Finding Your Intuitive Voice

by Lynn A. Thomas
SoulPoweredLife.com

Recently a reader emailed and asked about intuition:

“It looks very nice to read that we should allow the life to unfold and i really like this way of life. but there is one question which bothers most of us and that is how can we know that we are going as per our intuition. what if our decisions are based on our old programming. what if our decision is wrong. can you bring some light on it?”

Thank you for your question.

Practicing intuition may at first seem like learning a new language.  You look deeply for answers, question what you get and are fearful of making a mistake. This only serves to bring in the reasoning mind. Instead, don’t strain, fear or worry over the matter — be light and joyful about it.

Our intuition is always with us, it’s just a matter of getting familiar with that ”still small voice”, that voice that we have heard since childhood, but which we often tune out — or question if its valid — or think its just imagination.

When trying to make a decision, our intuition will be our first thought, the thought that sneaks in under the radar, before the rational mind kicks in to analyze (and argue) with it.

For example, while traveling over a holiday weekend, my first thought was to take a back road.  This country road would be about a 30 mile drive to the connecting Interstate highway.  Immediately after this first thought, I reasoned that to take the toll road to the Interstate made more sense.  The back road traveled through small towns, while the toll road had more lanes,faster speed limits and no traffic lights.

The toll road seemed to be the “rational and reasonable” choice. About half way to the Interstate, we came upon a major traffic jam on the toll road.  We moved at a snail’s pace for nearly an hour.  The whole time we were stuck in traffic, I kept thinking about that country road.

Other signs of intuitive thought include:

• Your intuition will suggest the next step – not the whole plan.
• Your intuitive thought will most likely feel like relief.  For example, if you wonder if you should sell your house, how does it feel? Does it feel like relief?
• Your intuitive thought will be for the benefit of all concerned – it is not competitive, vindictive, hurtful or revengeful.
• Your intuitive thought will be for your higher good — but it will not tell you how unique and special you are; nor will it put you down.
• Your intuitive thought will likely be a step out of your comfort zone.
• Your intuitive thought will likely be an idea you’ve never thought before.

Your intuitive thought is that thought that hits you while you are in the shower or driving your car.  That thought that comes when you have stopped trying to find the answer.

Your intuitive thought is just a knowing, a gut feeling, or a hunch.  ”I don’t know how I know that – I just know.”

To start using and trusting your intuition, start with making small decisions. Minor decisions will lead to major decision making skills as you get a feel for your intuitive voice.

And, there is no should.  You are the decision maker, so don’t ask: “Should I have pizza for dinner?”  ”Should I take the new route to work today?”

Instead think in the affirmative:  ”I’ll have pizza for dinner” and see how that feels to you.  What thought comes up immediately (under the radar) about that decision?

Image: Francesco Marino / FreeDigitalPhotos.net