Nine Ways You Shut Down Your Intuition (and what you should do instead!)

Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American philosopher said “The primary wisdom is intuition.” It is not just a theory, it is part of who we are. Without training and practice, we can happen upon it occasionally, and when we follow our intuition we usually like the results. What would happen if we learned to tap into our inner wisdom on a daily basis? Why don’t we? As Carl Jung said “intuition does not denote something contrary to reason, but something outside of the province of reason.” It is real and it is not in our heads. And our head can’t control it.

There are many ways we sabotage our own natural intuition all the time. Here are 9 examples and what we can choose to do instead:

1. We hurry so much that we don’t take time to listen to our intuition.

- We need to slow down or just be still to hear our intuition. It is so common when we feel pressured to just keep moving.  Instead, try to slow down and take a moment to be still and go within. 

2. We don’t look for the symbolism in things or events nor do we develop our symbolic ability.

– We need to be open to possibilities.  It is easy to dismiss things that can’t be “proved.”  But the truth is the universe is speaking to you ALL THE TIME.  You just have to listen and pay attention. 

3. We let our thinking mind control us, and insist on being in charge/controlling everything around us.

– The thinking mind is threatened by the presence of your intuition.  Why?  Because your intuition will often steer you away from mainstream messages about who we are supposed to be or what we are supposed to do.  This keeps us engaged in problematic power structures that serve no one.  

4. We confuse intuition with fear and wishful thinking.

– When we stay in our heads and let our emotions control us, we lose the gift of what our intuition can offer.  While it can be tricky to discern the voice of your intuition from fear, with practice, you can begin to notice the difference and know how to respond to each accordingly. 

5. We continue to associate with people who don’t believe in intuition or want to use it.

– Intuition is contagious. But so is a lack of intuition.  As I mentioned before, relying on intuition can be unpopular for so many reasons.  Connect with others who value their intuition and you will begin to do the same!

6. We think we can force intuition just like we can pedal a bike or pump weights.

– Intuition comes where and when invited, but not on demand. The trick is to be patient- everyone has access to their inner wisdom- EVERYONE. 

7. We insist on staying in our logical, rational, analytical thinking as the only way to find solutions to problems or make decisions or find solutions.

– When we are centered, using all our emotional intelligence tools and habits, intuition can flood us with many creative alternatives that the intellect could not conceive.  How many genius inventions came from intuition and not rational logic?  I bet you can think of a few off the top of your head!

8. We listen to our ego  when it tells us it can handle the problem or situation itself.

– We allow the ego to reject the insights that intuition offers.  Why?  Because the insights may not “follow the rules” or make sense, but if followed, will lead you exactly where you are supposed to go.  

9. We believe we don’t need to learn tools, skills and habits to master our intuition.

– By getting trapped in the endless loop of our heads, we never get a chance to develop our intuition to see how good it can become.  Intuition is just like strengthening our muscles- we need to have regular tools and practices to tap into this inner wisdom.  And every time we follow it, the messages get louder and easier to hear.  

One of the most brilliant and analytical minds of the twentieth century, Albert Einstein said, “The real valuable thing is intuition.” If this famous and rational mind can credit intuition so highly, maybe we should give it a try too. Who knows, with a little practice, a little coaching and a few successes, perhaps we too will start to see the wisdom of using this ‘thing’ called intuition. 

How do you connect to your intuition?  Do you have regular practices that you rely on?  I’d love to know!