You’ve probably heard the sayings, “follow your gut,” “the first answer that pops into your head is the right answer, “ and other adages that refer to intuition. By definition, intuition is “the ability to acquire knowledge without recourse to conscious reasoning.” We live in a world that has strong cultural norms, religions that tell us how to live our lives and rules and laws that set a standard for behavior in a “civilized society.” These guides or rules are designed to control and sometimes protect people as members of communities, but they don’t recognize individuals—individuals with their own inner voices. So, even though we’ve heard the adages, we oftentimes don’t heed our own intuition.
How can you strengthen your intuition? First of all, by recognizing when it occurs and following the advice it gives you, even if it contradicts what the outside world is telling you or you second-guess it yourself. LISTEN.
Remember the situations when your intuition was right and if possible, write those experiences down so that you have proof that it works and the proof reinforces you continuing to follow it. Then, create space in your life for practices that will help you hear your inner voice, such as: meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, journaling, and listening to calming music. If you are inspired by Nature, take walks there. LISTEN.
Oftentimes your inner voice speaks to you in your dreams. We know that once we wake up, our memories of the dreams usually dissolve, so set a journal and pen on the nightstand by your bed and write your dreams down when you immediately wake up. Later, when you go back and read about your dreams, they will help you find the messages from your unconscious, your inner voice.
“The choices we make, dictate the lives we lead.” Choose wisely by listening to and following your intuition.
