Intuition is defined in the dictionary as the ability to acquire knowledge without proof, evidence, or conscious reasoning, or without understanding how the knowledge was acquired. Instinctive knowledge or belief. A hunch, a gut feeling. The subtle knowing without having any idea why you know it. It’s a knowing without knowing. Your own natural internal guidance system.
Author Gary Zukav in his book, The Seat of The Soul, defines it this way, "Intuition is perception beyond the physical senses that is meant to assist you." He goes on to explain that, “Intuition is a walkie-talkie between the personality and the soul.” Whatever your soul’s purpose is, your intuition is there to help you stay on track.
Have you ever had a moment where you felt as though something wasn't right? Perhaps stepping into a parking lot late at night, or feeling negative around someone without knowing why? Have you shrugged it off, dismissing it as nonsense? Intuition gives us the ability to know something without analytic reasoning, bridging the gap between the conscious and non-conscious parts of our mind.
As a culture, we have been conditioned to believe that rationality and logic should prevail when making decisions about anything from crucial life to business decisions to where to eat for lunch. But what about that "inner voice", that gut feeling, that little something instinctual from within that tells us how we feel underneath those layers of reason and logic?
Our intuition is always there, whether we’re aware of it or not. It’s a muscle that gets stronger and better through exercise and practice.
One way to determine whether you are following your intuition is to assess whether you are reaching for things or moving toward things. If for example, an idea, concept, thought won't leave you alone and it makes you feel energized, amplified, expansive than this is an indication that the idea resonates with you. When it resonates with you, you feel amplified. If on the other hand, you feel like you really need to push through, to struggle, to work hard and the thought of that feels draining and depleting than your intuition is telling you the opposite.
People often wonder how to tell the difference between their intuition and fear. Marie Forleo recommends something that I agree with, she says to listen to your body. The body is a good receiver of intuition if we pay attention. Does something in your gut contract slightly or expand and come alive? Do you feel expansion or contraction?
Sometimes these sensations can be strong and sometimes they are very subtle, but they are there if we pay attention. I will often feel the physical sensation of tingles as an indication from my body that something is in alignment with me.
In a lot of cases, I rely on whether the piece of information resonates with me or not. Does it feel like truth to me? Does it strike a cord deep within me? It takes practice to notice and trust our intuition, but it's always there working to connect us to our higher self.
There are many ways to tap into your intuition, to develop and strengthen it so it's a useful tool in your toolbox. If you are interested in learning more about how to develop your intuition consider joining me and my sister for the Circle of Intuitive Development beginning on May 29th. Details can be found under "Tracy's Upcoming Events" tab and at perennial-yoga.com/may-29-june-26---circle-of-intuitive-development.