The Power of Your Intuition

There are times when answers cannot be found in textbooks or webinars. When high-pressure moments happen and a decision is required quickly, most people just react. In these times, it's beneficial if we've trained our minds to pause, consider the options, and then take action.

Sometimes that action follows learned protocols, but there are times our intuition guides us differently based on our observations.

As a psychiatrist in a busy crisis center, I encountered all types of people. Often, individuals were intoxicated on various substances, leading to threats or actual violence. In one particular instance, a man was yelling, threatening, raising a chair, and appeared ready to throw it.

The staff were backing away, preparing to follow protocol. However, something deep in my gut told me he wouldn’t throw the chair, so I stood still. He looked scared and sad. I spoke softly and asked a few questions. He put the chair down and started to cry.

I was able to let him sob in my arms, no violence or medications needed. We proceeded to have an insightful, therapeutic conversation.

So, what was that? My intuition told me something different than the obvious signs were telling everyone else. I could have easily acted on the outer signs of threats, yelling, and a raised chair. But what made me stand still?

I had been training my brain to slow down, pay attention to the subtle signs, the energy, what my own body was telling me, which allowed me to make a deliberate choice and act on it. Sometimes the benefits are not immediately obvious.

Remember, why are you doing what you are doing? In this case, I was acting for the best outcome for the person in front of me, rather than out of my own fear. Don't get me wrong, if there is a lion, I will be afraid and do what is needed for self-preservation!

How do you learn the pause? There are a variety of techniques you can use. Slowing down and listening to our inner self, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, gratitude, journaling, and talking to a friend or coach are just a few. The key is finding one that aligns with you so that you can maintain consistency with your practice. Mastering our intuition can be the key to unlocking our full potential.