We’ve all had those times when we’ve thought and thought about a decision and just can’t seem to land on the right answer. It’s as if we’re so caught up in logic, facts, and data we can’t see the proverbial trees for the forest. During those periods when you feel stuck, wait for an “aha” moment. It’s your inner wisdom or intuition sending you some important insight.
It can feel like you’re getting a text message. It pops into your mind as an insight or concept that wasn’t in your mind a split second before and is now there. These seem to come when you least expect them and usually not when you’re engaged in serious and solemn thought. People report these intuitive ideas often come while they’re in the shower, walking the dog or driving to work.
Here are some of the ways that intuition makes itself known:
Inner Voice – Many people report a “still, quiet, inner voice.” Your intuition will always communicate with you in a compassionate, loving manner that is perceptibly different from your normal inner chatter.
Dreams – You can receive a wealth of guidance when you learn to ask for intuitive insight from your dreams.
Emotions – Intuitive information often comes to you through your feelings or emotions. You may simply “feel right” about a certain course of action. Or you might experience a sense of distrust about an individual or situation.
Physical sensations – The Japanese call intuition “stomach art.” We call such sensations a “gut feeling.” You might find that your body feels heavy if a decision you’ve made is wrong. Your body may feel light or experience “chills” if it’s the correct path for you.
Symbols – Intuition also comes to us in symbolic images. You might receive an impression of a rocky road if you choose “Path A.” If you choose the alternative “Path B,” you may see a clear, well-paved path in your mind’s eye.
What can you do to invite this kind of intuitive message? Get clear about what you want and be open to the guidance.
Step 1: What Do You Want?
Here’s a list of work-oriented examples.
I want a winning idea for…
- The theme for our annual meeting
- How to grow my business
- Our new ad campaign
- An upcoming job interview
- Boosting sales in our department
Step 2: Chill Out!
What do you enjoy that’s creative and relatively mindless? Do it. For some it’s knitting. For others it might be taking a walk, listening to music, or playing solitaire. You want to create a period of downtime where you’re simply enjoying yourself and not thinking about your problem or concern. Be advised that the message may not pop into your mind during this creative interval, but may happen later on when you least expect it.
Step 3: Listen
Intuitive insights have a distinct feel. Remember the ad campaign for V-8 Juice? The actors had little thought balloons that said, “I could have had a V-8!” Intuition is like that. People often describe them as a “pop” of inspiration or ideas. You can’t force them to happen. You create an environment that allows them to occur. Just like that a wonderful idea will come to you, and your thought balloon will say, “I’ve got I-Mail!”
Within you resides a powerful inner wisdom. It is placed there to guide you through life’s inevitable trials and challenges. Heed its guidance and it will steer you unerringly to peace, happiness and joy. How? Simply be still…and LISTEN.
