5 Easy Steps to Trusting Your Intuition
Throughout this thing called life, I’ve learned that there are a variety of times that you’ve just got to trust your gut and go with your intuition. Although the hard part is that it isn’t always easy and sometimes takes some practice while doing so. We're humans and we have natural instincts: the hard part is to turn off our thoughts while learning to trust those inner feelings.
1. Meditate
Although at times it's extremely easy and simple to make decisions, there are situations that are stressful and take a methodical process - as well as time and energy to truly evaluate opportunities - which is why meditation is exceedingly important and useful. Sitting quietly clear of phones or electronic devices with no interruptions and just taking a moment to be in the present with no one but yourself. Take a few deep breaths and meditate. This is an opportunity to clear your mind of any decisions that are supposed to be made. This moment will help navigate you to a quiet place filled with peace and tranquility.
Each moment when I wake up I set aside 15-20 minutes to meditate. This helps me set the intent for the day and just be one with myself: my mind, my body, my soul. It’s amazing how much you can tune in to yourself and your body when you sit in silence, let everything in your mind go and just be with your thoughts. Try and set time aside throughout your day to meditate. Meditation doesn’t always have to be sitting in a quiet space, alone. It could be writing aimlessly with no direction, drawing or coloring with mindless thoughts, counting to 10 on your fingers, taking a walk, or even listening to guided meditation. Silent mediation is not for everyone, but it doesn’t mean everyone can’t meditate.
2. Rely on inner wisdom
Whether you believe in a god, the universe, or a cosmic consciousness, this is a perfect time to call on those infinite sources to merely ask for guidance. During this time you may not instantly get the answer you were looking for, although it may shift your perspective when you start paying attention to specific signs.
I believe in a higher power. I believe in the power of the universe. I try and pay attention to the signs that occur throughout my life when I'm trying to make an important decision or am trying to sort through my thoughts and feelings. Try relying or looking for signs from a higher power in your life, you'd be amazed at what you may notice when you start to pay attention.
3. React to your reaction
Butterflies and goosebumps…ever had them? These are your intuitive physical reactions from your body. Your body is a powerful communicator and is sending you subtle signals about these situations, pay attention to them!
Certain scenarios speak to your soul causing specific reactions in your body, pay attention to them. Sometimes it's not always as magical or exciting as butterflies, sometimes it could be your conscious repeatedly reminding you of a thought or maybe it's your gut feeling when something is about to go the wrong way. Pay attention to those reactions. Your body knows you better than you realize, it's taken me some time to recognize these reactions, but when they happen now you best bet I'm paying full attention to them all.
4. Set Your Intention
Trying to set your intention is as though you are drawing a path to where you wish to be. For example, having a list of goals is setting your intention to succeed. It gives you that determination to drive yourself to those end goals while accomplishing what you intended to do. If you don’t have any intended paths to go on, you will lead yourself down a path without an end destination. Without a plan many individuals are less-likely to succeed to their highest potential.
Go about your day with intentions set for yourself. One specific way I set myself up with positive intentions for the day is by telling myself first thing in the morning, “It's a good day to have a good day!” This sets the intention, it also wipes whatever happened the day before for a clean slate.
5. Be Patient
If you truly want to listen to your reliable inner voice then patience is key. Don’t jump to conclusions, don’t rush the ideas, just be patient and time will be the best medicine for your inner feelings to guide you.
The best way for me to remind myself to be patient in scenarios that are high stress or may give me a bit of anxiety is to slow down, take a deep breath and count to three when learning to recognize that I need patience in a situation. Believe it or not, that deep breath and those three seconds can make a world of a difference and change your entire perspective and outlook on the situation in front of you.
Jennifer (@sportysleek) is a 26 year old health and fitness enthusiast living in the Washington, D.C. area. She has a passion for helping others in their fitness journey and is currently working to obtain her personal training certification. She is an excellent motivator and is always offering herself as a source of inspiration and motivation to others within the health and fitness community.
