How to Develop Intuition and Trust Your Inner Guidance Every Day
- Anca Alexandra Pasareanu
- Sep 28
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Contents
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Introduction
There’s something quietly powerful about intuition—the subtle knowing that just is, without needing proof or explanation. It’s a soft whisper from inside, a gentle nudge that guides us, often when logic falls short. Over the years, I’ve come to see intuition not just as a fleeting feeling but as a vital, living part of who I am.
Today, I want to share how to develop intuition and trust your inner guidance, what it really is, how I experience it, and some ways I’ve learned to tune into it more clearly.
What Is Intuition?
Intuition is often described as a kind of inner knowing and gut instinct which is a natural ability we all have—a feeling or understanding that arises without conscious reasoning. It’s that sense you get when you just know something, even if you can’t quite explain why.
From a scientific standpoint, intuition is the result of the brain’s pattern recognition abilities. Your subconscious mind stores an incredible amount of information—tiny details you aren’t even aware you’ve noticed—and compares them instantly to past experiences. When a familiar pattern emerges, your brain sends you a “signal” in the form of a gut feeling, a flash of thought, or a sudden emotion.
From a personal standpoint, intuition feels less like a calculation and more like a private conversation between my soul and the world. Sometimes it’s physical, like a knot in my stomach. Sometimes it’s mental, like a fully formed sentence appearing in my mind.
There Are Many Ways Intuition Shows Up
A gut feeling or physical sensation (sometimes called a “gut instinct”).
A mental impression or clear thought that suddenly appears.
Images, symbols, or flashes of insight during meditation or quiet moments.
A voice or presence inside that offers guidance.
Signs or synchronicities in the outer world that feel meaningful.
Intuitive communication can feel different from person to person—and even from moment to moment within ourselves.
Reflection Prompt: Think back to a time you “just knew” something before you had proof. How did that knowing first arrive—in your body, your mind, or through a sign in the world?
The Origin of Intuition
Intuition isn’t a new concept. It’s been explored in spiritual traditions, psychology, and philosophy for thousands of years.
The ancient Greeks called it noesis—a form of direct knowledge that doesn’t require reasoning.
Buddhist traditions speak of prajna, wisdom that arises from direct insight.
Indigenous cultures often view intuition as a connection to ancestral wisdom or the natural world, a way of listening to the land, the animals, and the spirit world.
Sufi Mysticism – Describes the “eye of the heart,” an inner perception of truth.
Hawaiian Huna Tradition – Values the connection to na‘au (literally “gut”), the seat of knowing.
In modern times, institutes like the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) study the scientific basis of intuition, bridging the gap between science and spirit.
Personally, I see intuition as a gift we’re all born with—an inner compass that’s been with us since childhood. Many of us heard it clearly as kids, before the noise of the world taught us to override it with “shoulds” and “musts.”
How It Whispers to Us
Even though intuition often feels like magic, I’ve learned it has very real roots in our minds and bodies. The way I understand it, our brains are quietly working behind the scenes every second—taking in far more information than we can consciously process.
Tiny facial expressions, the faintest change in someone’s tone, even the way the air feels when we walk into a room—our subconscious notices it all. And when a familiar pattern emerges, it sends us a signal, sometimes before we even realize why we’re feeling what we’re feeling.
Learning how to strengthen intuition begins with understanding how these signals show up in our lives.
I think of it like having an old friend (or an angel) who never speaks loudly but somehow always knows when to lean in and tell you, “Pay attention to this.”
Sometimes that message comes as a tightening in the stomach, sometimes as a sudden thought that feels like it dropped out of nowhere. It’s not magic—it’s our whole body working together to quietly protect us, guide us, and nudge us toward what feels right.
When I first realized this, it made me trust those “random” knowing so much more. They weren’t random at all—they were the result of every experience, every memory, every detail my mind and body had ever noticed, all speaking to me in a language I was finally learning to hear.
What Does Intuition Help With?
Intuitive decision making serves as a guide in countless areas of life, such as:
Making decisions when facts and logic alone don’t feel enough.
