We’ve all had times when we feel something but can’t explain it. Maybe you feel good or bad about a job offer. Or, you feel something strong about a new person. That feeling is your inner sense working. It’s a strong tool that many people forget to use.
In today’s world, we get overwhelmed with information and distractions. It’s easy to lose touch with what we feel inside. We hear tips from experts, influencers, and friends who mean well. This can lead us to overlook our own good sense. But what if I told you that trusting your instincts could help you make better choices, feel more creative, and know yourself better?
Let’s dig into the idea of intuition. What is it? Why does it matter? How can you develop this helpful skill inside you?
What on earth is intuition, anyway?
You’ve probably heard people call intuition a “gut feeling” or a “sixth sense.” It’s that small thought in your mind or an idea that comes suddenly. Some people ignore it and believe it’s just luck or daydreaming. But intuition is more important than you might realize.
Psychologists explain that intuition is how your brain uses signals from inside and outside to make quick decisions. These decisions often occur without you realizing it. It’s like your mind connects things without your awareness.
Think of it this way: your brain is always taking in and sorting through lots of information. A lot of this information stays out of your awareness. Intuition uses this hidden knowledge to help you make fast choices. It works based on patterns and experiences that you may not even remember.
Why should I care about intuition?
In a time when we can find anything online and look at numbers as much as we want, you may wonder why gut feeling is still important. The truth is, gut feeling does not replace reasoning or looking things over. Instead, it works hand in hand with them.
Consider these scenarios:
- When you feel a lot of pressure and need to decide quickly, you may not have time to think about all the pros and cons. In these times, your gut feeling can help you understand things better and make a fast choice.
- You are facing a hard problem with several parts. Trust your feelings to focus on what matters most. Don’t get stuck worrying about little things.
- You may feel stuck on a creative project. Searching within for what feels right can help you move past this blockage.
- You are looking to understand yourself more. Paying attention to your feelings can reveal things about your values, wishes, and what motivates you. These ideas may not be obvious in your thoughts.
- You might feel stuck in a tough social moment. Trust your feelings. Look for what people are not saying. Pay attention to little emotional hints around you.
So, how do I tap into this intuitive superpower?
Now that we know why intuition matters, let’s look at the details. How can you make your intuition stronger? Here are some easy steps to help you get started:
- Meditate
Mediation settles the mind and brings awareness to the inaccessible parts of our subconscious – where intuition flows from. I have been practicing various types of meditation for a while now and currently do Holosync meditation which has had some profound benefits for me. If you are new to meditation, begin with just five minutes of sitting still and looking at your breath. If your mind starts to wander (and it will), gently bring your focus back to your breathing.
- Start a journal
There’s something unique about writing things down. Keeping a journal can help you unlock your deeper thoughts and come up with new ideas. You can practice free writing. Just set a timer for 10 minutes. Write whatever comes to your mind without changing or correcting it. You might be surprised by what you find when you let your thoughts flow freely.
- Listen to your body
Our bodies can sense things even before our minds catch up. It’s essential to notice how your body feels. Are you feeling tight in your stomach when you think about a specific choice? Or are you feeling light and excited? These feelings can help guide you on what to do next.
- Embrace your inner hermit (occasionally)
In our busy lives, it can be tough to find time to be truly alone. Still, it’s often in these quiet moments that we can hear our true thoughts the best. It’s important to take time for yourself often. You could take a walk outside, enjoy a nice bath, or just sit in a peaceful room without your phone. You might be amazed at the ideas that pop into your head when you are not always distracted.
- Trust your first impressions
When you meet someone new or find yourself in a new situation, pay attention to your first feeling. It’s good to take your time and not rush into quick choices, but these initial thoughts can provide you with helpful hints.
- Get creative
Engaging in creative activities can help you move away from thinking too much and feel more. Don’t worry if you don’t think of yourself as an artist. The goal is not to create something perfect, but to show who you are. You can try doodling, singing, dancing, or any fun activity that you like.
- Practice makes perfect
Begin with small, simple choices and learn to trust your feelings.
For instance, when choosing what to eat for lunch, go with your first idea.
Avoid spending a lot of time stressing over the menu.
As you feel more comfortable making these decisions, try using this approach for larger choices.
- Learn from the past
Think about times when you followed your gut feeling and times when you didn’t. What did you experience during those moments? Looking back on these events can help you notice patterns. This can make it easier for you to trust your gut feelings in the future.
- Get to know yourself
The more you understand yourself, the easier it becomes to see what you really feel. You will also notice if your feelings come from fear or hopes. Checking in on yourself often, speaking with a therapist, or hiring a coach can help you know yourself better.
- Stay curious
Intuition can come to you in unexpected ways. Be curious about your own thoughts. Stay open to new ideas that could change what you already know or feel.
Overcoming the intuition roadblocks
As you work on helping your gut feeling, you might face some common challenges:
- The overthinking trap: Sometimes, thinking too much can stop us from trusting our gut feelings. Try to quiet your inner critic. This will help your intuitive thoughts to come out.
- The fear factor: Trusting your gut can feel scary. This is true when it goes against what most people think. Remember, your gut feel comes from your own experiences and way of seeing things.
- The people-pleaser problem: Good advice from others can sometimes cover up your true feelings. It’s good to consider different views. But in the end, you need to trust what feels right for you.
- The impatience itch: It takes time to build your intuition. Be patient and know that, with practice, your skills will get stronger as time goes on.
- The mind-body connection: Our bodies and feelings can give us important clues. Pay attention to these little signs instead of ignoring them.
The journey to intuitive living
Developing your intuition is like going on a journey to understand yourself better. It means learning to relax your mind. You should listen to your body and trust your inner feelings. Like any journey, this takes time, patience, and a wish to discover new things.
As you work on the methods we discussed, be kind to yourself. Some days you will feel closer to your gut feeling, and some days you won’t. That’s okay. The key is to keep returning, keep practicing, and keep believing in the process.
Over time, you might find it easier to make choices. You may feel more connected to your true self. You could feel more prepared to face life’s challenges. And, you know what? You could surprise yourself with fresh ideas and positive changes when you learn to trust and listen to your inner thoughts.
So why not give it a try? Your feelings are there, waiting to be noticed. All you need to do is pay attention.
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