When we are smart enough to learn from our mistakes, we are smart enough to solve any problem and accomplish anything we desire. Never underestimate yourself.
The successful person is skilled at solving problems-
•Have you ever been “stuck” and wished someone would simply tell you the right thing to do?
•Have you ever talked yourself out of acting on an idea only to learn that someone else did it and is now hugely successful?
•Have you ever been unsure about whether you should open up and take a person into your confidence?
•Have you ever been at a cross-road in your life and overcome with fear about making a mistake?
If you said yes to any of these questions you’re not alone.
Fear and uncertainty are the two biggest stumbling blocks that hold people back from achieving their dreams.
Let’s be honest, who hasn’t wished for a wise person to appear during times of crisis to advise us on what we should do?
It was only after I become a serious student of intuition that I learned that the wise person who could guide me through life was – me.
Up until then, like most people, I had been aware that I was intuitive, and like most people the flashes and gut feelings came at random – not at the moments when I really needed them.
In my studies I learned there were techniques I could use that could elicit intuitive responses from the bodies’ intelligence right away.
Hallelujah! was my first response.
My second response was: Why did I have to struggle through life for so long? Why didn’t someone teach me this earlier?
But you don’t have wait, or be frustrated.
Here are three simple ways to get answers directly from your bodies’ intelligence:
#1 Quick-start for times you need a fast decision when you’re in a public place:
1. Go into the restroom, or walk away for a few moments. Close your eyes and ask: How am I going to feel if I choose to do XXX? (Do NOT ask if you’re making the right decision!!)
How do you feel after asking yourself this question?
Did a feeling of happiness come over you? Did you feel light and joyous? Were you tense and anxious?
Paying attention to your body is very important. Your body is intelligent and can “speak” to you if you learn its language. Read my post on how to read what your body is telling you.
Check in with your body for clues. Did your body tense up? Did your heart speed up? Did you have difficulty swallowing? Were hot? Did you go cold? Did you notice if you held your breath?
Tension is the body’s signal for caution, or stop! It’s very subtle. We live in a very stressful society so most of us are used to feeling tense which is why we may no longer pay attention to these signals.
Or, did a fleeting image pass through your mind? What was it? Analyze what you saw – it holds the answer. You may have to go to the Internet to look up what certain symbols mean. (I recently wrote about a symbol – the musical clef – I was given that made no sense until I looked up it’s meaning.)
Or, did you hear an answer in your mind? What was it? Yes? No? Stop! A phrase from a song? A piece of a poem? Analyze what you heard. You might have to look up its meaning on the Internet.
#2 Use this method to tap directly into the bodies’ intelligence for decisions. It’s especially good for finding food allergies, or what foods to avoid in your diet.
This is a form of self muscle testing.
Take off your shoes. Stand in the middle of a room away from anything you could fall against, or trip over.
Word your question properly so that the answer tells you if this (food/decision) will affect your life positively or negatively. (If you’re testing food – hold the food up against your abdomen.)
Ask the questions to yourself. If you sway/fall forward then your decision will impact you positively. If you sway/fall backwards the decision isn’t right for you.
#3 When you have time to review a complex decision more thoroughly:
1. Go somewhere quiet. Shut the door. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and get relaxed.
2. Think of the question you need to make a decision about. For example: Should I go back to school?
3. Mull over the different parts of the scenario going back to school entails:
Going back to school means quitting your job and living off your savings for a while, or selling your apartment or home and living in studio apartment.
It means walking away from your current career and source of income. It might mean moving away from friends and family.
You might encounter negativity from people who warn you against doing it, or fear that you’re making a poor decision. (think of all the factors affecting your decision here)
3. Now ask yourself the question: Should I go back to school? Notice how you feel. Did you feel a yes, or a no? Do you “feel good” when you heard yourself say yes? Do you feel good, but anxious? Or, do you feel anxious and have doubts overall?
