Also known as your inner guidance, your intuition is a system of instinctive knowing. It doesn't require you to adopt a logical thought process. Every one of us is equipped with strong and reliable intuition. This intuition is in tune with our true path in life.

We tend to look outside ourselves for answers. Many times we consult friends and family for advice and guidance. When, in fact, we hold inside us the best guidance system available.

Intuition is not just available to those that are "psychic" or "highly intuitive." It is available to all of us. It is basically our connection to our subconscious mind. Our intuition is how our subconscious mind connects and sends messages to our conscious mind. It is a source of immense wisdom and knowledge that always guides us to the right path for our highest good. It transcends the realms of logic and reason.

Our Intuition Is Like A Muscle

The more you work it out and consciously use it, the stronger it becomes. Most of us use it daily, but don't even realize that we are.

For example, have you ever started thinking about someone and they call you out of the blue? Or you have a nagging feeling not to do something, but you don't know why?

That is your intuition quietly guiding you, and the more you become aware of this and recognize your inner voice, the stronger your intuition will become. Like critical thinking and memory, your intuition is a mental muscle that needs a workout to strengthen it.

"Practice listening to your intuition, your inner voice; ask questions; be curious; see what you see; hear what you hear, and then act upon what you know to be true. These intuitive powers were given to your soul at birth." Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Most of us hear our inner guidance but frequently go against it. Our rational mind and ego always step in and makes us doubt ourselves. How many times has something gone wrong, or we made the wrong decision, and we kick ourselves afterward for not trusting our gut instinct from the start? More often than not, our intuition might not make sense to begin with. It is only after following our guidance that it becomes clear. The trick is to learn just to trust it. Listen to your gut, your inner voice, and be certain in your knowledge that it NEVERS lets you down, or gets it wrong.

Acknowledge That You Already Are Intuitive

To further develop your intuition, you need to acknowledge that you are already intuitive. Take some time to remember events in your past when you have just known something or had a gut feeling about something for no apparent reason, and your gut turned out to be right. Starting today, begin to keep notes of your inner voice even if it doesn't make sense to you.

Write down people, things, or situations that come to mind for "no reason," and notice if any of those topics become relevant throughout your day or week. The more aware of this that you become, the more you can flow through life guided by your intuition.

Observe How Your Intuition Speaks

Before you can fully use your intuition, you need to recognize and understand how it speaks to you. Intuition isn't a loud voice that pops in to pass on a message; it is more a subtle, gentle feeling. Your intuition communicates in various ways and is different for everyone. So knowing how your intuition communicates is crucial.

Some people experience messages visually in quick flashes or images that roll out like a movie. Sometimes your intuition might feel like nothing more than a hunch. Occasionally you might overhear someone talking, but something they say jumps out at you. You may even be able to ask your intuition for clarity, or another sign or message, so pay heed to what shows up.

Your intuition can speak to you through physical or emotional sensations—Goosebumps or discomfort in your stomach or a sense of relief. When your inner guidance is trying to direct you away from something, you might have an unexplained feeling of uneasiness about a situation. Or a creepy feeling in your stomach or perhaps confusion about a situation.

Alternatively, you might have an immense feeling of peace, contentment, or excitement when you are guided down the path that best serves your higher good.

Meditation

Guidance and messages from your intuition tend to be quiet. To develop and deepen your connection to your intuition, you have to be able to hear it. There are so many thoughts racing through our minds daily; it can be difficult to know which one is our intuition and mind-based notions. This is where meditation comes in to help you clear your mind.

Not everyone can sit, meditate and quieten the mind in the traditional sense of the word, and that's ok. Some people can achieve this stillness through journaling, gardening, listening to calm music, or simply bathing. The act of consciously focusing on your breathing in and out is another way to quieten your mind.

Just do what works for you, but try and set aside at least 10 minutes each day to still your mind. Anything that allows you to stay present, clear your mind, and go within is just as beneficial as sitting and "meditating."

Trust Your Hunches And Gut Feelings

I think it's fair to say we've all been in situations where we're frustrated with ourselves for not listening to our gut instinct. Where we've maybe made a wrong choice, or gone somewhere, we've later regretted. Had we listened and paid heed, we could have avoided the situation entirely.

So now is the time to start trusting these hunches. They won't always make sense to you. If something doesn't feel right to you, even though you have no idea why, trust this inner guidance and act on it. In the beginning, it's totally normal to doubt yourself. Trusting this feeling may seem daunting. But the more you trust it, the more you are allowing your intuition to develop stronger. Before long, you won't question it; you will trust it automatically.

Think Less, Feel More

Our mind can be endlessly chattering away, arguing, and debating with itself. While on the other hand, our intuition feels. You might be uncertain if it is your trustworthy intuition offering you guidance or your fearful mind. Try tuning in to how you are feeling instead. And make the differentiation between your thinking and how you are feeling.

Intuition Exercises

Check out your local crystal store and choose a crystal that resonates with you. Amethyst, for example, can be a powerful crystal to enhance your intuition. During your meditation, place the crystal over your third eye(center of your forehead) and sleep with it beside your bed.

Buy a deck of Tarot or Angel oracle cards, and try to interpret the card's message before consulting the guidebook. Start practicing with friends and family, and trust the information that comes to you.

In general, try and become more aware of your surroundings and be more present. Look out for signs and be open to receiving guidance.