How to Connect to Your Intuition
Twice in the past 24 hours, folks have shared in their therapy session that “I have a hard time trusting myself,” They believe, in their heart of hearts, that they cannot trust their gut or rely on themselves to follow through.
Now, it’s not your job to take care of me, but it’s so hard to hear humans that I care for deeply feel as though they’re free-falling and have no idea what the next right thing is. The concept of the next right thing is a colloquialism adopted by the recovery community (AA/NA) as a strategy when you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know what to do next.
“The recovery community has a shorthand for keeping this at the center of awareness in times of inner tumult: “Do the next right thing.” The concept, in fact, originated two years before the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous, in a lucid and largehearted letter Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung (July 26, 1875–June 6, 1961).”
That being said, there is no denying that times feel topsy-turvy. It feels more than a coincidence that daylight savings and election week happen simultaneously. Let alone that all I hear from everyone is that all the planets are retrograde and the moon is seemingly always full. While I don’t know what most astrological things mean, I am certainly willing to believe that they impact our minds, bodies, and sense of safety and security.
Here’s a quick reminder: we are all intuitive beings.
What is intuition?
Intuition is the gut instinct, the pulling, and desire toward (or away from something). It’s when we feel we should or shouldn’t do something. It’s the feeling that shows up without reason or scientific data to “prove it.” The inner voice invites us to lean in, learn more, and pursue information or people. Our intuition isn’t failsafe but offers wisdom when considering life changes, relationships, and personal or professional goals. If you feel as though your inner voice has been dimmed or quieted recently, there are some things you can do to amplify its voice.
To tap into our intuition, we need to do a few crucial things:
Slow (the f) down to tap into our intuition
We move at the speed of light with such a rapid intake of information that leaves our brains, eyeballs, bodies, and energy wholly depleted. We are not robots with infinite power and resource. I will say this loudly enough for the folks in the back: You do not need more Tiktok strategies to manage your ADHD. Give yourself space, and time to wonder, dream and get bored. Journal, listen to music, dance, and go for a walk without headphones. I recommend checking out Johann Hari’s book, Stolen Focus, if you’re interested in learning more about the impact of overconsumption of information. Confide in your trusted people.
We are social creatures, and part of determining what is typical or wanted is our relationships with others. Trust your judgment that you’ve surrounded yourself with trustworthy people to give you feedback.
Tap into a community to refine our intuition
We are social creatures, and part of determining what is typical or wanted is our relationships with others. Trust your judgment that you’ve surrounded yourself with trustworthy people to give you feedback. Building a community is an opportunity to enhance your experience on this planet. I just finished the second season of The Vow on HBO, and one thing I still know to be true: human beings have the strongest desire to see that we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves. (I don’t endorse joining a sex cult) but do surround and share yourself with trusted friends, colleagues, and peers.
Knowledge as a path to intuition
Research! Read books, blogs, and substacks. If you’re having difficulty trusting your gut, refine your outlook. Diversify what you’re reading and where you’re getting your information. Share your resources with your trusted people and friends. Hear about what they’re reading and learning.
Here are some of the substacks that I subscribe to (as with anything here, take what works, leave the rest):
Creativity & intuition
This can (and should) look different for each of you. This could be journaling, reading, dancing, singing, gardening, drawing, painting, interior decorating, sewing, playing video games, or playing instruments. My list is, by no means, exhaustive, but it’s hopefully a place to get you some inspiration. Have you ever had that revelation about yourself, a problem you’re trying to solve, or your next right thing when doing a completely unrelated activity? Creativity allows us to drop into our bodies differently, and our brains are magical, creative problem solvers!
Mindfulness helps our intuition.
While not always considered a creative activity, mindfulness is a way to drop into our bodies, connect to our breathing, and clear out some mental cobwebs. When we practice mindfulness often, we learn how to practice pause. It gives us some beautiful and meaningful space to make decisions instead of reacting to what is in front of us (or what we’re afraid will be in front of us). It reminds us that we have a frontal lobe, decision-making skills, and the ability to use our resources (even those TikTok accounts). You are trustworthy. You are insightful. You are capable.
Therapy to tap into our intuition
Therapy is a beautiful place to explore what is happening in your life, what you’d like to have happened, and how your actions align with your future goals. (you saw that one coming, right?) Nothing is more beneficial than a dedicated hour a week with someone you trust where you can focus on yourself.
If you’re feeling brave, curious, or like you might be looking for a perspective shift, consider reaching out or snagging an opening with my calendar opening back up in January 2023.
Hope to see you soon!