4. With pad and pen nearby, write down any/all of the anxieties, doubts and fears that came to mind.
5. When you’re finished listing them switch the pen to your non-dominant hand and address each of you concerns. (Using your non-dominant hand will tap into the bodies’ intuitive intelligence. It’s a way of circumventing your logical mind)
Ask why am I feeling this way for each one of your fears. Keep writing until you feel you’ve gotten it all out.
6. Read what you’ve written. You’ll be astonished at the insights and truths you’ve unearthed. You’ll also clearly know what to do next. You’ll also know how you might creatively work with, or address those concerns too.
With practice you’ll get faster at getting the answers you desire.
Working with your intuition isn’t unlike perfecting your golf game, or becoming a better writer. It takes the same dedication, desire and practice that perfecting anything else takes.
The great thing is that you don’t need to go out and buy any fancy equipment, or go anywhere special to use it. You’re intuition goes with you everywhere you go!
So start using it!
What other practical ways can you see for using your Intuition? Have you ever used it like this to make a decision? How did it turn out?
If you enjoyed this article please subscribe and share it on Twitter and Facebook. Thank you!
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
Wow Angela, this was one of the best posts I’ve ever read of yours. I feel like I’ve learned about 3 or 4 truly valuable tools/methods to help myself make better and healthier decisions. Really, this was incredibly enlightening. Thank you!
marcus
Hi Marcus,
Thank you for such a wonderful compliment. I’m flattered.
I’m so glad you took so much away from the post.
Here’s to you making even better decisions!
Thanks so much for coming by and adding to the conversation here.
#2 will be crazy helpful, Angela. This morning I was working with another woman on a workshop to help teenagers like writing and we discussed at length how fear–of feeling dumb, of not being “good” enough–is the opposite of creativity. Remembering to check inside for answers is a huge antidote to this.
Hi Charlotte,
It’s so good to see you. I hope all is well.
Yes, I love the muscle testing. It by passes the rational mind, so for people who are afraid of trusting themselves it would work really well. That’s true feeling dumb and not good enough is the opposite of creativity. I never thought about it like that. Thank you!
Hi Angela,
As a therapist I used to advise clients to ask the question and write with their non dominant hand. I found very few actually took my advice. It’s amazing how well it works. I think some clients weren’t interested.It would have been easier to get the answer from me! They didn’t trust themselves enough to go within.
Hi Tess,
I can totally relate to your frustration. You give the client a good tool to use, but they’d rather have you do the work for them. I think you must be right that it came down to them trusting you more than they’d trust their own inner voice. That’s a shame when we give our power away like that.
Angela,
Hello! What a super post. It was as if you were reading my mind today and knew that I needed to be reminded on these steps. Like one of your readers said in their comments, sometimes we get so caught up, we forget the “steps” to find our answers!
Thanks for sharing!
Michael
OutMaturity
Hi Michael,
Glad I could be of help to you! Yes, we all do have the answers within, and many times we’re even aware of the tools and techniques we could use to get the answers – but we’re just to darn busy and we forget!
I hope everything worked out well for you Michael~!
Angela, what you’ve actually got here is a whole book or a good online course as it’s a premier class step by step introduction to our own intuitive powers. I once taught a workshop on this and can’t improve on anything you’ve written as it’s clearly your subject. My own personal touch was to get students to discover where on their body their intuition speaks and registers – it’s not only the stomach area as most think. One man has an intuitive shoulder and another lady an itchy breast. I kid you not! Just shows how intuition gets our attention.
Hi John,
Thank you for such a lovely compliment.
How fascinating – I totally believe you about the itchy breast and intuitive shoulder. It’s different for everyone – absolutely.
Thanks so much for coming by and commenting.
The wise person inside of you … IS you. – this is so true. If I could tell people one thing about intuition is that all you truly need to know is within you. The key is learning how to tap into it and TRUST it.
Great article, Angela!
