Intuition

Have you ever had a feeling about something but weren’t able to explain it logically?  Then, it turned out to be true? That’s your intuition.  In a world in which we are constantly flooded with news, information, opinions, and other people’s voices, it is more important than ever to listen to your intuition - that little voice inside your head.  Here is an example:

Natalie, a client of mine, was invited on a camping trip with some friends.  Not an outdoorsy person herself, she was naturally hesitant to go.  Why go camping when she could spend the weekend in her lovely home, with fresh sheets and indoor plumbing?  She couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that she should go on the trip.  It wasn’t a “should” out of obligation.  It was a feeling that she was meant to go.  Natalie had a feeling that she would miss out on something if she didn’t go, although she could not imagine how she could be disappointed missing out on outdoor cooking, sleeping in a tent and hiking through buggy woods, since these had never been activities she enjoyed.   She didn’t understand it, couldn’t explain it, and felt silly mentioning it to her friends. Natalie dismissed it “woo woo” to go with feelings, but she ended up going on the camping trip anyway. She joined the trip and on the first night, a man walked over from a neighboring campsite. A water bottle had leaked onto his matchbox and he asked if he could borrow a light to start his campfire.  After Natalie loaned him a lighter, they started chatting and, long story short, they have now been dating for four years. Natalie had experienced one of those times when we can’t explain logically why we have a feeling.  That is why it is a “feeling” and not a “thinking”.  Listen to that feeling, that little voice inside you.  Trust your intuition.  It will always lead you down your right path. 

Here’s how to practice:

Start by giving yourself space and time.  Ten minutes a day (morning or night).  Find a calm quiet place where you won’t be disturbed (busy parents have been known to lock themselves in the bathroom or the closet with ear buds just to create a quiet alone space).

Sit comfortably and ground yourself. Feel your weight sink into the floor/earth.  Close your eyes.  Imagine the crown of your head reaching towards the stars.  Take three deep breaths and exhale out any tension.

Place one hand on one belly and one hand on your heart.  This signals your body to focus on the breath and your inner self to listen to your heart - and get out of your head.

Clear your mind (I know - easier said than done).  Just notice whatever thoughts are crowding your mindspace and let them float away for now.

Ask yourself “what do I need now?”  Let the question linger and feel what comes up.  

Don’t judge. Don’t try to make sense of it. Just observe what sensations, voice, feelings come up.  

When you open your eyes, calmly write down any “hits” you had during the experience - these are visions, or feelings or answers to your question.  They do not need to make logical sense.  Just write them down (or draw them).  Let them marinate in the back of your mind and see where they lead. You never know what might come up!

Breathe. You got this.

Tamar