Learning to Trust Your Intuition Again

“In perfect love and perfect trust.”

I’ve heard that. I’ve felt that. I’ve said that. I’ve argued with it.

And I try to show it and explain it. Knowing there is no perfect. Knowing there is nothing close to perfect, outside of a feeling and a moment where things work out the way we plan.

Knowing that it’s not a lie, but it’s also not a complete statement.

It’s a practice. This knowing. This trusting in knowing.

This trust in the heart of ourselves that spreads out and allows for trust in others.

Trusting the feeling that is inherently ours.

Our intuition. Our heart.

The Difference Between Head and Heart

I went for a walk with an old friend the other day and we got into a conversation about figuring out when intuition was leading the way.

The gut reaction isn’t always as smart as it feels.

Anxiety isn’t always the best guide. Neither is fear.

But when we’re told the body is the best guide, it gets a little tricky.

The body wants to save us. Protect us. Keep us from harm…and discomfort.

It’s harder to figure it out when the body has a history of trauma. Because even the smallest shift can feel like a warning. Danger, danger.

And I can’t trust that feeling.

Like I said, it gets tricky.

I think the difference between response and intuition is this: intuition comes out of (seemingly) nowhere. It isn’t laced with reactions.

It’s the voice that comes from a place that knows something the brain can’t conceive.

Intuition comes from a place that defies logic and taps into something bigger.

But how can you call that back?

How can you know what is true?

Come Back to What is True

This is the part where I say therapy is your friend. And that’s not always possible. Or reasonably priced. Or available.

It would be great to get into a place where you learn what is old stories in your brain and bones. And sometimes you need an outside guide for that.

Sometimes you need a gentle and supportive friend who will listen and ask helpful questions. This can act as a mirror to point out what is old stuff trying to jump into the current moment.

And here are some other things to bring yourself back into the intuition that is uniquely you.

Get quiet – Get away from the noise of the world. Whether this looks like meditating or just sitting in silence with yourself for five minutes a day. Get back to the place where you can only hear you.

Get active – Move that body of yours as you can. This will help release tension and stress that can be distracting to hearing and sensing what is true for you.

Get aware – Start tracking the things you intuit in the world. What do you sense? What happened as a result? The more you can write down what you notice, the more you will see what is true for your brand of intuition. The more you will see what has always been around you, letting you know what you need to know.

What do you do when you can’t quite tap into your knowing?

What might you try next?

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