Hi Lisa,
Yes! We are so in agreement on this Lisa. And again – the key is tapping into it then trusting it. So true!
I’m glad you found the article helpful. It’s a pleasure to have you visit too.
Angela, this post is why I love reading your blog! You always have really helpful actions that anyone/everyone can take. I haven’t tried muscle testing or (in #3) using the non-dominant hand when reading through the list. I will try both of these 🙂
Hi Aileen,
I’m so glad you got a lot out of this post! Let me know how you make out after trying the techniques.
I often wonder if I should be breaking up all these techniques into separate posts.
Do you think it’s too much to give out at once?
Another great article, Angela. Nobody knows what best for YOU better than YOU. A very powerful mantra for me has always been: If it is to be it is up to me! As cute as it is it is totally empowering. It never gets any more complicated than that. You are right, we have access to that infinite intelligence that provides all answers from within.
Hi Rob,
I love that quote – as cute as it is. WE do know. It’s just we are so distracted in this busy head-spinning culture of ours that we no longer hear these messages loud and clear. That’s why we need to slow down and learn to tune into our body’s intelligence. I believe everyone should meditate every day and that we should be teaching meditation in public schools. I know I’ve said that before, but I’m adamant about it. I think we’d have a very different society if we did that – although it might take a few generations to show.
Hi Angela,
I love this. I use #2 a lot – very effective in knowing what is good and what isn’t. I like it because I can even use it in public. It’s gotten to the point that i “know” which way my body will sway before I do the exercise. Is that my intuition bubbling up to the surface?
Hi Lori,
I’m so glad to hear that you’ve been using muscle testing. It’s the best way to demonstrate that your body is extremely intelligent. Wow! Yes, you’ve used the method so much that it’s to the point that your intuition is way up there on the surface to know which way your body will sway. That’s awesome!! You’ve now become a human “pendulum!”
Angela,
This is so helpful and useful. I especially like the idea of tapping into the sensations from the body and also the one of using the non-dominant hand to write. I’ve used the one for food testing at times. It’s amazing how clear the sign from the body can be. Thanks so much for this.
Hi Sandra,
Yes, one of the readers said when we do muscle testing the way I describe we’ve turned our entire body into a pendulum. I thought that was really right on! Our body has it’s own intelligence and an amazingly accurate GPS system. All we need to do is learn how to start hearing its signals – again. I’ve no doubt that early man heard them loud and clear.
Hi Angela,
You give so much great info in this one article. I especially like how you point out that our intuition is always with us. And I like how you say it’s like any other talent, it just takes practice. I think some people think that’s good cuz it’s possible, and others think that’s bad cuz it’s not instantaneous. (I know, cuz I’ve been on both sides of that one!)
Thanks!
Hi Patti,
How are you? I hope all is well.
I think there’s a notion that because some people might be born with a more developed intuitive ability that that’s it – they’re instantly a psychic. Which isn’t true. That’s why I wanted to be sure people understood it’s no different than learning anything else. The more you practice the better you’re going to get. Even if you don’t know how to play the piano – as long as you have the desire you can learn.
I love this post and I relate so closely to your questions- there are so many times when I know if I had followed that gut feeling I would have been……
I have found that looking within and learning to trust that small still voice is not as automatic as i would like- it takes practice, trust and believing in self. Like Evelyn, I use a pendulum, angel cards and this year I am using a tarot deck plus meditation, and journaling
Thanks for sharing
with love
Suzie
Hi Suzie,
I’m so glad you found this article helpful and interesting. Looking within is where all the answers are.
I’m so glad to know that you use a pendulum, and are learning to read the Tarot, plus already doing meditation and journaling. We have so much in common!
Angela: I love this post and the information you shared. I totally agree with you that a lot of times the answers we are searching for are right within us. We just have to ask ourselves the right questions and wait for the answer. I really appreciated all the tips that you gave. I thought they were all very helpful. Thanks for passing them along.
