Here is a working definition for intuition. It often is described as “an inner knowing,” or “a gut feeling.” For our purposes, it is a clear, authentic message from your higher self, Divinity, and the combination of both. The more you connect with Divinity, the more the two are merged. We each have our own intuitive language, characterized by specific sensations.
Intuition speaks from a calm, centered place inside — not from fear, desperation, exasperation, frustration, exhaustion, intoxication or any other factor that can hasten a decision due to desire to end discomfort. When intuition is engaged, then even decisions made during challenging times are made from internal calm. Once you’ve found it, no one can take it from you. It’s yours. A qualified service provider can lead you to it, but it is up to you to maintain it, hone it, be responsible for it and with it.
Let’s define imagination as a fanciful thought, a daydream, a creative escapade. Imagination is beautiful and even necessary for creative individuals to keep balanced and enjoy life. It is a by-product of the ego.
Ego is defined as a thought, a strong opinion, often coming from the controlling part of the subconscious or conscious brain, often of desire, which can appear disguised as intuition unless you’re practiced at discerning the difference.
Dependable intuition takes time to hone, as does learning your own intuitive language. It is an uncomplicated process, described humorously here, to facilitate lightness and release unnecessary stoicism.
ONE – SIT DOWN
There are many varying and even opposing points of view regarding how, where and when to sit down and connect intuitively, and it can create a non-productive tailspin before you even get started. “Too much analysis leads to paralysis.” Just do it. Stand, move around, dance, or whatever first, but then sit down. No matter what you do, there you are. So sit down.
You don’t have time? Start from where you are. Use your daily routine. No matter who or where you are, I bet you sit down on the throne every day, and I bet that is quiet alone time. If so, start there. If not, start there.
TWO – SHUT UP
True arrival at the state of Shut Uppitude requires discipline. Inevitably, random thoughts will arise in your mind. Such is life. Let those thoughts go, and then shut back up again.
Don’t kick yourself when you get distracted. The yogic foot-up-butt pose is not conducive to true balance and is more likely to hinder your Shut Uppitude. Be easy on yourself. Be patient with You. Everyone experiences distractions — even for monks who are used to shutting up 24/7, some days it’s all about that chocolate chip cookie. Take a deep breath. Count to ten and try again.
Get up if you need to, and start over with Sit Down. Then Shut back Up.
THREE – MARINATE
Yes, “marinate.” That’s “soak,” okay, not “stew,” or even “simmer.” Relax; no heat is required. Put your listening ears on, and allow yourself to be receptive to Divinity. Receive and circulate divine energy – whatever your terminology — it’s all love!
Messages come in the form of words, pictures, emotional feelings, physical sensations, and more. You must be grounded, centered and clear to receive accurate, useful messages.
If you desire affirmation or/and guidance, obtain it from a trusted source. A trusted source is trusted until it isn’t. Ultimately, you must do your own work.
FOUR – FOLLOW THROUGH
Do what you need to in order to consistently and effectively Sit Down and Shut Up. Then when you receive your messages, in whatever form, follow through with them.
Document your experiences to gain deeper insight into your own intuitive language. It will change over time, so even if you feel adept, there is always something that will change and something you will learn. Sit back down and shut back up. You must be grounded, centered and clear to follow through in useful, functional ways that hold integrity.
Follow through with the next thing you need to do, whether it is wiping off the countertop, going to therapy, teaching a class, working out, taking a nap, or drinking water with lemon and ginger. Whatever it is, do it. Bless up!
