In this article, we focus on INTUITION and how it drives wellbeing.
‘Intuition is the whisper of the soul’ ~ Jiddu Krishnamurti.
Intuition is a thinking style, a form of knowledge that appears in our consciousness. No one can take your intuition away from you, it is your inner knowing. It is not magical – but something that is generated in our unconscious mind. It is an immediate apprehension or cognition, a quick and ready insight. Human survival depends on avoiding danger and so our brains are wired to be especially sensitive to signs of imminent danger.
Often referred to as a ‘gut feeling’, intuition is the ability to understand something instinctively, often without the need for conscious reasoning. It’s the ability to understand or know something immediately based on your feelings rather than facts, an impression or insight.
Scientists have repeatedly demonstrated how information can register on the brain without conscious awareness and positively influence decision-making and other behaviour.
This knowing encompasses self-awareness, instinct, emotional intelligence and innate knowledge. It starts with knowing ourselves better. Used well, it supports our wellbeing.
Intuition is a natural gift that can double your efficiency at work, guide you in your life, and set you on your purpose. If you are feeling stuck in your life, you are definitely not alone. A recent article in the New York Times written by Adam Grant looked at the concept of ‘languishing’.
Recent reports have suggested that’s how we’re all feeling following the pandemic. Languishing occurs when we’re not so depressed or unhappy as to feel hopeless, but nor are we thriving. It’s when we feel joyless and aimless.
It’s being felt now by many of us due to the lack of real-time social connection over the last 12 months. We have been less in control of our circumstances and with that brings a lack of motivation. Sounds familiar? It resonated with me immediately I read it.
Are you ready to enjoy a better lifestyle, geared to your own needs? Intuition is all about the knowing that we need to take more care of ourselves. So, if you’ve been at the bottom of your to-do list, now is the time to change that! Here are some ideas:
Slow Down
Take the time to slow down, to sit, and to breathe deeply and slowly. Listen to your inner voice. Connect with your truth and believe in yourself.
Self-Care
Self-care can help, so make sure you plan something enjoyable, reach out to people who will lift you. Above all focus on small, meaningful goals to work towards. It will slowly but surely reignite the drive and enthusiasm you enjoyed before the shock of the pandemic.
Good self-care enables you to live your life feeling more relaxed, empowered and energised as you acknowledge and invest in yourself. Improving your wellbeing doesn’t need to take a lot of time although it is essential to your mental and physical wellness.
Be Kind to Yourself
Self-kindness is all about acknowledging your emotional needs and taking care of them … so if languishing is what you are doing, start to think about what is really going on with you. Dig deep into your intuition and self-awareness.
Contemplation
Contemplation is a way of seeking answers. Reflective practices such as journaling and meditation enable you to relax the mind and focus on the present, letting go of preconceived notions of who you think you are, and instead becoming open to what will arise.
Journaling
Journaling is a proven, therapeutic way to help you understand yourself, to track, reflect and record, and help you to attain your goals. You can track and record your mood, sleep, and energy and in learning more about yourself and your needs, you will begin to create the life you really want. It will help you to improve your mental and physical health and become the happiest, healthiest version of you.
Reflection
A moment of reflection on the day’s events each evening is beneficial. Which experiences were life-giving and which were life-draining? What made you feel alive and in the flow?
Daily Meditation
Similarly, a regular practice of daily meditation with no agenda will allow thoughts to arise, simply let them go. Watch them go like passing cars. Research has shown that meditation can increase one’s sense of life purpose.
What Do YOU Need?
Reflecting on what you need in your life, particularly in regard to self-care is also beneficial. Start by listing your favourite self-care practices in different aspects of your wellbeing, for example:
• Your Work, Career, Volunteering
• Physical Health & Fitness
• Your Mental Wellbeing
• Emotional Wellbeing
• Social Wellbeing, Community
Emergency Self-Care Practices
Write down your top three EMERGENCY self-care practices overall (for example, 4-7-8 Breathing, Taking a break, Talking to a close friend).
Then those to AVOID – list three practices, people, places, or things to avoid during times of stress (for example, being inactive, poor dietary habits, eating too much sugar, or drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, etc).
Positive Self-Care
And, most importantly, now is the time to think about your top three POSITIVE self-care strategies which you would like to get into the habit of doing regularly (for example, having regular scheduled breaks, taking a regular daily walk, drinking 8 glasses of water each day, getting 8 hours of restful sleep every night).
Self-Awareness
Our Self-Awareness Survey works in the same way, allowing you the opportunity for self-reflection to help you to acknowledge your needs, and to understand where you are in life and what drives you. It is completely free and there is no obligation to purchase whatsoever. Check it out at: www.wellbeingreimagined.com
And if you’ve already completed it, do it again and again, situations change!
Albert Einstein, a known proponent of intuition said: ‘The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift.’
Why just survive when you can thrive? Getting to know yourself better will provide the inner guidance you need to find true purpose in life, fulfilment in the work you do, and clarity and confidence in the future.