Hi Sibyl,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and found the information useful. Yes, we do have all the answers within it really gets down to a matter of trusting ourselves though, doesn’t it? It’s a pleasure to see you Sibyl.
Angela,
Very helpful post! I love the first technique! I tend to do be hasty at times, and wonder if I’m following my intuition fully. I believe I’m following my feelings, though don’t consciously ask myself certain questions. When I’m in a pinch I will certainly make a moment to review my feelings and search for answers next time.
I have applied the 3rd technique when meditating and it has worked very well. Particularly writing how you feel is a great way to process the feelings that emerge when contemplating a problem to be solved.
Hi Joe,
I’m so glad you found the post useful. There are so many techniques to share. I think the best thing is to try a few and find the ones that work for you the best and then just stick with them. I’m glad to hear you’ve tried the writing technique.
HI Angela,
Great post, again. I too use muscle-testing, but I find it can sometimes be time consuming, esp. when I’m using it in practice. Since I recognized that it was basically just the one form of intuition I felt to be “trustworthy” (I still have occasional hurdles when it comes to trusting myself) I bought a tarot deck to train myself to interpret things other than yes/no questions, and it’s so eerie the messages I get. So I’m learning to trust myself with that…
Hi Shanna,
Muscle testing gets easier the more you use it. It also become more intuitive where you can feel the muscles tense up and you don’t have to do anything further. But, I love the Tarot too. I’ve been using the cards for a long time, although only to read for others not for myself. Anything that feels comfortable that stretches your intuition is great. I’m so glad you’re learning the cards.
Great ideas! I don’t think you left out pendulums at all, in fact – it seems like #2 makes your whole BODY into a pendulum, which is very direct. I sometimes use my hand as a pendulum too (even though I have quite a collection of real ones), and can get a sense of the right choice by feeling a sort of coolness that each object emits as I pass my hand over it. It’s a lot of fun.
I like tarot too, and prefer the Robin Wood or Hanson-Roberts decks for most purposes.
Hi Anna,
Your funny! Yes, I guess that exercise does make the whole body into a pendulum. Great observation.
You feel the coolness too? I’ve never met anyone else who feels it. “Cool!” You haven’t by any chance studied Sahaja Yoga have you? I’m a former instructor.
Tarot is awesome. I still favor the Rider Waite deck, but I’ve amassed quite a collection over the years.
It’s great to meet you. I’m so glad you stopped by – and don’t be a stranger!
No, I haven’t heard of that yoga, I will have to look it up. You get the coolness too? That’s really interesting. I thought it was just me. It works really well for me with playing cards and Zener cards and such.
Don’t worry, I couldn’t possibly get any stranger, but I’ll definitely be back! Great to meet you too, love your site! 🙂
You’re the first person I’ve ever met who got the coolness without being a Sahaja yogi! You’ll find reading about the coolness fascinating.
LoL! Great – I welcome all “strangers” here! Thanks!
Where do I start? I’m SO excited about this post because the timing is so perfect. It’s just what I need today!! I know all this stuff, but you know how you forget what you know when you get caught up in a tangle of thought? That’s where I was until I read this post, and now, thanks to you, I have a roadmap to lead my back to my inner wisdom.
Oh, and about muscle testing–I’ve always done it the way you describe but at times, I’ve wondered about the results. I just discovered a new way of doing it–you lift a weight from shoulder height, one you can easily lift when the answer is yes and one you can’t budge when the answer is no (you have to experiment to find the right weight). You set the weight on top of a shelf or chest at about shoulder height. I love this because you REALLY feel the no when that weight won’t move.
Thanks for this post, Angela. It’s a great gift!!
Ande, I love that muscle testing exercise. I’m going to get a weight and use it!
Thanks so much for sharing it with us here.
I’m glad this post came out at the right time for you too!
This is really great advice, Angela. I will try these exercises. One that I especially like is asking a guestions ad seeing how you feel. Perfect!
Hi Rosemarie,
I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Let me know how you do with the exercise.
