Are you conscious of your own inner voice? Do you take note of it? (I'm not referring to the individual who puts you down!) I'm referring to the voice that softly whispers ideas and suggestions to you, the kind that the other voice may try to silence by exclaiming, "Are you insane?" This requires leaving our comfort zone, and we must avoid doing so at all costs (even if the cost is living a life of mediocrity instead of the one of your dreams).
Unfortunately, the majority of us are aware of and pay attention to the latter voice. The gentler one, our intuition, is frequently disregarded (if we can even hear it at all). Our intuition actually has our best interests at heart, which is a great pity. In a protective manner, our shadow voice (the louder, more aggressive one) also has our welfare at heart.
What's wrong with keeping us safe? I know what you're thinking! Well, it restricts us and ultimately erodes our soul-level wellbeing. And believe it or not, this is detrimental to our physical and emotional health! If your soul is unfulfilled, you will gradually and imperceptibly develop a nagging sense of general discontent, which can have repercussions on your mood, self-esteem, and ultimately your physical and mental health. However, that is the subject of another article...
If you listen to your intuition, you will be pushed beyond your comfort zone, but never beyond what you are capable of. It will both challenge and support you. On every level: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, it always has your best interests in mind. It will also gently nudge you when it is time to turn back or stop.
When you tune into your intuition and allow it to guide you, you will be astounded by how much simpler previously daunting obstacles become. How much good fortune do you receive? (we call it synchronicity). And how wonderful it is to be at peace with oneself and all of one's life experiences, even those one would not have chosen!
If you are not accustomed to listening to your intuition, it will take time and patience to learn how to do so. Initially, you may be unsure of which voice is which (especially since your shadow voice often sounds quite reasonable), and employing your intuition is very similar to employing your physical muscles. In order for it to attain the desired form, it must be utilized frequently.
So how do you become more familiar with your intuition? First, start keeping an eye out for hunches, feelings, and ideas that emerge. Pay close attention to the accompanying voice. Is it kind, constructive, and encouraging?
If the voice is aggressive, dominant, or uses scare tactics, it is more likely to be your shadow voice. Is the feeling of warning you're experiencing loud and menacing? (shadow). Or a knowing one who is insistent? (intuition).
The frightening thing about trusting your intuition when it's new to you is that it's not based on logic, and what it suggests to you often cannot be rationalized. However, with practice and confidence, you will learn that knowing the correct action to take is in your best interests. It will be easier to ignore your own and others' shadow voices (who will fear for your best interests on your behalf).
Starting small is the key to developing this essential intuition trust. Do not base life-altering decisions on intuition if you are unfamiliar with it (you might still be confusing your two inner voices). Do consult your intuition when making smaller decisions, and wait for a gentle knowing sensation to arise. Do not anticipate an immediate response, but it will come, and you will recognize it when it does.
As you tune in more and more, you will experience less and less worry and anxiety over time. You'll have faith that everything will work out, and you'll often find that it works out even better than you could have imagined!
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