Intuition as a Guide

One of the significant themes I have observed arising in my work and in the world beyond is about intuition. As we work to gain authenticity, there arises within us a deep inner knowing, a sense of connection to our inner nature. In decolonizing our systems, our relationships with each other and our relationship with earth, we also can decolonize our relationship within ourselves. Perhaps intuition has always been present to us, but layers of living in our current cultural context has subdued that powerful voice. As we work to uncover and hone our ability to listen to our inner knowing, our relationship with our own personal power, and the voice of the earth can be expressed more clearly.

I am not speaking of claiming intuition as an excuse for unethical behaviour, we need to pair matters of our gut with our heads and heart. Learning to attune to the voice inside that already holds clarity about something is a compass that can help direct our way.

I had a profound experience of intuition in relation to the natural world. I was on a winter hike alone in a forest. I stopped along the way to sit and admire the gorgeous ravines around me. I heard what sounded like a few human or a large animal steps on the ice crusted snow off in a distance. Suddenly I had this sense that I was being stalked by a coyote and felt the need to look big and get to a safer position, several steps up to the top of the ravine. I was discrediting my fear, telling myself that the dried corn stocks in the farm field beside me make unusual sounds. Within seconds, a coyote came running out of the corn field, not far from me, its prey running in circles in front. Right there I heard the last cry of the animal and witnessed its life folding into the coyote's life. The coyote paused licking its lips and slowly began to eat its warm meal. The squirrels throughout the forest yelled their alarm calls as the coyote seemed to ignore them. I stood watching so nearby and was wondering how the coyote didn't notice me since I was upwind. After some time when my toes began to get cold, I moved out from the shadow of a tree. The coyote and I looked directly at each other for a while, and she didn't seem surprised by my presence. She took her prey a few feet further from me and we parted ways. I am struck by that intuitive sense that a coyote was stalking prey around me (although not me). Somehow beyond rational thinking there was a tuning into that energy of being hunted and my body responded with fear. Today, as I hike past this same place, I remember this experience of intuitive connection with the land and the creatures.

 As we all work to deepen our connection to our intuition, I wonder what collectively may shift. If as a culture we become more attuned to our inner guide, how might our relationship with the earth and with one another heal? If as we listen more deeply to a grounded inner sense of ethics, how might our interactions with others and this earth become more in alignment? As you move through your days, attune to that inner spark of guidance, and notice what manifests in your relationships and in your outer world as you do.

Sending blessings of connecting with your deep inner knowing.

Sincerely,

Melissa