How to Tap Into Your Intuition and What May Be Holding You Back
I used to say, “Oh I’m not much of a “woo woo” person” but let’s be honest, these days it’s all aboard the woo woo train. I’m all about ideas like the energy that you put in is the energy you receive, being able to shape your reality with your thoughts, and listening to your intuition.
So intuition, what is it exactly? According to the dictionary, it’s “the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.” Otherwise known as a hunch or a “gut feeling.” It’s basically knowing something without any analytic or logical reason, you just FEEL it. Intuition can help keep you safe, make decisions, and even give you tools for taking better care of your body (say hello to concepts like “intuitive eating”). If you’re someone who is highly intuitive and follows your gut all over the place, keep at it and read no further! But what if this is a new concept to you or you have a hard time tuning into it? Many people are miserable in their lives and completely ignore the intuition that nudges them to change. The first step to fixing anything is to realize/acknowledge the problem, so why does this happen?
Overthinking, even when you do have a gut feeling you spend so much time thinking about it that you convince yourself otherwise.
The “should’s,” are all the things you think you SHOULD be doing. Sometimes it’s because of societal pressures, your upbringing, what everyone else is doing, what you’re told, etc. but simply because you think you should do something, doesn’t mean that it’s the right choice or that it’s going to make you happy.
Other people’s opinions. How often are you swayed from making a decision because of what your friends/family think? Getting opinions can be beneficial but at the end of the day don’t let other people make YOUR decisions for you.
Prejudice/unknown bias/previous experience. You might be feeling like you want to do or try something new but the past or unconscious thought patterns might be subconsciously holding you back.
Wants. Have you ever wanted something SO BADLY that even though it may be the wrong decision you do it anyway?
So how do we get better at following our intuition?
First, just listen. Sometimes you’re able instantly notice what your body is trying to tell you, but other times it takes a little more to figure it out. Be still and silent, take some time to slow down. Do things like journal, meditate, take a walk, etc. Allow yourself to really get in touch with your thoughts and feelings. Then, notice body sensations. Do you notice that something you’re doing always brings up feelings of anxiety? Is there a specific thing that always feels easy and brings a smile to your face? At a certain moments do you feel heavy and choked up, or does your body feel light and free? Really notice the feelings that arise from your thoughts, actions, and circumstances. Finally, trust your gut. If you start noticing a pattern of negative emotions, do something different. If you don’t feel safe in a situation, get out. If you feel elated and joyful, do more of that thing!
If you still don’t know what I mean, here’s an example from my own life. I love to travel but sometimes I talk myself out of it. I think that should be close to my family, settle down, buy a house, have a consistent income, etc. So I keep coming back to my hometown because I keep thinking I SHOULD enjoy spending my time here (it’s where I am now). But every time I leave, when I come back I feel my chest get tight (last time I drove back into town from a road trip I just started crying). I’ve been having anxiety at the thought of getting a job here. I’ve been feeling like I’m stuck with no inspiration. So instead of forcing something that felt hard, I decided to go the other direction. The other day I bought a ticket to leave and instantly my body felt giddy and light. Just like that, the ideas, opportunities, and inspiration came pouring in. It doesn’t mean that I’m not nervous about what the future will hold and there are plenty of reasons I’ll be sad to leave, but it just feels easy. It’s how I know I’m following my intuition down the right path.
Stop worrying what others will think, start doing what makes you FEEL right, get out of your own way, and trust your inner voice.