In today’s world, where logic is king, it can be tricky to know how to trust your intuition.
Even if you want to use your intuition more, the daily hustle can make it hard to feel connected to spiritual guidance. Ballet at 4. Supper at 7. Homework. Kids’ baths. Did anybody feed the dog?
But have you ever stopped and asked yourself:
- Am I happy?
- Do I feel fulfilled?
These are two of the endless questions your intuition can give you insight into — and guide you towards making the changes to answer a clear, “Yes!” to both.
Sounds good, huh?
Learning how to trust your intuition can help you make decisions more easily, gain insight, and lead a more joyful life!
With everything we have to do each day, it’s no wonder that more and more people are beginning to feel like Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day — waking up and doing the same thing every day, but not knowing how to make it better.
So, how do you gain clarity and access divine guidance?
The key to trusting your intuition is to connect with your soul (Higher Self). Don’t worry, I’ll teach you how to do this, but first, let’s talk about what intuition really is.
What is Intuition?
Intuition is the way your Higher Self guides you. We all have access to intuitive guidance, and it can come in the form of a gut feeling, a sense of knowing, or that still, small voice inside.
When you learn to listen and trust this guidance, it’s like having a super power that helps you lead a more fulfilling life.
But even though intuition is natural (and always serves your highest good), it can feel hard to trust it, especially at first.
For example, have you ever noticed that children are very intuitive? That they talk about angels, imaginary friends, or seeing departed loved ones?
That’s because children know they are spiritual beings. They are aware of their Higher Self, and trust its guidance… They follow their instincts, and do what makes them happy.
As kids, we knew that our life’s purpose is to:
- Have human experiences
- Seek joy
- Grow spiritually
So, what happened? Why does it seem like some people have all the luck, while the rest of us struggle?
Over the years, we were taught by well-meaning adults to rely on our five physical senses. We were taught algebra and history in school, which was good for our brains, but what about our spirit?
Hardly any of us were encouraged to use or trust our sixth sense — intuition.
Read: Where Does Intuition Come From?
Intuition is Natural
We all have intuition: you, me, the guy that pours your coffee at the café, and even your pet!
The problem is: we don’t always listen.
But it’s not our fault. As we just talked about, we’ve been taught to rely on logic, and put less emphasis on our instincts.
So, if you haven’t felt connected to your intuition for a while (or ever) don’t worry; it hasn’t gone away or given up on you.
In fact, your Higher Self is a part of you, and you can never be separated from it!
And it’s never too late to start accessing and trusting intuitive guidance. Plus, it’s super easy if you start incorporating the following tips into your daily life!
How to Trust Your Intuition
1. Slow Down
Stop. Yes, stop. Make space for quiet time.
I know it’s hard. You need to work and make dinner. Or the kids spilled lasagna on your new rug. Trust me, I KNOW. But this is super important.
This is about leading a more joyful life and feeling divinely supported.
So, the first step in trusting your intuition is to take time to tune into your heart.
Ask yourself:
- What do you really want to be doing with your life? Why?
- Should you take that new job/move/get married? When you think about it, how does it feel in your heart and soul?
We are programmed to always be doing something, but constant motion is not the same thing as taking INSPIRED action.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed, or like you are spinning in circles, it’s a good indicator that you are trying to do it all on your own instead of accessing intuitive guidance.
I went through this recently and when I finally slowed down for a few days, the decision that I needed to make became crystal-clear. The next day, I took INSPIRED action, and it felt like a hundred bricks had been lifted off me!
Action step: Think less and feel more. With practice, it gets easier and easier.
Be mindful of what FEELS right for you instead of what you have been told is ‘right’.
2. Get out in Nature
Trusting your intuition is much easier when you allow your mind to take a break.
One great way to do this is to spend time in nature, appreciating the beauty of Mother Earth. Not only is it rejuvenating and calming, it also grounds you and connects you with your Higher Self.
Action step: Set aside time to sit outside or go for a walk. You can even hug a tree (seriously, it’s super good for grounding!)
When you make space for quiet, your intuition will speak to you, and you will start to hear it.
3. Be Present
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been chatting with my mom and allowed my mind to think about all the things I should be doing instead of enjoying our conversation.
It’s like when you focus too much on the past, or worry constantly about the future. All of this ‘mind clutter’ robs us of joy and makes us feel disconnected from our spirit.
