7 Ways to Jumpstart Your Intuition When You Have Five Minutes or Less

When you’re overwhelmed, making yourself work harder is usually counterproductive. Your creativity dries up and you feel stymied and blocked. It’s time to take time for your intuition! Following are seven ways to find tap into this fabulous inner resource.

1) Meditate. Simply calm your mind by focusing on your breathing. Repeat a word or phrase that makes you feel relaxed such as “peace,” “It’s all good,” or “calm.” Buddhists call this mindfulness. When we slow down for even a few moments we cultivate our creativity, intuition and inner peace.

2) Ask your intuition questions. Framing the questions to evoke more than a “yes” or “no” answer will elicit a more informative response. For example, “How can we get more people to sign up for our seminar next month?” Or, “What could we do to create more brand recognition of product X?” Spend your remaining time writing any and all answers that pop into your mind. Don’t censor or judge the responses until you’ve completed the exercise.

3) Ask for an image. If you’re trying to make a decision about something and your logical, rational mind is running amok, close your eyes and ask for a symbolic picture of the solution. Intuitive answers often come through a visual representation.

4) Get moving. Simply standing up and moving will bring more oxygen to your brain and help you think more clearly. Put your work on hold and go for a brisk walk. Chances are good that simply getting away from your desk and taking your focus off your problem will generate a creative idea or two.

5) Daydream. Think about the challenge, decision or problem you’re facing. In your mind’s eye visualize yourself in a situation where you’re dealing with this issue and expect an answer. Perhaps someone comes up to you and provides the solution in a conversation. Or you might see a book, banner, note or some other communication that gives you a clue to the response you’re seeking. While it may seem odd or silly, you’d be surprised how many wonderful solutions come forth this way.

6) Notice how it feels. You’re trying to make a decision about whether to invest in an expensive new piece of equipment your factory manager is asking for. He’s presented a good case with all the facts and figures. You’re still not sure. Close your eyes and imagine saying “yes.” How does that decision feel? How do you feel emotionally? Heavy, weighty, depressing feelings generally indicate “Don’t go with this.” Up, energizing, enthusiastic, positive emotions point to an affirmative response.

7) What’s your body say? The ancient Chinese believed that wisdom resides in the stomach. An early example of “trust your gut” perhaps? If your stomach becomes nervous at the thought of a particular direction, pay attention. Other physical sensations may provide clues as well. Perhaps you break into a sweat when faced with a choice you know isn’t right. Others might feel a tingly zing up their spine. On the other hand, a warm, cozy feeling might indicate you’re heading in the right direction. Only you know your body and can read its signs. When you’re comfortable translating its messages you’ll have tapped into your inner genius.

Lynn A. Robinson, M.Ed., is one of the nation's leading experts on the topic of intuition. Through her work as an intuitive she's helped thousands of people discover their life passion and achieve their goals. Voted “Best Psychic” by Boston Magazine, she’s also a bestselling author whose latest book is LISTEN: Trusting Your Inner Voice in Times of Crisis. Her other books include Divine Intuition and Trust Your Gut. Her free Intuition Newsletter is available at http://www.LynnRobinson.com. She may be reached at 800-925-4002 or at Lynn@LynnRobinson.com.

Copyright 2011 by Lynn A. Robinson