Answering Life’s Questions by Using Your Intuition
By Lori B.Lipten, M.A. published in Daily Tribune August 30, 2009

My nine-year-old daughter consistently tells me “the answer came from inside me mom.” Children are all born intuitive because it is a reliable inner resource for wisdom to guide every facet of our lives. It seemingly comes from “no where” and yet we are all capable of using intuition in a consistent manner to help us navigate through every day challenges and to fulfill our greatest life ambitions. You can develop your intuition into a dependable inner compass, guiding you to fulfilling experiences.

Most people can connect with a quiet, inner voice that has a guiding force to it. Intuition’s messages are compassionate, empowering and life enhancing. It will not diminish you or focus on the downside of life choices. Your inner guide is decidedly different from the chatter of your mind and the constant “self-talk” that reinforces struggle, minimizes you or another, or sees life in black or white terms. Your inner voice may be very subtle at first. Like a developing muscle, it takes practice to strengthen it. To cultivate your inner voice, sit in a comfortable position, then breathe deeply into your body, hold your breath for a moment before elongating your exhale. Do this several times as deep breathing relaxes your body and will allow you to notice the inner voice with greater ease. Then ask yourself a question such as “What action will serve my highest good at this time?” Continue breathing without searching for an answer and just focusing on the stillness of your body, as you relax. You may see an image in your mind, feel a sensation or emotion or you may suddenly know what to do next. Pay attention to how you feel. Do you feel calm, peaceful and expansive when the answer emerges? Then your intuitive voice has answered. Sometimes it can be helpful to write your answers in a notebook and notice the way your voice communicates with you, how the actions support your happiness and health and how you feel about listening to your innate wisdom.

Dreams can also be a gateway to your intuitive wisdom. Dreams occur when our brain is in the most receptive state of consciousness. When you are awake, your brain operates in a very active state called Beta, which precludes most intuitive activity. As the brain relaxes in Alpha, intuition is more accessible. Alpha occurs when we are in guided visualization, daydreaming or exercising. As the brain slows down into a far more relaxed state, we enter Theta. In a theta state we feel open, creative and deeply connected to intuitive guidance. During sleep, our brain enters the delta state. During the dream state, there is no resistance to the processing of intuitive wisdom and a wealth of guidance may be provided through metaphorical answers.

Before going to sleep, write down a question you want answered like,” does taking this job serve my highest good?” Thank you inner wisdom for providing clear, understandable guidance for you through your dreams. Set the intention to remember your dream in the morning. Upon waking, sit quietly reflecting upon your dream. You may want to pick up your pen and write whatever comes into your consciousness during the first few moments after waking. Do not engage in conversation or analyze what you write, simply let your inner voice come through. Do not worry about the answers being overt or literal. Dreams are symbolic episodes to bring you into deeper contact with your unconscious self.

Emotions and feelings are often the most common and easiest intuitive messages to discern. Your body will be relaxed and your emotions will be empowering when the intuitive wisdom is affirming your thoughts or decisions. When your intuitive guidance is attempting to tell you “no” then you will feel sad or anxious. Your body will feel tight, uneasy and closed when you are going against your intuitive truth.

To practice discovering your intuitive sensations, take several deep breaths, while sitting in a comfortable position. Then ask yourself a question that can only be answered affirmatively. I can ask, “Is my name Lori”. As you feel the sensations of your body saying, “yes” to your question, practice with a few more. Be sure they are unambiguous, so that only a “yes” is the truthful response. Then ask yourself a question that is a definite “no”. A no will make my belly feel tight; my shoulders draw in and even give me a twinge in my throat because it is a definitive “no”. If you feel physically uncomfortable or emotionally ill at ease, your intuition is urging you to consider an alternative answer. To attune your inner wisdom, practice listening to your emotions and the sensations within your body regularly. By doing so often, you will strengthen your intuitive muscles.

Listening to your intuition allows you to live a more authentic life. Intuition may guide you to find answers you had not considered; try new opportunities you did not know could improve your life and express your inner truth in ways that enhance your relationships. It can open you to healthier choices. By practicing listening to your intuition, you empower your inner wisdom to be the guiding force for your remarkable life.