Tapping into Guidance and Intuition

Problems cannot always be solved with the conscious mind, but all of the answers do reside within us. We can increase our awareness to our inner guidance when we quiet the mind and get in touch with our own essence. It's in this place where we feel safe and loved. Going within gives us an opportunity to get in touch with our own truth, love, joy, peace, awareness, creativity and wisdom. Quieting our mind allows us to hear that inner voice.

Communication does not happen only through words. In fact, one of the most common forms of communication is through feeling, the language of the soul. I feel peaceful when I receive a knowing that all is in Divine Order, and that it is best to withhold judgment of this "problem." It's a realization that all the facts are not known. I am certainly never aware of the whole picture! One of my lessons has been to let go of expectations and judgments around a particular circumstance. In my heart I know that I am taken care of, despite what I think is happening. When I can surrender to that truth and just "let go," I am able to trust this is just a part of my journey to wholeness. Our highest truth can be found in our feelings.

God also communicates with us through thoughts and images. Answers to our dilemmas can be found on billboards, through music, books and friends. A few years ago, my daughter was taking some national boards for Sport's Medicine/Health Fitness. In the past she had been unsuccessful in passing this series of tests, so it was with much anticipation that I awaited her phone call after completing this exam. I remember walking into the grocery store and praying for a "sign" that she was successful this time. Then I remember laughing at myself because I always expect these "signs," and I wondered what possible image I could receive in a grocery store! Immediately my eyes fell on an image of a giant blue ribbon. At that moment, I KNEW that Laurie had passed her test, and I was so thankful. Feeling excited and playful as I drove home, I jokingly asked the Universe for yet another sign that Laurie passed. The traffic light turned green and I heard, "Green for a go!" These messages are just plain fun! Thoughts and images are effective tools for communication. Ask for what you want and need. Have fun with it.

Our intuitive mind has access to an infinite supply of information. It taps into a deep storehouse within us, the Universal Mind. Our role is to listen and trust our intuition, acting on our guidance. Trusting our intuition takes time to perfect, so we must be patient with ourselves as we learn to hear correctly. I am still practicing to use my intuition for directions. Actually, if I would do the exact opposite of what I assume to be true, I would be 100% right. My husband constantly asks me which way I think he should turn, though he claims I must be dyslexic when it comes to directions. Normally we are moving in the right direction if we choose to move the exact opposite of my response. Perhaps it's the Universe having fun with me, and I am just resistant in realizing that I must follow the opposite that I hear in these situations. I need more practice.

We want clarity when we ask for help, yet we can get confused with this inner voice. Sometimes we hear the voices of our old programming, other people's beliefs, or we tap into our own fears and doubts. Usually that is the first voice that I hear when I am not yet in that peaceful state of knowing. I have learned to be just the observer to that voice. Here are some suggestions to listening to inner guidance which have helped me:

• Identify your concern with honesty, seeking the highest truth.
• Make sure that you have no investment in the answer you receive regarding a particular situation. Let go of your own preconceived ideas and perceptions.
• Be willing to open all of your channels, realizing that God's voice is everywhere.
• Commit to trusting the guidance you receive. You may choose to record guidance so that you can look back and affirm it. That is how we learn to listen with assurance. Through writing I have realized the significance of my past guidance.
• Be patient. I usually receive an answer within three days.

When my husband recently lost his job, I absolutely knew and trusted that all was in Divine Order. Because I always have such fun with "signs," this blessing comes to me almost immediately. In the mail I received two checks from a Muskegon store being sent to a company in Chicago for payment of goods. The two checks totaled about twelve thousand dollars. I knew the checks weren't for me and I returned them, but I also knew it was not a coincidence that they landed in my mailbox. It was God's way of telling me all would be well. The next day Tom paid a bill at the dentist's office. The receptionist told Tom she had recently seen his name posted in the Detroit Free Press under unclaimed property. We have filled out the appropriate forms to make our claim! Look at the timing of these events. I love how the Universe works. I trust it implicitly!

When we follow our intuition, tuning into our positive feelings, we have increased energy and power. Things flow. When we doubt and suppress our feelings, we feel powerless and helpless with decreased energy. I invite you to allow your inner guidance to direct your path and assist you in participating in a healthy, happy, fulfilled life. Learn to "check in" regularly, talking to your inner self. Ask. Trust. Receive. You deserve it!