Some people believe that only decisions based on logic are credible and that intuition is the opposite. But there is science behind intuition, and tapping into its power can improve your life.
Here’s what you need to know about your intuition and how it can make you happier.
What Does Intuition Look Like?
You may refer to it as a gut feeling. It can look like a hunch telling you to walk away before you even realize that a situation is potentially dangerous. It can feel like an inner knowing. Intuition shows up differently for different people, but the first step to recognizing yours is paying attention to any signals it may be trying to send you.
“Intuition is the place in your heart that always knows the answer. It’s your ability to feel and know things without having intellectual or logical knowledge of them. It’s your ability to feel a vibe or tune into an energy and receive information from it. It’s the way we just ‘know’ things about people or what’s going to happen without having received any external information,” according to Alyse Bacine, Breathwork Practitioner, Spiritual Mentor, and CEO of Alyse Breathes.
The Benefits of Relying On Your Intuition
As Bacine puts it, the benefits of following your intuition are endless: “Your intuition is there to serve you. It’s not separate from you; it’s a part of you. When you listen to and trust your intuition, everything becomes easier. You don’t have to second-guess yourself or ask everyone else’s opinion to get confused ultimately.” Say goodbye to analysis paralysis and hello to more clarity and confidence, which also leads to reduced stress.
Additionally, cultivating your relationship with your intuition translates into developing your relationship with yourself, which leads to a happier, more fulfilling life, adds Bacine. “Listening to your intuition regularly is the equivalent of taking your partner out on a date or buying them flowers. It’s a way you nurture your relationship with yourself. It’s a way of honoring your true self and true feelings. You will naturally feel happier when you honor yourself, how you feel, and what you desire. You stop living for other people and start living for yourself. This is the key to a happier life,” she says.
Practice Trusting Your Intuition
Perhaps you’ve learned to ignore your intuition due to social conditioning. Fret not – practice makes perfect. “Another interesting finding in [our study] is that intuition improved over time, suggesting that the mechanisms of intuition can be improved with practice,” according to Pearson.
And if you’re wondering how to practice, it’s simple. Just trust your gut more often without questioning them or overthinking things. “Intuition is something we all have access to at any time. The key to working with your intuition is trusting it. It’s that simple,” says Bacine.