Trusting Your Intuition: The Inner Compass That Never Fails
Intuition is one of the most powerful tools you possess, yet it’s often the most overlooked. In a world that bombards us with advice, opinions, and endless streams of information, tuning in to your own inner guidance can feel like an impossible task. But at the end of the day, no one knows what’s best for you better than you do.
What Is Intuition?
Intuition isn’t some mystical force or supernatural gift. It’s simply your inner knowing—the part of you that recognises what feels right and what doesn’t. It’s the voice inside that speaks before logic and reason take over. You might not always be able to explain why you feel a certain way, but that doesn’t mean your instincts are wrong. In fact, more often than not, they’re spot on.
Think about those moments when you just knew something. Maybe it was choosing the right path when lost, sensing a friend’s emotions before they spoke, or even regretting a decision you second-guessed yourself on. That’s your intuition at work. It’s built from years of experience, unconscious knowledge, and subtle cues you pick up without realising it.
Why We Ignore Our Intuition (And Why We Shouldn’t)
The problem is that intuition often takes a back seat to external influences. We listen to experts, read books, and seek guidance from those around us—which isn’t a bad thing. Gathering knowledge is crucial. But after absorbing all that information, the final decision should always align with what feels right to you.
Ignoring intuition can lead to choices that feel off, even when they seem logical on the surface. A classic example? Taking a high-paying job you know will make you miserable. You tell yourself it’s the right move, but deep down, your intuition is whispering (or screaming), Don’t do it! Six months later, you’re sitting in a soul-sucking meeting, staring at your shiny new laptop, wondering why you didn’t listen to yourself.
How to Strengthen Your Intuition
The world is noisy, making it easy to drown out intuition with distractions. That’s why creating space for stillness is essential. Meditation, walking in nature, painting, or even doing the dishes can become moments of clarity where your inner voice gets a chance to be heard. The more you allow these moments, the stronger your intuition becomes.
Living a Life True to Yourself
Following intuition doesn’t mean disregarding responsibilities or making reckless choices. It means honouring the deep, authentic part of yourself that knows what’s right. It’s about recognising that when something feels off, it probably is. And when something feels right, even if it doesn’t make complete sense at the time, it’s worth exploring.
At its core, intuition is about trust—trusting yourself to make decisions that align with who you truly are. And when you do that, you create a life that’s not just lived, but fully experienced.
This post is inspired by Barely Zen: A Completely Unscientific Guide To Life by Steve Marsh. For more insights on balance and well-being, explore the full book.