Intuition: Listening to the Wisdom Within And Beyond

Our bodies have five senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing. But not to be overlooked are the senses of our souls: intuition, peace, foresight, trust, empathy. The differences between people lie in their use of these senses; most people don't know anything about the inner senses while a few people rely on them just as they rely on their physical senses, and in fact probably even more. ―C. Joybell C.

As human beings, we possess an incredible power often overlooked or ignored - intuition. The voice speaks to us from deep within and beyond, guiding us towards the right path. Our intuition is not just a random thought or a fleeting feeling; it is a powerful tool that can help us navigate life's challenges and make the right decisions.

Our intuition is shaped by a myriad of influences: our ancestors, family, the natural world, collective experiences, our senses, and a higher power. We serve as conduits for the future, which yearns to manifest itself through us. If we remain open to its flow, we can stretch and grow much like the boundless wisdom of mycelium networks in the forest. In my experience, intuition persists until we are ready to heed its call, often through dreams or prayers that originate from a realm beyond our conscious awareness.

I believe in intuitions and inspirations...I sometimes FEEL that I am right. I do not KNOW that I am.— Albert Einstein

Wayfinders appear in the form of people, hawks, deer, butterflies, the way the tide circles or in the blossom of a flower. It can be the perfect song on the radio when we are ready to receive the message it has to share. When we look into our children's eyes, we feel the wisdom they have stored up for us, and that is an invitation to intuit how we need to step up into the role of their parents and role models for how to survive and thrive in this world. Or it can be the the hairs on our arms rising in full attention, or the turning of our gut.

Did you know that our bodies have developed complex mechanisms to help us attune to our intuition? It's true! According to the renowned neuroscientist Antonio Damasio, these mechanisms use physical cues like muscle tone, heart rate, and endocrine activity to help us make quick decisions with little conscious thought. This system is called "somatic markers", and it allows our unconscious emotions and sensations to be translated into instinctive responses, helping us to stay safe and survive. This likely explains why I have felt especially attuned when hunting, or in other life and death situations.

When you reach the end of what you should know, you will be at the beginning of what you should sense. ― Kahlil Gibrán, Sand and Foam

Finding moments of stillness, silence and sensing can be challenging in today's fast-paced world. However, taking the time to cultivate a regular meditation practice can be incredibly beneficial, particularly when developing our intuition. When we quiet our minds, we open ourselves to deeper awareness and insight. Meditation allows us to tap into our inner wisdom and connect with our intuition in a way that is difficult to achieve when we are constantly rushing and distracted. Through stillness and meditation, nature walks and ice baths, we can create the space to listen to our intuition and allow it to guide us toward our highest good.

Listening to our intuition can be affected by personal and cultural experiences that disconnect us from nature and the wisdom of our ancestors. Staying grounded and connected to the world and the Spirit world is crucial to maintaining our intuition. My experience living with aboriginal tribes in Australia heightened my sensitivity and receptivity, making me feel like my senses were growing like antennae. However, upon returning to the Western world, my ability to listen to my intuition in the same way was muted. It wasn't until my Father passed away that I was able to tap into that level of reception once again through the power and loving force of his Spirit.

Chemically, it can also be induced by the adrenaline on a run or sweating on the dance floor. Plant medicines also serve as a pathway for accessing a higher truth on a soul-u-lar and cellular level rather than the limited vision of our human minds. However, it is essential to remember that these substances should be used cautiously in a safe, controlled, and preferably ceremonial environment.

Our intuition is a powerful tool to help us navigate life's challenges. It is not just a random thought or a fleeting feeling but a powerful force that can guide us toward the right path. Or, as my dear friend Molly says, sometimes it's like the music video for Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" where one square lights up at a time, followed by another lit-up square guiding us in the direction when we have limited vision.

We can keep our intuition strong and listen to the wisdom within and beyond by staying connected to nature, our ancestors, our dreams, our innate wildness, and the divine wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Trusting the life force of intuition takes practice and patience, but it can lead you to a life that feels authentic, fulfilling and alive. Remember, intuition is always there for you, waiting to guide you on your path. All you have to do is slow down, listen and step into the path that is lit before you.