5 Ways to Develop Your Intuition

It is through the choice to develop our intuition that we can find real and honest answers.

I feel out of sorts these days. Are you feeling that way? The world seems like it is getting crazier and crazier. Pandemics, riots, looting, fires… the world seems a bit lost right now.

No matter what is going on in this outside world, it is not the ULTIMATE reality. This physical dimension is not the be-all-end-all reality. There is a place of love, joy and complete serenity and peace that not only exists – but is the one real true existence.

During times like these, it is important to always remain connected to this stiller, quieter place. There is a phrase in Christianity, Buddhism and other religious and spiritual teachings that says, “Be in the world but not of the world.” ​I believe this refers to people who have chosen a monastic lifestyle, such as a nun or monk. These people have become one through prayer, spiritual practice, meditation or mystical contemplation.  A monastic is ideally someone who takes the inner nun or monk seriously, and this inner world is simply the mystic in all of us. Eventually the outer and inner become one through prayer, spiritual practice, meditation, or mystical contemplation. All these practices are related to inner attention to the sacred.​ 

You and I are living in this conflicted world right now. Here we are. We’re good people trying to be kind, productive human beings and raise our families and help our communities. And yet all around us is fear, panic, anger, and violence. But we don’t have to be into any of that.

We can connect with the higher realms, our higher being, our God to find the calm and peace we seek during these troubling times. And this is where our intuition can come in.

What is Intuition?

Living in such a fear-based culture makes it hard to keep a sense of control. Who should we listen to about what is going on? Our government leaders? The media? Mmmm, something tells me those agents don’t have our best interests in mind and certainly aren’t always (or ever) truthful.

It is through our intuition, our inner being that we can find real and honest answers. This powerful knowing is not only trustworthy but completely attuned to our individual journeys. Ask your intuition anything and you’ll get a clear and honest message. Our intuition puts Alexa to shame!

Our intuition knows us, knows our deepest secrets and fears, knows what we want and need and how we get there. It is like our best friend or mentor who is always there and ready to guide us.

And yet, most of us don’t have any real relationship with our intuition. But maybe you’ve had some experiences in your life where you couldn’t explain how you knew to do something, but you had a strong “sense” about something and that sense was totally correct.

This is your intuition. It is that quiet inner voice – your inner genius that absolute knowing.

What is it really? It’s anyone’s guess. Is it your subconscious mind? Is it an angel? Is it God him/her/itself speaking to you? We won’t know exactly while we are still in this human form.

But you don’t have to know how a car works to drive to the store. You don’t have to know how your TV works to watch your favorite show. And you don’t have to know exactly what your intuition is or how it works to benefit from a relationship with it.

5 Ways to Develop Your Intuition

Who knows what the news outlets will tell us tomorrow? Who knows what kind of global and/or personal strife we may face in the coming days, weeks and months? If you don’t have a strong intuition that can guide you through these times, now is when you need to develop it.

Here are some ways to do that:

Journal

Journaling is a powerful self-exploration tool because when you write your thoughts down on paper, it helps your subconscious mind open. Try this: If you currently have a question on your mind, say the question out loud, then write down whatever comes to mind. Don’t judge this process just do it! You will be shocked at some of the information and insights that come through.

Spend More Quiet Time Alone

When we are OF the world, it is hard for us to hear that small, quiet voice inside. Spend time away from the television and social media and even friends and family and just be still. The bible also says, “Be still and KNOW that I AM GOD.” Through stillness we can connect to the ultimate reality.

Pay Attention to Your Dreams

When we are awake and alert, our conscious mind runs the show. But this portion of us is small and doesn’t know very much. It is when we are asleep that our subconscious mind, the part of us connected with ALL THAT IS, can speak to us through symbols. Pay attention to your dreams and the symbolism used. How did a dream make you feel? The answers you seek are often cloaked in these creative nighttime episodes.

Get Creative

And speaking of creativity, engaging more in creative activities such as drawing, painting and music will prompt your intuition to speak up.

Consult Your Gut

Our intuition has been called a gut instinct because often we really do have a physical sensation in our gut when we are attuned and in tune with the invisible world. Start paying more attention to your gut feelings. Try to develop your intuition deliberately. The more you pay attention, trust and act on these intuitions, the more they will happen.

I know it’s a scary time right now, and when we are scared we find it difficult to move through the fear and take care of ourselves spiritually through mediation and prayer. And, it just happens to be the time we need it most.

I believe that the world and humanity are going through a necessary transformation, and at the end of all this darkness is LIGHT. But for now, while everything seems shaky, connect with your intuition so you can navigate the chaos better.

You can always continue this discussion on my online forum!

Read more about this topic with Lissa Rankin, M.D.

Much love,