When we go through the daily motions of our lives, in a Western culture that puts facts and logic on a pedestal, it is easy to forget about the important role of intuition in our lives.
Everyone has a basic level of intuition and with practice you can really hone your intuitive skills to help you in life.
You may not realise you have much intuition, and for many of us, we get used to pushing down our intuitive feelings. We might have an instinctive feeling such as ‘this situation doesn’t feel right’ or ‘I’m finding this person’s energy quite damaging’ or ‘I’m drawn to try this new thing’, but all too often we push it down and disregard how we feel. But these feelings often tell us an unspoken truth and are evidence of your natural intuition.
So let start with what intuition is. Intuition is a way we describe that gut feeling that most of us have had, the feeling this something is right or is wrong. We have an innate understanding of something, not based on facts or proof, but instead because of our feelings.
In many other cultures this sense of intuition is celebrated rather than side-lined, and by listening to our gut feeling, we can add a new level of understanding to a situation.
Working and living more intuitively is all about learning to get your conscious mind out of the way, and trusting what comes to you, trusting what feels right.
It is the art of not ‘trying’ but ‘being’ and then listening to what your inner instinct is telling you, and deciding what to do with this feeling.
I’m sure we’ve all met people before that seem really wise, and often are able to articulate how they feel about a situation. This well-developed intuition can seem a lot like superpower, but as with most things practise makes perfect, and we can all keep growing our intuition as part of our lifelong journey.
So here are some simple ways to grow or improve your intuition:
1. Listen to your gut feeling:
Notice the physical sensations in your gut area in the moment and ask yourself how this person or situation makes you feel. Do you feel queasy, tight, or nauseated? Or perhaps instead comfortable, exhilarated, or at ease?
When we notice this, for example when meeting new people or making life decisions, it adds another level of information to help guide us to make good choices.
2. Observe your energy levels:
Consider how something or someone makes you feel when you are anticipating it or after the event. Pay attention to whether being around something or someone makes you feel tired and drained or energetic and lively. People can be energy radiators, drainers or neutral, and combinations of people might bring out different energy levels. Sometimes we need more energy, other times we might need less. Think about what is your optimal energy exchange with someone and seek out those people or situations.
3. Pay attention to your Aha! moments:
These moments will often come in a flash, a ‘lightbulb’ moment. Trust that these moments when they arise, and instead of dismissing them or put them away, consider that they arrive in that moment for a reason. This is often a clear message from your intuition. You might decide to think some more about what it means, or it might give you clarity straight away to help you e.g. overcome a challenge, heal a relationship or to forgive yourself.
4. Do a short meditation:
Taking yourself back into yourself for a few minutes can help that inner message find it’s voice. To be separate from other people can allow you to tune in and listen to what your intuition is telling you. When you are ready to hear it, the message will come.
So why not try any or all of the steps above this week and see what impact this makes our you and how you might feel better from living more intuitively.