Following your intuition is usually the best, but not always the easiest, way to go. We’ve all had those moments when we realize later that, had we just followed our instincts, things would have gone so much better than they did. Your intuition isn’t just there to make you second-guess yourself: it can be a guiding force for a better life.
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Learning to listen to your internal drummer takes time and some practice, despite the contrary popular belief that your inner voice is always easy to hear. Try the following ways to get in step with your intuition and make better choices for your life today!
Try A Little Meditation
You don’t have to light candles or chant to meditate, although feel free to try different things to discover what works best for you. Try sitting still, closing your eyes and focusing on just your breathing for a few minutes. A little bit of quiet and relaxed self-reflection is a great way to get in touch with your inner self.
Pick a quiet location to meditate in so you’re not easily distracted, as distractions can be hard to overcome when you first start the practice. As soon as you try to quiet your mind and body, they will rebel, as they’re used to being busy! If distractions are a problem for you, remind yourself that your body is simply trying to return to its usual state, and re-focus yourself on the present.
Jot In A Journal
Write down your thoughts as they come in a journal when you wake up or when you go to sleep each day. Don’t think about it and don’t edit it. Just let the ideas and thoughts flow from your mind, through the pen and onto the paper.
By getting your thoughts down on paper, you can see what’s really going on in your mind and reconnect with yourself and your natural guiding force. Review your journal entries for a clearer idea of what’s going on in your life and mind right now.
You’ll be surprised by how much you can learn from simply taking the time to review your own thoughts as they are, without edits or attempts at rationale.
Add Some Yoga
Not only is yoga a centuries-old and recognized method of physical fitness, but it’s also good for relaxation and meditative reasons. Yoga practices focus on both body and mind, with some people even viewing yoga as a form of active meditation because of the focus and clarity it brings.
Incorporate some yoga time into your daily routine as time allows. Use online guides and videos to get started. You may be able to attend a free or low-cost class at a nearby gym or community center, so check around to see what’s available and in your price range.
Connect with other yoga practitioners through online groups and social media to get some hints and pointers if you’re struggling with it or just want to learn more.
Recognize Your Body
We get so distracted by life and our own minds that it’s really easy to ignore our bodies. But your body sends out signals beyond just “hungry” and “tired.” Start paying attention to how your body reacts to certain decisions and situations and what emotions are connected to those reactions.
Use your observations to learn how, exactly, your body is speaking to you. Knowing those signals can help you recognize them as soon as they appear and foster your connection to your innate intuition. Listening to your body will become a habit.
Look For Guidance
In order to really tap into your natural instincts, you’ve got to learn to ask for guidance and listen to the answer. By asking yourself for some feedback, you’ll become more receptive to what your body and mind is telling you. You can look for guidance at the time that’s best for you, such as during yoga, meditation or when you’re writing in your journal. But try to pick a time when you have some calm and quiet so you can focus on what you’re doing.
Be open to what your intuition is telling you when you look for answers. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome when it comes to listening to your own instincts is learning to trust yourself! At the end of the day, you’re the person who has your best interests at heart, so learn to rely on your own advice.
