Developing Your Intuition
Oprah describes intuition as a feeling that pulsates beneath the surface, for me, it’s a recurring thought. Intuition speaks to each one of us in its own unique way, for some it’s a hunch, or a gut feeling, an inner voice or a recurring thought. It doesn’t really matter how intuition gets our attention we just need to remember that it is something that we all have, but not everyone listens to it.
When your mind is constantly busy worrying, searching for solutions, thinking about problems, or feeling anxious you usually don’t recognise this guidance. To hear our intuition we need to be still. Our logical mind and five senses entice us to pay attention to what is outside of us but intuition comes from within, so to be able to recognise when intuition is guiding us we to slow down, go within and be still. And the more we practise stillness the more accomplished we become at recognising the still small voice within us.
To access your intuition tune into your body. Mentally scan your body to see where you are carrying stress. Then sit still and breathe deeply for a few minutes allowing your entire body to relax. Be aware of where your thoughts are taking you but don’t judge yourself for having those thoughts, whenever you notice them simply let them go.
Intuition is always accompanied by a feeling of calmness. It never urges you to do anything harmful or dangerous. Martha Beck says, “Wisdom is far, far stronger than fear, but while fear gladly forces itself upon you, wisdom will do nothing of the kind. We can’t be victims of wisdom: It must be chosen.”
You can choose to be intuitive by establishing habits that support you to recognise this inner guidance. This could be by relaxing on a regular basis, doing something to quieten your mind such as listening to calming music. Exercise. Deep breathing. Meditating. My preferred method is meditation. I have found that the more consistent I am in my meditation practice, the more readily I hear my inner voice.
The following are some guidelines that may assist you to differentiate between intuition and the voice of fear:
- Fear urges you to do something, or acquire something, in order to be happy.
Intuition knows that nothing external has to happen for you to feel happy. - Fear needs recognition and achievement to feel good enough.
Intuition knows that you are already good enough. - Ego, which is sometimes disguised as the voice of reason, keeps you stuck in your thoughts.
Intuition doesn’t debate, or justify, it simply guides you to choices that support you. - Fear urges you to do something, or to be afraid of something.
Intuition guides you to choices that provide the answers you need.
Intuition always leads you to abundance, peace and joy.
Anne Hartley is the owner of Hart Life Academy, an online training school which trains mindfulness and meditation teachers.
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