Hi Angela
There are actually very specific muscle testing techniques that can be used, and they work great!
Dom
Hi Dom,
Yes, I’ve used muscle testing for quite some time and find the results amazing! Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Hi Angela,
I always enjoy reading your articles on intuition! 😀
For a long time in my life, I too grappled with fear and uncertainty. When I began my journey to search for answers to life’s questions, part of me was unconsciously looking out for ways to manage fear and uncertainty. I guess I never really kinew what I was getting into when I found the I-Ching. But over the years, it did help me to improve my intuition. I would say if a handbook on managing life were ever to be written, it is the I-Ching. It is very interesting to see how it has expanded my consciousness over the years. Also being able to see signs and the unfolding of events beforehand does help my intuition greatly.
That said, I would always appreciate ways to improve my intuition when I do not have time to consult the I-Ching. Your suggestions on asking myself and question and gauging the best choice to make from my feelings is interesting. In my use of the I-Ching, sometimes I ask such feeling questions to infer what is the best decision to make. It always help to approach a situation from different angles to gain a holistic view.
I guess I never thought of asking myself that question and using my feelings to make my decision. I mean I do it subconsciously and usually make decisions that make logical and intuitive sense, I just never had to stop and ask myself the way you suggest. It can be tricky though, especially when there is a lot of stress, fear and uncertainty going on. It may be hard to sort out the feelings adequately. Still, it doesn’t hurt to try it at the next available opportunity.
I never heard of muscle testing, so this is something new that I have learned. It is very interesting and I realize that I am not fully utilizing my body’s potential.
I also enjoyed reading how to review a complex decision. Again it is fascinating to see the exercises and steps that you suggest. Generally, I would rely on the I-Ching for complex decisions. It is those decisions that require me to think on my feet or where I have no way of assessing the I-Ching that bothers me. Of course, I am not helpless because of the I-Ching’s overall influence, but it is always good to have alternatives that I can rely on should I need it.
Thank you for sharing this informative and insightful article! 🙂
Irving the Vizier
Irving,
I’m so glad you found the article useful and informative. That’s my goal and hearing that I’ve hit the mark is my soul’s satisfaction! Let me know how you make out if you try the exercises. I give you all the credit in the world for learning the I Ching. I found it much too complicated for my simple mind!
The problems with decisions is that many of them catch us unprepared. We are either off balance or we’re caught up in the issues of life which tends to blind us to the inner man.
Our society is based upon materialism and we live in a world that is sense based. It’s easy to make a decision but the problem is whether it’s the right one and that’s the crux of the matter.
Inner peace and stability is key to the decision dilemma. Put your question onto the scale of your heart.
If you have a sense of peace about it, then it is the right decision.
Andre,
Yes, the problem with problems “is that they catch us off guard.” LOL! Yes, that’s it! It’s true by the time the problem has emerged we’re off balance from being upset or worried and that masks the voice of our intuition as well. Yes, and you’re right again – it’s easy to make a decision, but is it the right one? Inner peace, as you say, is the key to making the right decision. And I totally agree with you: if you feel at peace once you make the decision it was the right one. Andre thanks so much for sharing your wisdom with us here. It is a pleasure to have you visit.
It wasn’t quite automatic for me, when I first started learning about intuition. I have been using left-brain thinking for so long that it was not easy trying to pay attention to subtle messages. I have since come a long way. I have learned to tune in, listen carefully and take note of the signs. Also, I have been using the pendulum and divination cards as a tool to get guided for answers for a few years now.
Hi Evelyn,
I can relate. Being immersed in the banking world can definitely make it hard to tune into the subtle messages of your intuition.
The pendulum is a great way to circumvent the analytical mind. I almost included it here but I thought it might be misunderstood as too “woo-woo” like. That is a direct way to get a response from you body. I’m so glad you’re into this! Which divination cards do you use? I’ve been reading Tarot for a long while.