That Gut Feeling — trust it.
Trust your intuition. Trust your inner voice. Trust yourself.
Uneasy at times but never not wrong, my gut feeling or instinct has always shown up for me. As a young girl walking home my gut steered me to safety and in my adult years, my gut feelings have helped me make important decisions about jumping back into school, changing careers and many life experiences.
What exactly is a gut feeling?
All of us have experienced a gut feeling — a deep feeling that is felt in the gut with a sense of clarity. You just know. Sometimes, also referred to as an intuition, hunch or instinct.
A common gut feeling a lot of us experience with age and experience is realizing whether we are in good company or not. Your intuition will help you avoid unhealthy relationships and people. Typically, within the first few moments it becomes apparent if something is not right with a person simply based on the energy/gut feeling I am picking up on. If my gut is telling me something is off, it usually is.
Trust your gut, energy doesn’t lie.
How do you know you’re having a gut feeling?
Gut feelings are a form of intuition that can be accompanied with a physical feeling. Although you can’t logically explain your feelings with words, your body gives you the signs you need. Listen.
It’s the quiet voice in your body telling you “This is NOT it.” or a simple confirmation “You are making the right choice .”
What can a gut feeling look like/feel like/sound like?
Negative signs:
Read: Don’t do it. Move away. Skip it. Not today.
- tension or tightness in your body
- goosebumps
- a sinking sensation in the pit of your stomach
- sweaty palms
- uneasy feeling or tingling at the back of your neck
Positive signs:
Read: You are on your way. Accept the opportunity. This is a risk worth taking.
- goosebumps
- pleasant/happy feeling (“butterflies in your stomach”)
- rush of calmness/peace
- a sigh of relief
- a clear vision
Voice of Fear or Voice of Intuition?
When looking at gut feelings, it’s important not to confuse the voice of intuition with the voice of fear. Our bodies store past experiences that may trigger a fear based response. It is essential that we pay attention to how the voice is felt in our bodies. The voice of fear can easily make you feel anxious, overwhelmed and feels dark whereas the voice of intuition makes you feel calm, at ease and feels light.
As you silence your mind, focus on the sensations in your body — ask yourself whether the voice is driven by fear or intuition.
If you’re thinking of moving halfway across the world, how are you feeling about it? Does your body tighten up? If so, stay put where you are for now. However, if the decision to move to a new place, learn a foreign language and explore a different culture makes you feel inspired and feels good then by all means pack your bags. It should not come as a suprise that when your intuition signals that something is right for you, the choice is easy — it feels right.
Honing your intuition and gut feelings
Intuition is within all of us but might be out of touch with it. As you become more self-aware and recognize whether it is the voice of fear, anxiety or intuition, you become better at trusting your gut feelings. Like any skill, your gut feelings will become stronger and clearer with time and practice.
Here a few ways to strengthen your intuition:
- Meditate — slow down and clear your mind to listen to your inner voice.
- Journal — recognize patterns of when you trusted your gut.
- Take a break — step away before making big decisions to gain clarity.
- Observe your body — how does your body feel in response to an emotion?
- Find solitude — put the focus on you and what you truly want.
- Act on your intuition — take the steps to lead a more intentional life.
Take the RISK you are considering…
As you consider the risk for your next career move, family plans or business idea, listen to your gut. Don’t overthink it or override it with fear. You initial gut instinct is a clear sign to explore the idea further.
If you haven’t watched the popular Korean Drama “Itaewon Class”, it is an inspirational show that stems from two characters following their gut feelings. DanBam pub in Itaewon Class would never have been the successful story if Yi-Seo didn’t follow her gut to decide to work for Park Saeroyi. Similarly, Saeroyi follows his gut instinct when he hires her as the pub manager despite her only being a young 20 year old high school graduate. Following their gut and taking the risks was the start of a beautiful journey to success, love and happiness! To read more about inspirational life lessons from popular Korean Dramas like Itaewon Class, check out K-Drama Binging Done Right!
Gut feelings can steer us away from danger or push us forward into positive action. Look within and listen to your intuition — a force that guides us. Learn to trust this powerful force.
