Understanding and Developing Your Intuition

“We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal,
and then leap in the dark to our success.”
― Henry David Thoreau

I agree with Thoreau.

However, here’s something you must keep in mind…

If you leap into the dark without being clear on what you want and where you’re going, you’re rolling the dice. There’s no telling where you will land.

To reach your goal, you must bring your heartfelt desires into crystallized focus and put your heart-centered attention on what you envision.

And, if you tap into your intuitive mind, you’ll get there faster because you will be connected to the perfect, unlimited side of yourself that can help guide you to your intended destination.

What is intuition?

Intuition is a form of intelligence that goes beyond the rational mind. It eavesdrops on the mind of the universe, giving us access to infinite possibilities.

When we are in tune with our intuition, we can receive flashes of insight and quantum leaps of creativity that our logical, linear mind cannot make. We can feel our way through life, trusting our hunches and staying open and flexible instead of rigidly sticking to a plan.

Intuition isn’t a special gift for a select few. We all have intuitive abilities that we can cultivate and use to manifest our desires and fulfill our destiny.

Often, we are unaware of the messages our intuition sends us because of the busyness of life, fear, and agitation cloud them. However, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Developing your intuition

To strengthen your intuition, start paying attention to things you would typically consider unimportant. Notice the feelings you get and the thoughts that knock on the door of your mind that you might ordinarily dismiss.

Here are three exercises that will help you do that and start to hone your intuition:

1. Pay Attention to Recurring Thoughts.

Sit quietly for 10 minutes. Ensure that you will not be interrupted.

When thoughts start to intrude on your quiet mind, as they inevitably will, don’t engage them; let them float up and out of your mind, leaving a space behind.

When the time is up, jot down the thoughts that invaded your quiet. Are they thoughts that often distract you from what you’re supposed to be doing? Do they concern matters of legitimate importance?

Start paying attention to recurring thoughts and messages. Those “feelings” … those “hunches” … those “coincidences” … are all important messages from the universal mind, meant to guide you in the right direction. Once you start paying attention, you’ll be surprised by how often the voice of intuition tries to reach you during a day.

2. Determine If You’re Being True to Yourself.

I often talk about the importance of creating and carrying a goal card. If you have one, pull it out now and ask yourself: Am I in love with what I wrote on this card?

Your intuition knows if you’re being true to yourself. If your heart doesn’t skip a beat at the thought of it … if you aren’t longing to achieve this result … then it’s time to find another goal.

The point of all this is to learn to hear and respond to the messages coming to you from the universal mind, which is the source of all truth and all answers.

3. Do Blind Readings.

This exercise will take some practice. However, if you put in the effort, you will soon become a natural at learning what your intuition is trying to tell you.

Step 1

Get or create three blank cards. Write Yes, No and Maybe—one on each card. Turn the cards over and shuffle them around until you have no idea which card is where.

Still your mind, then ask a question that you know the answer to such as, “Am I 52 years old?”

Close your eyes and place your hands over the cards one at a time. Notice the different energy or feeling you receive when your hand is on top of each card. Select the card that pulls you the strongest.

Don’t be discouraged if you pick the wrong card. Just keep practicing and paying attention to the vibe you get from each card until you can distinguish your intuitive voice from the voice of your ego.

Part 2

When you feel that you have a good understanding of what your intuitive voice sounds and feels like, begin asking questions that you do not know the answer to.

Are you weighing your options with something that is bothering you? Take the cards and write down a different situation or scenario on each card.

Turn the three cards over and repeat the exercise. Which possibility are you more drawn to? Perhaps your intuition is trying to tell you something.

Looking for guidance?

It’s not always easy to discern when guidance is coming from your intuition or your ego. So, my suggestion is to become aware of the feeling that is behind the thought.

If you’re feeling anxious, insecure, or tense from the thought, your ego is likely guiding you.

If you’re feeling uplifted and like the idea is coming from a loving, authentic place, it’s your intuition.

Always pay attention to the feeling behind the thought and let that guide your next move.

To Your Success,