We are all naturally intuitive. Maybe you’ve heard that your intuition can be strengthened and developed through practice. There are many ways to work with intuition to trust your inner knowing.
But, developing intuition is much more than practicing with exercises and meditation. The best way to strengthen and affirm your intuitive muscles is to take action on behalf of your intuition. When you get a message from your intuition and ignore it, it’s uncomfortable.
The smallest actions make a difference. Listening throughout the day to your intuition and your body builds self-trust.
Trusting intuition after living in a disconnected state is hard. There are lots of things that disconnect us from intuition. Societal pressures, trauma, and anxiety are just a few.
There were years when I felt like anxiety managed me and not the other way around. If that’s you right now, I love you and get it. Your anxiety and worry are not a choice.
At some point, when you decide to trust your intuition more, it will be a choice. You’ll choose to trust a feeling or a knowing you have, and you might be glad you did. This builds confidence to try again. Each action you take on behalf of your intuition builds confidence and it compounds over time.
You might not have all the answers, and it might not be comfortable yet. Building confidence in your intuition takes time, especially if you’ve shut it down in the past. Think about how long it takes to build trust in a new relationship.
Does it feel like your mind is getting in the way?
If trusting your intuition is new to you, your logical mind will fight this with the same tenacity it uses to talk you out of starting any new routine. Your mind wants the easy way. The path of least resistance. It wants to keep you safe, comfortable, and in control. It wants to protect you. Our minds and bodies are brilliant at this.
When you can step back and notice how your body has protected you in the past, send it some love and thanks.
Three Habits that Undermine Your Intuition
1. Asking others' opinions about a decision you’ve already made.
This is different than getting advice or a second opinion. Some family dynamics require this kind of behavior in order to be accepted. Understandably, you may develop this habit after a loss or traumatic event and feel you can’t trust yourself. When you’re starting to develop intuition, or you want to develop more self-trust, practice pausing before picking up the phone to get several opinions about your recent choice. This is a great time to affirm your intuition by listening instead of getting input from several sources.
2. Saying yes when you want to say no
We all know the feeling of reflexively agreeing to do something that doesn't feel right. Sometimes we say yes to please the other person, and sometimes we might agree to things beyond our capacity because it’s difficult to admit we’re not up for it.
Your intuition (and body) will tell you instantly if something is for you and going against it is uncomfortable. Disappointing others is also very uncomfortable for most of us.
If you struggle with people-pleasing, try pausing before answering.
Saying, “Let me see if I can make that work” or “Can I get back to you on that?” can give you time to feel into your body and intuition.
Honoring your body's needs and your intuitive feelings builds self-trust and strengthens your intuitive muscles. Disappointing others is a part of life. Once you get good at honoring your intuition when making decisions, it becomes easier to pass on things that do not feel aligned. Practicing saying no in small situations can lead to a freer life.
3. Questioning yourself after you’ve made a decision
It’s always okay to change your mind. Ruminating thoughts and chronic worry about your choices take energy away from your intuition. Setting boundaries around time spent with these thoughts can help your trust and strengthen your intuition. Let go of the idea that there is only one right choice. Consider how many times in your life you have been redirected to what’s right for you. Sometimes this requires faith or a belief that the universe is supporting you.
Even if you have a tiny spark of faith, nurture it by interrupting worry over decisions you’ve already made. You can try interrupting a worrying thought with an affirmation like “I trust the power of my intuition” or “I trust that I am being guided.”
Remember that you are the ultimate authority and creator of your life. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be difficulties beyond your control—there will be. You can trust yourself to make choices that elevate you by listening to your intuition's subtle energetic guidance.
Give yourself immense self-compassion because trusting yourself when you’re anxious or struggling is HARD.
I believe in your remarkable ability to know and trust yourself—even after the worst experiences. The alchemy of the human spirit is infinite. You are infinite and capable of trust.
With love,
Sheryl
P.S. If you’re looking for more ways to connect…
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you can still get a signed copy of my book, Uncovering Intuition, here