"Go with your gut. Trust your instincts." 

 

We've heard this many times. Regardless of the vernacular, we would love to trust our intuition but doubt often occurs. This 'gut feeling' is characterized by understanding something more profound or higher with no explanation. Hence, some people avoid specific alleyways, while others turn down seemingly perfect jobs. Why two lovers marry after six short months: They just “know”.

 

I’ve had countless experiences where I’ve made decisions against my gut feelings, and in the end, what do I tell myself? 'The could've, would've, and should've.' 

 

But as I get older, I try to tap into those insights more often and investigate my intuitive feelings and opinions; and ask myself, 'how do I choose which gut feelings to trust.' I have learned and am still learning to identify which signals to focus on, whether my funny feelings in my stomach or unexplainable certainty that occurs. 

 

When my intuition light is blinking, I engage my rational mind to weigh and start processing the decision-making as best as possible. There's no wrong or right in this process, but to put the best effort to respect both my gut feelings and my rational mind, 

 

However, I take a higher count of my body's subtle or significant signals because I believe our bodies are more in-tune with protecting ourselves than we realize. 

The complexity of our social conditions creates first impressions and snap-judgments that are flawed, as we’ve all experienced. But I believe it is crucial to check our bodies against our rational minds, whether positive or negative. 

 

Positive and affirming instincts are often displayed: a sense of warmth; easy breathing; clarity; goosebumps, tingles, or fluttery; Relaxation. 

Negative or warning instincts are often displayed: icy cold chill; twinging or clenching feeling in gut or chest; nausea or acid stomach; fatigue; onset of headache; a sense of high alert. 

Here’s a friendly reminder that, 

"Your body is a powerful intuitive communicator”.