Instead of being distracted, allow yourself to be fully present as you read to your child or cook dinner.
Action step: Pay attention when you start thinking about what else you “should” be doing, and bring yourself back to the present moment. This will help you connect with your intuition and inner voice.
4. Meditate
Meditation quiets the mind and allows you to connect with your Higher Self. It allows you to go within and raises your vibration.
Don’t worry, though. Meditation doesn’t have to be anything fancy.
Something as simple as spending time in nature, painting or doing a puzzle can put you in a relaxed state and raise your vibe.
Action step: Take a few minutes to focus on your breath. If you notice your mind wandering (it will at first, it’s totally normal), bring it back to your breath. With practice, it will get easier, and strengthen your intuition.
If you’re looking for a meditation alternative, try the next tip.
5. Get Creative
One of the most fun ways to learn how to trust your intuition is to be creative.
Even if you don’t think you’re creative, you can be!
Sometimes, our rational minds don’t “do” creativity because it’s seen as inferior to logic and reason.
But tapping into your creative side is a great way to strengthen your intuitive vibes. And when you allow yourself to create, you can gain insight into things your logical mind could never access!
Action step: You don’t have to be Picasso to be creative. You can write, color, scrapbook, paint, redecorate your house, woodwork, or whatever else you enjoy!
6. Know that Inspiration is Intuition
Have you ever felt SO inspired or passionate about something? Like you just HAVE to paint your dining room green or feel super excited about signing up for yoga.
Inspiration is one way your intuition speaks to you.
One of the easiest (and most powerful) ways to start trusting your intuition is to follow your inspired feelings.
For example:
- Do you feel excited at the thought of starting a YouTube channel? Do it!
- Does the thought of volunteering at the local shelter make your heart happy? What are you waiting for? :)
- Dream of traveling to Italy? Feed that passion… buy an Italian cookbook or learn to speak Italian!
Remember, your intuition guides you for your highest good, towards happiness and peace.
Action step: Next time you feel inspired and excited about something, take action. Then, write down how connected you felt to your Inner Being after taking action.
7. Raise Your Vibration
We are all energetic, spiritual beings that “vibrate” at certain frequencies. When your vibration is high, you feel happy.
Saying “raise your vibration” is like a fancy way of saying do what makes you happy.
Raising your vibration strengthens your intuition, and makes it easier to trust. It also allows inspired ideas and solutions to flow through you!
Action step: All the tips in this post will raise your vibration. Spend time doing what brings you joy—the thing you do when you lose track of time. Listen to music, dance, pet your dog, dance with your dog!
8. Start Small
When you are first learning how to trust your intuition, it can seem like you’ll never figure it out. Is this my intuition? Is this my mind? Ugh! Forget it, I’m just going to ask my sister what I should do!
That’s why you should start small.
- Need to buy a birthday gift for someone? Ask your intuition for guidance.
- Want to eat healthier? Close your eyes and feel what your body needs.
- Not sure what to wear today? Check in with your inner voice and trust your gut feeling!
Action step: Ask your intuition for guidance on something small. Then, do the same tomorrow and the next day. Once you begin trusting, your confidence will boost, and your intuitive gifts will get stronger. Make it a point to check-in with your intuition each day. Before you know it, you’ll rely on it for every decision you make!
9. Journal
Journaling is a fab way to get back in touch with your Inner Being.
Here are three journaling ideas to get you started:
- Gratitude list. Make a list of at least 50 things that you are grateful for. Include the blessings you have and the blessings that are on their way.
- Gain clarity. Have a decision to make? Write down your question on a piece of paper, then, just start writing! Don’t think about what you are writing or limit yourself. As you write, keep asking yourself, “Why do I feel this way?” Keep going until you feel you are done.
- Perfect day exercise. Use your imagination and write out what your perfect day would be like. Riding in a convertible with someone you love, followed by a vegan lunch and massage? Start with how it would feel to wake up in the morning and what the day would entail. Go wild!
Action step: Choose one of the above journaling exercises. Then, set aside 15 minutes and journal your heart out!
For more on journaling:
- Get a list of 21 journaling prompts
- Learn how to start journaling (without feeling stuck!)
Takeaways
Our physical bodies are just a small part of who we are. Learning to drown out the opinions of the outside world is a great first step towards reconnecting with your spiritual self.
By nurturing the relationship with the loving, non-physical part of you, you will strengthen your intuition and begin to trust it!
