Every individual possesses innate intuition. However, as we grow up, we often receive messages to disregard our emotions or deem them invalid. Similar to force-feeding an infant that can lead them to ignore their natural hunger cues, the suppression of emotions yields similar outcomes. The more we are conditioned to suppress our feelings, the less likely we are to rely on our emotions.
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Jump to:
- Recognise the Intuition that Something Is Amiss
- Pay Attention to Your Body's Signals
- Feel Compelled to Assist Others
- Respond to the Urge for Change
- Embrace Confidence in Your Abilities
- Create a Comforting Environment
- Acknowledge a Wide Range of Emotions
- Practice Identifying Others' Emotions
- Record Your Feelings
- Test Your Judgment and Act on It
- 💬 Comments
Recognise the Intuition that Something Is Amiss
Every person has an inherent ability to sense when something is awry in a given situation. The challenge arises when we gradually dismiss these feelings as incorrect or irrational. For instance, when meeting a new person, you might sense something is off without any apparent reason. Or during a conversation, you may believe someone is being deceitful. While these instances may not pose immediate danger, it's important to remain open-minded and observant. Chances are, you will discover that your intuitions are more often right than wrong.
Pay Attention to Your Body's Signals
The human body is equipped with a "fight or flight" response. At times, you may experience raised hairs on the back of your neck, a prickly sensation, or an urge to run. It is crucial to take heed of such sensations. Often, when you feel this way, there might be a spider nearby or a genuine threat to your safety. Never disregard these persistent feelings, even if they turn out to be unfounded. It's always better to err on the side of caution.
Feel Compelled to Assist Others
Television commercials often invoke these emotions to encourage donations for starving children in Africa or to rescue abused animals. The emotions evoked while watching such ads are normal and deserving of respect. When you feel compelled to help people, do not suppress it. Offer your assistance freely, as denying these feelings can lead to self-disapproval.
Respond to the Urge for Change
Imagine sitting in your cubicle, bored to tears, yearning for a different path but fearful of change. If you feel drawn in a new direction, take the time to seriously consider it instead of dismissing it outright. Bill Gates didn't allow nagging doubt to hinder his remarkable success.
Embrace Confidence in Your Abilities
When you feel confident, do not suppress those emotions. You have every right to feel proud of your accomplishments and capable in what you do. Feeling good about yourself is not misplaced arrogance or boasting. Sadly, societal conditioning, especially for women, discourages them from openly acknowledging their abilities. This puts young women at a disadvantage compared to their male counterparts in terms of job opportunities and fair compensation. Allow yourself to feel confident when it is warranted.
Create a Comforting Environment
Emotions require a secure environment to be fully experienced. You are your own best friend in this endeavor. Only you can establish a safe environment that enables you to embrace your emotions. Make your home a sanctuary for yourself and your family. As Dr. Phil aptly puts it, "home should be a safe place to fall."
Acknowledge a Wide Range of Emotions
Do not suppress the emotions you experience concerning drugs, alcohol, or food. Instead, allow yourself to fully experience a diverse range of emotions as appropriate. Of course, certain decorum must be maintained in public, but you can express appropriate emotions in suitable settings as they arise.
Practice Identifying Others' Emotions
To enhance your capacity for empathy, practice identifying and expressing the emotions others are experiencing. Those who possess great empathy for others, even without directly experiencing their circumstances, tend to lead happier lives than those who lack the ability to relate to fellow human beings. You don't have to be personally homeless to understand the profound demoralization associated with the experience.
Record Your Feelings
Maintaining a feelings journal can aid in processing your own emotions and noting the emotions others have in various life situations. Your journal can serve as a tool for healthy emotional processing and provide valuable insights during challenging times.
Test Your Judgment and Act on It
If you fear trusting your gut due to lifelong suppression, choose one aspect to test. For example, if you feel the need to switch jobs, actively pursue job opportunities. It won't hurt to attend interviews and evaluate your intuition. You might stumble upon a life-changing career. Similarly, if you experience an inexplicable urge, such as fleeing a situation, go ahead and follow it.
By practicing the actual experience of emotions and learning to trust them, you will become more adept at discerning what is right and wrong.
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