Learn to Listen to Your Inner Voice
Have you ever found yourself in a moment of inexplicable clarity—a sudden knowing or vision that felt undeniably right—but the second you tried to hold onto it, it slipped away? This fleeting connection is your intuition speaking. However, for many of us, the voice of intuition is drowned out by the constant chatter of the ego or dismissed due to societal conditioning, fear, or doubt.
What Is Intuition?
Intuition is your inner compass—a deep sense of knowing that isn’t tied to logic or reasoning. According to Sadhguru, intuition is not guesswork. It can appear as a fleeting image, a gut feeling, or a sudden thought. Unlike the ego, intuition is calm, gentle, and free of attachment to specific outcomes. It delivers its message and fades away, leaving you with a quiet sense of confidence.
Historically, our ancestors relied heavily on intuition for survival, decision-making, and connection to the natural world. In modern times, however, many of us have become disconnected from this inner guidance system due to societal emphasis on logic and external validation.
As Natalie Miles suggests in her book, being intuitive is akin to being psychic. It’s a skill that can be developed with practice, like a muscle. The more you trust and act on your intuitive pings, the stronger your connection to it becomes.
What Is the Ego?
The ego, on the other hand, is a construct of your mind tied to your external identity, social roles, and conditioned beliefs. It operates from a place of fear, control, and attachment and it wants answers NOW. Unlike intuition, the ego is ever-present and loud, often replaying its messages in a loop. It thrives on logic, rationality, and the need to plan or predict outcomes.
Your ego isn’t inherently bad—it’s part of the human experience. The key is not to let it dominate. When treated as a companion rather than an authority, the ego can provide valuable perspective without hindering your intuition. Suppressing the ego entirely can lead to the denial of emotions, fears, and desires. Instead, aim to acknowledge it and gently redirect your focus.
Try to understand its purpose. Acknowledge the fears and desires it represents, but don’t let them control you. See the ego as a partner that offers perspective but isn’t always the final decision-maker. This balanced approach allows you to access intuition more freely while respecting the ego’s role.
How Intuition and Ego Differ – Overview
| Aspect | Intuition | Ego |
| Tone | Gentle, calm, confident | Loud, repetitive, anxious |
| Attachment | Free of desires and outcomes | Attached to plans, goals, and control |
| Timing | Flexible | Demands answers NOW |
| Source | Inner knowing | External identity and logic |
| Impact | Empowers and aligns | Can create fear and suffering |
What Blocks Intuition?
- Trauma and Conditioning: (Transgenerational) Trauma or societal conditioning can suppress intuition. Energy work or therapy can help you process these blocks.
- Distrust: A lack of trust in yourself makes it difficult to recognize intuitive guidance.
- Mental Overload: Too many thoughts, opinions, and external influences cloud your intuition.
- Low Energy: When you’re in survival mode, your focus shifts to basic needs, making intuitive signals harder to detect.
- External Ego Influence: Sometimes, the energy of others’ egos can overpower your own intuition.
How to Strengthen Your Intuition
- Meditation: Calming the mind creates space for intuitive insights to emerge.
- Journaling: Keep track of intuitive pings and patterns to build trust in your inner voice.
- Dream Journals: Intuition often speaks through dreams. Document them to uncover deeper messages.
- Tarot and Oracle Cards: Use these tools to practice tuning into your intuitive feelings.
- Energy Awareness: Notice if the energy you’re feeling is yours or someone else’s.
- Surround Yourself with Supportive People: The right environment nurtures your intuition.
- Grounding Exercises: Walk barefoot, meditate under a tree, or practice grounding techniques to reconnect with your inner self.
- Cleanse Your Perceptions: Process trauma and release societal conditioning that blocks your intuitive flow.
Trusting Intuition: A Journey of Faith
Trusting your intuition requires practice and patience. Affirmations like, “I trust that everything will be for my highest good,” can help you develop confidence in your intuitive guidance. Start with small steps, such as listening to your gut on minor decisions, and gradually take bigger risks as your trust grows.
For inspiration, check out resources like Natalie Miles’ book on intuition, Lacey Phillips’ Expanded podcast, Sadghurus recommendation how to develop your intution (and the difference to instinct) or Teal Swan. Also, guided meditations by Michael Sealey or Jess Shepherd can help you. If you’re drawn to energy work, consider exploring chakra balancing through Reiki and chakra chanting to raise your vibration and strengthen your intuitive connection.
Conclusion
Your intuition is a powerful guide, offering clarity and alignment in a way that the ego cannot. By learning to recognize the differences between ego and intuition, clearing the blocks that inhibit your inner knowing, and practicing tools to strengthen your intuitive muscle, you can create a life that feels authentic and aligned with your true self.
Remember, intuition is a skill that grows with practice. Trust the pings, follow the feelings, and embrace the unknown.
After all, the answers you seek are already within you.