When I first started getting into spirituality and self-development, I noticed a lot of talk about intuition and ego. I heard people say things like “tune into your intuition” or “follow your intuition.”
We’ve all probably heard of intuition, that sense of inner knowing, and of ego — that inner critic. Sometimes our intuition is also described as our heart, whereas our ego is described as our head. Many times it can feel as though there is a fight between the two!
But what actually is the difference between our ego and our intuition, and how do we tune into our intuition more?
Your intuition is your inner voice, your higher knowledge. A lot of people describe intuition as a “feeling” or a “knowing.” Like when you just “know” something is going to happen and then it does. Your intuition is always loving and kind. It will always come from a place of love — it will never say harsh things. It is gentle and soft, sometimes like a whisper.
You will always feel guided and loved when you listen to your intuition. Your intuition is your soul guiding you. It wants to bring you to your best self; it wants to help you grow, bloom, and blossom.
When we tune into our intuition, much more is possible. We can use the power and knowledge we have inside us to be the best versions of ourselves and to live the best versions of our lives.
Your ego, on the other hand, is quite the opposite. It is usually surrounded by fear. Therefore it will often give you answers based around the concept of fear. You might hear things like “Don’t do this because that might happen,” or “This choice is safe, so stick with it.” Your ego often wants to keep you small in order to “protect” you.
The ego isn’t bad, and in many ways is there to keep us safe. Often by listening to it, however, we can’t grow. Often ego turns us away from what our intuition is telling us. Your ego voice is often nasty and self-critical. For example, your ego might say stuff like “Don’t do that, you’re too stupid,” or “You’re not talented enough to do that,” or “People will laugh at you for that.”
If we want to face our lives and our decisions from a place of love and of strength, not of fear, then intuition can be our best ally. Sometimes following our intuition can seem scary or downright crazy, but we can trust that our intuition is always working for our highest good.
Now that we have distinguished between the two, you can work on developing and connecting to your intuition through the steps below.
1. Meditate.
Meditation is a great way to connect to your intuition. When we become quiet, and silence our mind, that gentle voice of intuition is able to come forward. Ask a question and then sit in silence for at least 10 minutes. Notice what comes up. Remember the difference between your ego and your intuition — listen for that soft voice. If it doesn’t come up, that’s okay! Don’t give up trying and soon you’ll be able to hear it louder.
2. Journal.
Often when we journal we let everything in our head come forward. Once we have let the ego express itself fully, our intuition can come forward. I often find that when I journal for more than 10 minutes my intuition begins to reveal itself, and I begin to write what I know I need to do — sometimes if only because I’ve cleared out all the stuff in the way first.
3. Connect with your body.
Often intuition uses our body to warn us, or to let us know we are on the right path. You know that weird feeling in your stomach when you come to a dangerous or uncomfortable situation? That’s your intuition talking. How about when you feel tired after being in somebody’s company? These things are signs your body is giving you through your intuition.
I find that when I’m not following my path, I get stressed and sick. Then, when I follow my intuition, I am a lot happier and healthier. Notice your feelings — does a given thing make you feel excited and energized or depleted and down? These intuitive signs can guide us to the right choice even when our ego is doing its best to confuse us.
4. Do the things you love more!
When we do the things we love, we connect with our souls. We allow our souls and bodies to fill with love. By doing this we are connecting with our true selves, and therefore allowing our intuition to strengthen and grow!
Following your intuition and not your ego can be challenging. For a long while I was unable to distinguish between the two. Hopefully this article can give you a little insight into the difference between them, and you can start using your intuition more. It’ll always be there for you, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
