Developing your intuition

As spiritual people, we always encounter someone saying to trust your intuition, but what does that mean? How can I tune into my intuition? It seems like an easy task, but in reality, following your intuition is like a muscle, the more you exercise, the more you listen to it and build your confidence around it, the easier it will be to follow it.

Intuition is something innate to all of us, it’s part of our nature, but in a world full of expectations, of others and of yourself, a world where we are constantly anxious for results, sometimes this connection between you and your gut gets lost. It’s okay if you struggle with connecting to your intuition, you’re not alone! But just know that it is possible to bring this connection back.

First we have to understand the difference between anxious thoughts, instinct and intuition. While anxiety and instinct screams for you to do something, your intuition is that quiet voice in the back of your head guiding you and, most times, it’s the one we decide to ignore because it doesn’t urge you to do anything, but sometimes it is the wisest thing to do. Sometimes, you feel the person you just met has something off, but you decide to ignore that until this person cheats on you. That was your intuition telling you something, and maybe you don’t need to run away screaming every time you feel that ick, but you can stop and listen to what this voice has to say.

Since we all need to practice something until you master it, there is a simple exercise that will help you understand your inner voice through breathing:

All you have to do is to sit in a quiet place, preferably outside, where you know you won’t get disturbed. Regulate your breathing, feel the air entering your lungs and exiting, feel your heartbeat slowing, and focus only on the relaxation the fresh air gives you. If a thought comes up - and it will - imagine it going away like a bubble floating to somewhere else, release it with your breathing. Now, that you decluttered your mind, let yourself wander, what is worrying you? You may feel your instinct telling you something about it, but it’s not the urge we’re looking for, so let these anxious thoughts go. As they move away, what does that calm voice say to you? Where do you feel that piece of wisdom? Usually it’s located between your eyes, or maybe in your belly or heart. Follow this wise voice, does it say something? Do you feel a certain sensation in your body? Do images pop up in your mind? Usually, your intuition sends you codified messages, and it’s okay if you can’t figure it out right away, but keep focusing on that voice, take notice of how it feels. That’s your intuition.

With time and regular practice, maybe regularly in the morning or before you go to sleep, you’ll soon be able to tune in easily with that voice. Remember, your intuition is there to protect and guide you, so make sure you follow it when it pops up.