? This is the domain of the gut brain. It is also responsible for safety and protection. Our gut is extremely important in upholding our immune system, but it also takes care of self-preservation, fear, anxiety, mobility and action. Gut based language says things like, “it takes guts” or, “let’s do it.”

In this powerful exercise we will use the power of our three brains to gain clarity and set your daily intentions.

Gaining clarity helps us to become more focused and assertive. It is a form of mental hygiene process when you focus your mind on what matters.

Please share your experience of using different brains for decision-making.