Understanding others’ emotions and intentions beyond words.
Navigating relationships and knowing when to trust or step back.
Discovering one’s own deeper desires and purpose.
Staying safe and alert to subtle cues in our environment.
Finding creative inspiration and problem-solving in new ways.
For me, intuition is especially helpful when life feels uncertain or noisy. It’s a way to cut through the clutter and get back in touch with what truly matters.
When I Use Intuition: Real-Life Contexts
I use intuition daily—sometimes consciously, sometimes without realizing it. It’s there when I’m:
Choosing whether to say yes or no to new opportunities.
Deciding how to respond in conversations that feel tense or unclear.
Sensing when someone needs support, even if they don’t ask.
Reflecting on personal growth and what next steps feel aligned.
Creative writing, where ideas seem to flow from somewhere beyond the conscious mind.
In my daily tasks and decisions
There’s a kind of magic that happens when I slow down and let intuition lead. But I also know it needs care and practice to stay sharp.
Why Intuition Helps Me So Much
Intuition helps me feel more connected—to myself, to others, and to something bigger than me. In a world that often values speed, logic, and external validation, intuition offers a sanctuary of trust and authenticity. It reminds me that not all answers come from analysis; some come from quiet listening.
When I rely on intuition, I notice I feel more centred, less anxious, and more confident in my choices. It helps me avoid overthinking and the paralysis that can come with it. And even when the guidance isn’t perfectly clear, tuning in itself becomes an act of self-care.
The Challenges of Following Intuition
I wish I could say I always follow my intuition the moment it speaks. The truth is, I’ve ignored it more times than I can count. Sometimes I second-guess it. Sometimes I convince myself I’m just imagining things. And sometimes—if I’m honest—I’m afraid of what will happen if I listen.
There have been moments when my intuition told me to walk away from something or someone, but the voice in my head argued back: What if you’re wrong? What if you’re overreacting? And so I stayed, or I went along with a plan, only to find out later that the quiet nudge had been right all along. Those are the moments I replay in my mind, wondering how things might have gone if I’d trusted myself sooner.
I’ve noticed that intuition speaks most clearly when I’m calm and present, and it’s hardest to hear when I’m rushing, overthinking, or trying to please everyone else. When I’m grounded—really grounded—it’s like a soft channel opens, and I can hear exactly what I need to hear. When I’m scattered, it’s like static on a radio.
The beautiful thing is, the more I practice listening, the easier it gets. I’m still not perfect at it—but every time I choose to follow that inner pull, I feel more connected to myself. It’s not just about making better decisions. It’s about building a relationship with the part of me that sees more than my eyes can, and knows more than my mind ever will.
How I Awakened My Intuition: Steps I Follow
I believe intuition needs nurturing, like a muscle that grows stronger with use. Here’s how I’ve practiced awakening and deepening my intuitive connection, inspired by third eye meditation and mindful presence.
These are some of my favourite practices to awaken intuition and deepen self-trust.
Quiet the Noise: When my mind is busy or overwhelmed, intuition feels drowned out. Daily meditation helps create a calm inner space where I can hear the subtle whispers more clearly. If you want to explore the kind of meditation that I use check out my third eye meditation article.
Ask and Listen: I make it a habit to ask myself questions—big or small—and then truly listen. This can happen inwardly as a quiet sense of knowing, or outwardly through signs, symbols, or a voice in my head.
Practice the “Universe Conversation”: Since 2014, I’ve engaged in a practice where I ask God or the universe a question, then sit quietly with presence and awareness, waiting for an answer. It’s not about expecting a clear-cut reply but being open to whatever comes via signed or gut feelings or simply knowing.
Journal Everything: Writing down the questions I ask, the impressions I get, and how things unfold helps me recognize patterns in my intuition. Over time, I’ve learned my most dominant ways of communicating—whether through feelings, images, or words.
Trust and Act: Intuition isn’t just about knowing—it’s also about trusting those inner messages enough to act on them, even if the path feels uncertain.
