How Connected Are You to Your Intuition and Instinct?
In a culture that prioritizes constant action and logical thinking, it’s easy to forget the powerful guidance our bodies offer. Beneath the surface of our thoughts lies a deeper intelligence—our instincts and intuition. These are natural tools we can use to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
To access them, we need to develop a skill that’s often overlooked: getting good at feeling bad.
Why Feeling Bad Is an Essential Skill
Instinct and intuition often communicate through physical sensations—like a tight chest, a flutter in the stomach, or tension in the shoulders. These are your body’s ways of sending you valuable messages about your environment, emotions, or decisions.
Many of us, however, avoid these sensations because they’re uncomfortable. This avoidance blocks the connection between body and mind, making it harder to interpret what our instincts and intuition are trying to tell us. Feeling bad isn’t about dwelling in discomfort; it’s about becoming curious enough to explore what your body is signaling.
How Body Awareness Enhances Instinct and Intuition
Your body constantly collects and processes information, often before your conscious mind catches up. When you build body awareness, you develop the ability to notice and interpret these signals, strengthening your instincts and intuition.
For instance:
That lump in your throat might signal sadness or a need to speak your truth.
A heavy feeling in your chest might point to stress or the need for rest.
A gut feeling about a situation might be your intuition flagging something important.
Body awareness helps you stop dismissing these sensations as random or irrelevant, allowing you to use them as tools for guidance.
Why Instinct and Intuition Matter
When you tune into your body, you gain access to a wellspring of wisdom that supports you in:
Making decisions. Your body often knows what’s right for you before your mind does.
Building self-trust. Listening to your instincts strengthens your relationship with yourself.
Reducing stress. Acting in alignment with your body’s signals brings a sense of ease and clarity.
Getting Good at Feeling Bad
Developing body awareness and embracing discomfort takes practice, but it’s a skill anyone can learn. Start with these steps:
Pause and feel. Throughout the day, check in with your body. Where are you holding tension?
Breathe fully. Allow yourself to stay with the sensation rather than pushing it away.
Ask questions. Instead of judging the feeling, explore it. What might this tension or sensation mean?
Move with intention. Practices like yoga, mindful walking, or dance help you connect with and trust your body.
As you build this awareness, you’ll notice how much easier it becomes to navigate life with the guidance of your instincts and intuition.
Ready to Feel Bad (and Get Good at It)?
Your body holds answers you may not even realize you’re seeking. Are you ready to explore them?
Take the How Good Are You at Feeling Bad Quiz to assess how well you’re tuning into your body’s signals and learn practical ways to strengthen this connection.
