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United States
Molly Carroll is a non-fiction writer, artist, educator, and therapist who holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology. Molly recently published her second book, Trust Within: Letting Intuition Lead, by Grand Harbor Press in October 2017 around trusting and following your intuition, and we had the chance to hear her share 6 tips to accessing your intuition.
Photo by Anthony Tran
Your intuitive intelligence is an interesting phenomenon. Similar to your skin and bones, it is with you all the time, guiding you when you are willing to listen. As an author who spent a year researching the gift of intuition, I want to share with you some tips for your intuitive toolbox.
The first step in accessing your internal world is to become present in order to hear your intuition. I know you have heard time and time again how important it is to be in the present moment, but that is because there is such a power in this message. In order to come into the present moment, simply begin by getting quiet, breathe in and out for three seconds, and bring your body into a restful state. In this peaceful place you can ask your intuition questions that you may be struggling with. Then begin to notice the feel different sensations in the body; a pulling on the gut or fluttering in the heart. These are your signs that your intuition is working and it is your job to pay attention. Once you do this, you will have a cavernous opening to hear what the world is calling you to do.
After becoming more present, the next tool to pull out in your toolbox is to follow the intuitive voices you are hearing. First you want to identify which voice is your intuition, and which may be your inner critic, or judging mind. You can accomplish this by being curious and inquisitive, “Do I feel good or bad when I hear this voice? Does it make me feel inspired or full of shame?” Once you know you are in your intuitive voice, listen deeply, and then adhere to that voice. You may hear “Quit your job, fight for your marriage, or go to India.” Whatever you hear, you must not be afraid. When you hear your intuitive voice ask yourself, “With my morals and values, is there a lesson I need to learn? Is there a journey I need to travel? Or a gift I need to receive?” Can you trust that these voices you are hearing are guiding forces from the deepest parts of your soul, and they were sent to you as a message to have a more fruitful life.
The final ingredient for the internal recipe of strengthening your intuition is surrendering to what life is teaching you. Try to accept all of the emotions, and circumstances that come your way with each situation. It is not only about accepting the ones that make you feel good, safe or comfortable. It is also about embracing your dark emotions that don’t make you feel comfortable; grief, loss, rage, anger, jealousy or sadness. When you embrace your dark emotions your intuitive voice will embrace it as well and bring you not only into the teachings of the dark, but the gifts of the light.
Photo by Marion Michele
Meditation is known to be one of the most powerful tools to have a clearer access to one’s intuition. One of the easiest ways to access this peaceful state is by sitting in silence, breathing, and letting go of your thought patterns. Meditation can be challenging and super uncomfortable because you have to sit and hear your judging and comparing mind. But the gift is by sitting and not running away from yourself you are able to let go and build a more resilient mind. From this place you clear away toxic thoughts in order to make more room for your intuition.
Another spiritual gateway to deepening your intuition is becoming more aware of what you put into your body. I am not writing any of this claiming to be a diet guru. I have a coffee every day; I love pizza, and my sweet tooth is definitely off the charts. But what I also know is that what you put into your body affects your emotional state. And if you want to enhance your intuitive voice become aware of your diet and health. If you eat heavy foods all day, your body will feel heavy. It comes down to energy. Food is and carries energy, the clearer your body is the clearer your intuitive voice will arrive.
Finally, once you establish a meditation practice, and are more aware of what you are putting in your body, you will naturally have more motivation to move. Make exercise part of your life. It does not have to be summiting Mount Everest or running a marathon. It can revolve around walking with a friend, or doing some yoga when you wake up. When you are moving, listen to your bodily wisdom. It will talk to you and trust that you need to adhere to its intuitive wisdom.
With your new external and internal intuition toolbox imagine you are at a crossroad in your life, where you need to make some tough decisions. How clear would your intuition be if you could stay in the present moment, adhere to your callings, and accept all the emotions that arise? How would your spirit respond to changes if you were practicing meditation, filling your body with loving foods, and moving it to its natural rhythm? I think if you listen closely you know the answer.
For more Molly, head over to Molly Carroll to find her books and other inspiration.
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