Create a few minutes of silence. Put away the phone. If you like, light a candle to mark that you do not need to answer quickly.

Write your question in one sentence. Ask “What do I need to understand about this situation?” rather than “What will happen?”

Note your first answer before using any tool. Write a few words about the thought, feeling or body signal that comes first – without calling it right or wrong.

Choose a reflection tool. Draw a tarot or oracle card, open your journal or write freely for three minutes.

If you draw a card, ask: “What does this image mirror back to me?” First put the guidebook aside and write three things: what you see, what you feel and what you resist.

Compare it with your first response. Does it confirm something you already knew? Challenge your story? Open a question you had not thought of?

Bring in reality. Write what you actually know, what you are only assuming and what information is still missing.

Ask what aligns with your values. If a friend you love sat in front of you with the same question, what would you want her to consider?

Choose a next step. It may be a small decision, gathering more information, talking to someone – or consciously waiting. Write it down.

End without making the answer bigger than it is. Say: “This is what I see right now. I may change my mind when I know more.”