Your Intuition Could Be Telling You Something. Are You Listening?
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My friends and family know me well enough that when something happens in my life and I reference my intuition being spot on, it’s not a shock. But for most people, the conversation around intuition can cause some serious side eye, whispers or just a general feeling of, “well that’s nice but let’s get back to real life.”
I can admit, I used to be in the camp of thinking intuition was just some hippy-dippy belief system. But as I’ve matured, I’ve realized that the idea that intuition can help guide you, or that having an abundance mindset can pay off, are real things. Now, I truly believe that everyone has the power to tap into an inner knowing that can give you a heads up on situations, people and life decisions.
My opinion changed years ago when I was working on the Hill and my good friend invited me to the weekly Senate Bible study led by the incomparable Chaplin Barry Black. Chaplin Black had the incredible ability to break down very nebulous topics, like intuition, into easy to digest frameworks. Chaplin Black described intuition as your “Godly Positioning System” or GPS. And as Proverbs 16:9 says: “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Given this, I like to think of intuition as a combination of listening to your head, heart, and daily conversations with God and synthesizing everything into one clear message.
Well that’s great, but why does any of this matter? It matters because developing your intuition can help you align plans you’ve made for yourself with the steps God has already determined for you.
So with that, let’s jump into how to recognize your intuition is speaking to you, so you can start listening to what it’s saying.
You Get the Feels
Intuition is often described as a gut feeling, a hunch, or a sense of knowing that comes from within. It can manifest in different ways for different people, but some common feelings include:
A feeling of certainty or conviction - you may feel absolutely sure about something without being able to explain why.
A sense of unease or discomfort - you may have a feeling that something is not quite right, even if you can't put your finger on what it is.
A physical sensation - you may experience a fluttery feeling in your stomach or a tingling sensation in your body when your intuition is speaking to you.
A sense of clarity - you may suddenly see things more clearly and have a greater understanding of a situation or problem.
A feeling of resonance - you may feel a strong connection or resonance with a particular idea or course of action, as if it just feels right.
You have Different Thoughts
There are quite literally a million thoughts that run through my head on any given day. It’s when one pops up out of nowhere, sticks out in particular or gets stuck on rotation that I begin to take notice.
As Albert Einstein once famously said, “There comes a leap in consciousness, call it intuition or what you will, where the solution comes to you and you don’t know how or why.”
These knowing thoughts can happen when your intuitive sense is trying to communicate an important message or insight to you. The intensity of your thought or feeling may be a signal that you should pay attention to it and explore it further.
You See Signs
Seeing recurring signs or symbols can sometimes be a sign that your intuition is trying to communicate a message to you. Intuition often works in subtle ways, and repeating signs or symbols can be a way for it to get your attention and convey a message. A few common signs people notice are:
Repetitive numbers: Some people report seeing the same numbers repeatedly, such as 111, 222, or 333. These are typically called angel numbers and each one has a specific meaning or message they convey. We’ll get into this topic in more detail in an upcoming blog post.
Animals: Seeing a particular animal or group of animals repeatedly, such as a certain bird, insect, or mammal can be a sign of your intuition at work. Common animals seen when receiving a message include owls, cardinals, butterflies, and even dolphins!
Dreams: Dreams can be a powerful way for your intuition to communicate with you and can provide intuitive messages in several ways such as through:
Symbols and metaphors
Emotions
Problems or challenges
Premonitions
Ultimately, the interpretation of these signs and symbols is up to you, and it's important to approach them with an open mind and a willingness to explore what they may be trying to communicate.
Synchronicities are Everywhere
This is probably my favorite way to recognize intuition at work. Synchronicities are often interpreted as a sign or message from the universe or a higher power. They can be seen as meaningful and symbolic, and can provide a sense of connection and guidance.
Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, believed that synchronicities were a manifestation of the collective unconscious, or the shared psychological and cultural experiences of humanity. He saw synchronicities as a way of revealing the deeper aspects of the psyche and providing insight into our inner lives. Today, many people still view synchronicities as a way of tapping into the wisdom of the universe and accessing a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
Harnessing Your Intuitive Power
Intuition can be a powerful tool for making decisions and navigating daily life. By taking note of your feelings, thoughts, signs and synchronicities, you can harness your “Godly Positioning System” to help make decisions, both big and small.
HW&W Recommendations
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This book explores the nature of creativity and how to live a creative life.
It’s divided into six parts, each dealing with a different aspect of the creative process.
In the first part, Gilbert explores the idea that creativity is a force that exists outside of us and that we can tap into it if we are open and receptive.
In the second part, she discusses the importance of curiosity and how it can lead us to new and unexpected ideas.
In the third part, she examines the concept of fear and how it can hold us back from pursuing our creative dreams.
In the fourth part, Gilbert encourages readers to embrace their own creativity and to develop a sense of trust in their creative instincts.
In the fifth part, she discusses the idea that creative work is a process and that we should enjoy the journey rather than focusing solely on the end result.
Finally, in the sixth part, Gilbert encourages readers to live a life of creative freedom and to embrace the joys and challenges that come with living a creative life.
Throughout the book, Gilbert shares personal anecdotes and stories of other creative people to illustrate her points and inspire readers to pursue their own creative passions.
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This book provides guidance on how to tap into your intuition and connect with your higher self and the divine to receive guidance and answers to your questions.
It begins with an introduction to intuition and its importance in our lives, followed by a discussion on the different types of intuition and how to recognize them.
Duzett then provides techniques for strengthening your intuition, including meditation, visualization, and journaling.
The book also discusses the role of fear and ego in blocking our intuition and provides exercises to help overcome these barriers. Duzett emphasizes the importance of developing a daily practice to connect with your intuition and offers guidance on how to integrate intuitive guidance into your decision-making process.
Prayer and faith are both mentioned as critical to connecting with the divine and she provides tips on how to discern between your intuition and other sources of information.
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The article "Practicing the Present with Intuition" by John Koessler, published in Christianity Today, explores the idea of intuition and how Christians can use it to deepen their spiritual lives.
Koessler argues that intuition is a gift from God and is essential for Christians who seek to be guided by the Holy Spirit. He suggests that Christians can develop their intuition by practicing being present in the moment, paying attention to their senses and feelings, and learning to discern the voice of God.
The author provides examples of biblical characters who used intuition, such as Jesus, who was able to perceive the thoughts and intentions of those around him, and Paul, who relied on his intuition to discern God's will.
Koessler also acknowledges the potential dangers of relying too much on intuition, such as being misled by one's own biases and emotions. However, he argues that with practice and discernment, Christians can use their intuition to deepen their faith and become more attuned to God's leading in their lives.
