How to recognise the voice of intuition?

You've probably heard the phrase "follow your intuition" before.

Yes, but what does it actually mean? How do we differentiate between the multitude of bodily signals and the racing thoughts?

Sometimes we may experience a strong sensation that resembles fear, and we may mistakenly lump the voice of intuition and the voice of fear together. We make decisions randomly with our thoughts, based on what we think is "right" or "reasonable." Sometimes we feel that we have made the right decision, but other times, the opposite happens. We regret our choices or the lack thereof. The result remains unclear, and we still don't know which of these voices is the one guiding us and which is the one restricting us.

Here are a few clues to distinguish the voice of intuition from other thoughts and inner voices:

Deep breathing: Intuition often manifests as a sense of inner calm and deep breathing. When we are connected to our intuition, we can feel a sense of relaxation and well-being. We are in our bodies, and our decisions don't come from the mind.

Clarity: The voice of intuition presents itself clearly and directly. It does not get lost in confusing or contradictory thoughts. It offers a simple and concise response to a question or situation. There is no resistance; it's like a thread coming from our solar plexus gently guiding us toward a decision.

Authenticity: Intuition is authentic and in alignment with our inner being. It does not come from fear, doubt, or the influence of others. It resonates with our inner truth. Note that we may be overwhelmed by fear constantly, making this notion more difficult to discern. The notion of inner truth is related to a higher purpose, our "best self." It's about recognizing whether a decision will serve our expansion rather than our retreat or contraction.

Bodily sensations: Intuition can manifest through physical sensations such as tingling, chills, warmth or coldness, butterflies in the stomach, a feeling of excitement and joy, etc. Generally, these sensations will not be uncomfortable or too intense. They express themselves in a context of calmness and can indicate that your intuition is guiding you in the right direction. If we are not connected to our bodies or if we are dissociated, recognizing these sensations can be challenging. We may either feel nothing at all or interpret them as fear. Learning to return to our bodies and listen to these messages is an important step in being able to listen to our intuition.

Synchronicities: Intuition can manifest through signs and synchronicities in your environment. You may notice significant coincidences, chance encounters, repetitive messages that seem to guide you toward a specific decision or action. Synchronicities are directly linked to our thoughts and vibration. You will always have external confirmation of what you think or feel, so it's important not to take these signs too literally. They are merely a reflection of thoughts, desires, and the vibration active at a given moment (positive or negative). However, if they make you feel good and lead you to more openness and abundance, it is advisable to follow these messages.

Deep feeling: Intuition resides in our deep feeling, beyond logic and rationality. It can give us a sense of inner certainty, even in the absence of tangible evidence. Sometimes, despite fear, we have an innate sense of knowing.

To develop your ability to recognize the voice of intuition, it is important to practice listening to it and trusting it. Make choices. Take note of what you feel, the decision you made, and then come back and write down the result. With practice, it will become easier for you to follow your intuition.

Remember to value your feelings, listen to your body and emotions, and take the time to connect with your inner being when making important decisions or choices. Meditation, relaxation, yoga, and intuitive writing can also help strengthen your connection to your intuition.

Photo by ArtHouse Studio

The voice of fear

The voice of fear and anxiety can indeed resemble or be confused with the voice of intuition in our bodies. This can create confusion and make it difficult to know what we truly want.

Fear seeks to protect us. It is useful when it comes to avoiding dangerous situations, but it can also prevent us from facing discomfort and necessary psychological suffering to overcome a situation. For example, breaking up with someone, setting boundaries, or imposing discipline to engage in sports may be uncomfortable or painful, but necessary for personal growth.

Here are some signs that can indicate that you are on the path of fear:

Tension and discomfort: The voice of fear and anxiety is often accompanied by a feeling of tension, discomfort, or nervousness. You may experience tightness or constriction in your body. This is due to the resistance between what you think and what you feel.

Negative and catastrophic thoughts: The voice of fear often generates negative and catastrophic thoughts. It amplifies pessimistic scenarios and can make you anticipate the worst. These thoughts do not necessarily correspond to reality, but they are fueled by your fear, which seeks to protect you by preparing you to survive.

Doubt and hesitation: The voice of anxiety can sow doubt and uncertainty in your mind. It can make you question your abilities, choices, and decisions. Questioning everything at once does not necessarily mean that something is wrong. It simply means that your beliefs are trying to keep you in the same place forever. It is up to you to modify them. This type of hesitation can feel like stage fright before an exam or even on your wedding day. It is important to differentiate between doubt and fear on one hand, and intuition on the other. Doubts before your wedding do not necessarily mean that you no longer want to get married; they simply indicate that you are about to do something important and new for your system. Often, the system does not like change. Check within yourself if your decision aligns with a higher purpose and your expansion in the world. Believing and following the voice of fear gradually narrows down our world and experiences.

Excessive preoccupation: This voice often pushes us to excessively worry about results, other people's opinions, and the future. It fuels obsessive thoughts and mental rumination. Perfectionism and the need for control can take over. Seeking control over how others perceive you can lead to two extremes: narcissism or the desire to be invisible. Both of these thought patterns have a common root in the fear of losing control, of being vulnerable. It is worth noting that the word "vulnerability" comes from the Latin "vulnerabilis," meaning "able to be wounded." Vulnerability is what allows us to live authentically, to give and receive love, but it also leaves us open to being hurt. We cannot have one without the other.

Physical sensations of anxiety: Fear is often accompanied by physical sensations such as tightness in the chest or throat, a knot in the solar plexus, palpitations, excessive sweating, headaches, muscle tension, etc.

Intense emotional reactivity: Anxiety can trigger intense emotional reactions such as panic, anxiety, anger, or debilitating sadness. These reactions may be unexpected or perceived as disproportionate to the triggering situation. They are often related to dysregulation of the nervous system.

It is important to recognize the voice of fear in order to manage it appropriately. Be aware of these thoughts and emotions, but do not let them take control of your actions and decisions. Living in anxiety or survival mode, even in relatively secure contexts, can significantly reduce your life experience.

Learn to distinguish between anxiety that restricts your living space and instinct that allows you to survive. Instinct, the animal side of intuition, is a natural reaction that knows what is best in the moment. Instinct can tell you if a real danger is threatening you.

Learn to detach yourself from these limiting voices by practicing relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and stress management. Meditation, regular physical exercise, and therapy can also help you better manage your anxiety and develop a healthier relationship with your thoughts and emotions. The important thing is to give yourself space, patience, and above all, compassion.

The more you get used to following the path of non-resistance to what is, whether in your external world or in your emotions, the easier it will be for you to recognize the feeling of joy and well-being. You will be better able to notice when you are moving away from it and getting caught up in negativity, and you can return to your state of well-being.

It is in this state that your mind is clear and you are connected to your emotions and, therefore, your intuition. It is in this state that you are able to receive the best next decision to make, rather than being on autopilot. It is from this dynamic that you begin to live the life of your dreams because you are always connected to what your deeper self desires, the part of you that already has everything you dream of.

By following your intuition, you have a direct route to fully thrive and live your most authentic expression.

Please note that I am not a medical doctor, and the information I provide is for informational purposes only. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or appropriate treatment.

Photography : Vladyslav Dushenkovsky