Many years ago I went to Vegas and was playing Baccarat.
I won’t bore you with explaining the game but just know that the goal of the game is to bet on one of three outcomes for who wins: "player", "banker", and "tie".
Very similar to blackjack, the player is you, and the banker is the dealer.
While playing I noticed I kept on having this strong feeling. A feeling that I knew what the outcome was. I would close my eyes and a strong feeling came to me about the outcome.
I ended up winning 10x what I started with within 30 min.
I’ve always remembered that day. Because I couldn't explain that feeling.
It wasn’t a thought, it wasn’t scared, it wasn’t an emotion. It was just a calm gut feeling.
Intuition.
Since then, I’ve been interested in understanding and developing my intuition.
But what is intuition? How do you tell the difference between emotions and intuition? How do you listen to your intuition and develop it?
I’m glad you asked…let’s dive in.
What is Intuition?
The dictionary definition: the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.
It’s that feeling of unexplainable knowing without a clear logical explanation as to why the feeling has occurred.
A “gut” feeling.
It doesn’t follow a logical structure sequence. It’s fast and immediate. You don’t need to “think” to know the answer.
It’s your subconscious nudging you in a direction you can’t consciously understand.
It’s most commonly used in decision-making, especially when choosing friends and career paths, or sensing when something is wrong with your partner.
The problem is emotions tend to get in the way of listening to our intuition.
Which leads us to the next question:
How to tell the difference between emotion and intuition
Starting with emotions:
Emotions are biochemical reactions to certain stimuli
Emotions are mostly the same across all humans
Emotions create visible and noticeable physical changes including heart rate and breathing change
Emotions follow a logical structure to a thought: Stimuli → Emotional response → Feeling → Thought
Intuition on the other hand:
A mental process that creates immediate belief without conscious reasoning
From some esoteric perspective comes from greater intelligence or higher aspects of ourselves (i.e. the subconscious)
A strong belief or feeling of certainty
Always true
A great way to figure out if it’s an emotion or intution is to ask the following questions:
“Why do I feel this way?”
“What could have caused me to feel this way about X”
“Do I feel that my feelings towards X may change in the future?”
“Am I avoiding following my gut feelings due to fear or doubt?”
This is especially true with fear/anxiety, especially if the situation or decision is high stakes.
Anxiety asks questions like “What if something bad happens.” It makes you feel scared, scattered, and unsure.
Intuition feels sure, grounded, precise, and subtle.
Now that we know the difference between emotions (especially fear), and intuition, how do you strengthen your intuition?
Best Exercises to Develop & Strengthen Intuitive Abilities
Practice Tuning in
Developing your intuition takes practice. Start with low-stakes situations and decisions. Go on a walk in a new area with multiple paths. Only use your intuition to guide you to which path you should take. Listen to your intuition about which book you should read next. Afterwards, determine if it was the “right” decision.
Meditation
Meditation is a great way to get in touch with your energy. It allows you the chance to practice differentiating between emotion and intuition. Use meditation to answer a question or an area of life where you’d like intuition to guide you. Sit and hold the question in your mind or heart. As you breathe slowly, imagine your intuition as a light within you. With each breath, the light becomes brighter. Do this until you feel surrounded by the light of your intuitive awareness. Pay attention to any messages you receive and how you feel.
Pay attention to what you notice
Intuition is all about noticing. As you go through life, pay attention to your reactions to situations, people, and environments. What jumps out at you that has no context? What are you drawn to? When you meet someone, what is your initial feeling about them? Is your body tensing or relaxing?
Rest your analytical brain
Your right brain is more visual, creative, and intuitive. Your left brain is the more analytical and organized side. To awaken your intuition and creativity, spend more time on “right brain” activities. Paint, listen to music, dance, walk in nature, etc.
Positive affirmations for your intuition
Affirmations are used to re-program the subconscious mind, to empower us to shift our thoughts and create the reality we desire. To use intuition, you must KNOW, not just believe, your intuition is real and powerful. When developing your intuition, try positive affirmations to help you reframe your thinking and boost your confidence in your intuition. Here are some affirmations to start with:
I trust the deep inner wisdom of my intuition.
My intuition is always influencing me, I can move forward without all of the answers.
My intuition is the only proof, calling, and validation I need.
I can trust myself to make decisions that support my highest good.
Your intuition is a superpower, it just takes a matter of practice and learning to use it well. Slow down and feel through the noise of life.
You already have all the answers within.
You just need to listen.
Trust Yourself,
Nader Girgawy