Reflecting on Intuition: My Personal Experience
There was a time when I doubted my intuitive hunches, brushing them off as imagination or wishful thinking. But with consistent practice, I’ve witnessed countless moments where that quiet knowing saved me from mistakes or led me toward meaningful connections.
One vivid example was when I just knew to call a friend who was going through a tough time—though nothing in our recent communication suggested urgency. When I called, she broke down, grateful for the unexpected support. That moment deepened my respect for intuition as a bridge between hearts.
Here’s One of My Most Vivid Examples of Intuition in Daily Life
One evening, I was getting ready to meet a friend for dinner. While I was in the shower, I suddenly had a strong, unexplainable feeling that she would message me to say she had a migraine and needed to cancel. It wasn’t just a random thought—it felt like I already “knew” what was going to happen.
I brushed it off and kept getting ready. But just as I was about to head out the door, I glanced at my phone and saw a message from her: “I’m so sorry, I have a bad migraine and have to cancel.” I froze for a moment, realizing my intuition had been exactly right.
Since that night, I’ve decided to pay much closer attention when my intuition speaks to me. Sometimes, it really does seem to know more than I consciously do.
Other Ways to Explore Your Intuition
If you’re curious about connecting with your intuition, here are a few simple ideas to try:
Nature Walks: Spending time outdoors helps tune out distractions and invites intuitive insights.
Dream Journaling: Dreams often carry intuitive messages if we learn to remember and reflect on them.
Creative Expression: Painting, writing, or dancing can unlock intuitive wisdom beyond words.
Mindful Breathing: Just a few minutes focused on the breath can clear mental clutter and open space for intuition.
Reflection Prompt: Which of these practices feels easiest for you to try this week?
A Reflection for You
Pause and consider:
When have you felt an unexplainable knowing?
How did your body feel in that moment?
What happened when you listened—or didn’t?
These questions aren’t just for thinking—they’re for noticing your own intuitive language.
Final Thoughts
Intuition is not magic. It’s not about being psychic or “special.” It’s about tuning into a natural ability we all share—one that connects us more deeply to ourselves, others, and the world around us.
The more I listen to mine, the more I trust it. And the more I trust it, the more life seems to flow in harmony.
The more we practice listening to your inner voice, the more life unfolds in alignment.
An Open Invitation
When was the last time you felt a quiet nudge from your intuition—and did you listen?
Intuition often speaks in whispers, subtle feelings, or a sense of knowing that can be easy to dismiss in the noise of everyday life. Yet, when we slow down and trust that inner guidance, it can lead us toward choices that feel more aligned and true.
What might shift if you gave your intuition a little more space to be heard?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between intuition and gut instinct?
The difference between intuition and gut instinct lies in subtlety. Gut instinct is often a physical sensation—like a tightening in your stomach—while intuition can appear as inner knowing, symbolic images, or sudden thoughts. Both are ways your subconscious mind communicates guidance.
How do I know if it’s intuition or just fear?
A key sign of distinguishing intuition from fear is that intuition feels calm, grounded, and clear, while fear feels anxious, urgent, or overwhelming. Intuition often nudges gently, while fear pushes forcefully.
What role does meditation play in awakening intuition?
Using meditation to awaken intuition helps quiet mental noise, so you can notice subtle thoughts, bodily sensations, and symbolic impressions more clearly. Third eye meditation in particular is often used to strengthen intuitive awareness.
How can intuition guide decision making?
Intuition in decision making provides clarity when facts and logic don’t feel like enough. It can help you sense when opportunities feel right, when relationships are aligned, or when it’s best to step back. Many successful leaders and creatives rely on intuitive guidance for big decisions.
How can I trust my intuition more consistently?
Building self-trust through intuition practice takes time. Start small: act on low-stakes intuitive nudges, journal your experiences, and notice the outcomes. As your evidence grows, your confidence in intuitive guidance will deepen.
Is intuition a spiritual ability or a natural skill?
Intuition is both. Intuition as a spiritual and natural ability connects us to something larger than ourselves, while also being rooted in the brain’s pattern recognition. Cultures worldwide describe intuition as both an inner compass and a link to higher wisdom.
