“Many scientists think that philosophy has no place, so for me it’s a sad time because the role of reflection, contemplation, meditation, self-inquiry, insight, intuition, imagination, creativity, free will, is in a way not given any importance, which is the domain of philosophers.” ~ Deepak Chopra

I was born an Intuitive, but it took me years to know this. After much resistance, I had to admit to myself that I also had psychic tendencies.

Part of my resistance was that I didn’t want to disappoint others if they had a question that I was not able to answer.

Later, I realized that my service to others was not to know everything, but to share what I did know when I knew it.

By nature, I am a solitary, creative, dream-filled rebel.

Time and experience have worn away my layers of self-doubt and insecurity.

I have learned to listen to myself, to honor my deep craving for silence. What does it mean to be intuitive or psychic?

Here are the dictionary meanings:

Intuitive: Having the ability to know or understand things without any proof or evidence.

Psychic: Relating to or denoting faculties or phenomena that are apparently inexplicable by natural laws, especially involving telepathy or clairvoyance.

This kind of knowing is a soul gift, in my opinion. We are all intuitive, but some of us have forgotten how or why. I’m still discovering my psychic side.

Within my community of intuitive friends, some of whom are greatly gifted at Tarot and energy work, runs a common thread of habits that over time, has sharpened their talents.

Our sixth sense is always there. We just need to listen.

Here are some tools/habits for you to incorporate into your life to increase intuition and psychic abilities. The key to it all is trust. Trust what you hear, have the courage to speak it, no matter how strange it seems at first.

1. The Unconventional Life

There is not one of us who have not rebelled against convention. We are all seekers who question traditional thinking.

This manifests in the way we eat, view medicine, religion, and politics, what we surround ourselves with in our homes, what we read, and the list goes on.

Part of this relates to the philosophy that at the very edges of convention lie the portals to magic and alchemy.

2. Empathy

An intuitive person is usually an Empath.

Being a sensitive soul allows for great compassion and tolerance, because to not be understood or honored in our individuality brings emotional and sometimes physical pain.

Sensitivity opens one up to a creative feed that cannot be ignored. As long as it doesn’t turn into an addictive obsession, all shall be well.

The worst thing that can be said to an Empath is that they’re too sensitive.

We can moderate our boundaries, we can learn how to protect our sensitive natures, but to shut ourselves down to our true nature would mean a stifling of intuitive abilities.

An empath’s gift for intuitive connections predisposes them to intense friendships and love affairs. While there may not be many to speak of, the ones they do have will be insightful and demand great integrity.

3. Only Now Matters

Intuitives are good at focusing on what truly matters in the moment and releasing past wounds.

They must be, or their empathetic natures would combust them into a self-pitying mess. Ironically, while Intuitives tend to gather some inherently painful experiences, they also process their pain thoroughly or at least make a great attempt to do so.

Many become teachers to others about the art of releasing emotions. Authors and teachers like Eckhart Tolle, Wayne W. Dyer, Thich Nhat Hahn, Byron Katie and Louise Hay come to mind for me.

“Within this moment, I have access to all that I need to know.” This is a mantra I speak when I slip into worry.

When I am clear in my emotions, I am open to what is filtering through from the invisible matrix.

“With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.” ~ Wayne W. Dyer

4. Silence, Solitude and Meditation

All answers are found in silence. Intuitive and psychic people crave time alone to process what the world throws at them, to rejuvenate.

“When you become aware of silence, immediately there is that state of inner still alertness. You are present. You have stepped out of thousands of years of collective human conditioning.” ~ Eckhart Tolle

Meditation takes us deep into our subconscious mind, into No Mind, past the thinker to our inner being. Here we gather knowledge that needs no physical proof. Once you experience No Mind, it is easier to trust that inner nudging.

Human connections and worldly interactions can drain the Intuitive of every bit of good humor and strength.

Please honor your inclination for respite. Go to nature if possible. Create rituals that feed your soul. For me, creativity comes to a grinding halt if I don’t take the downtime I need.

I never feel lonely in my solitude. My soul agreement with myself is that I will cherish my relationship with myself as much as I cherish my relationship with others.

5. A Spiritual Practice

A spiritual practice is important to an Intuitive because it provides a framework for Divinity.

It truly does not matter which road you take to the divine, as long as the way you believe rings true for you.

Intuitives honor where their creativity and knowing flows from and often need to immerse themselves in a daily spiritual practice.

I, for instance, follow the Pagan/Wise Woman Tradition. Here I find my strength and funnel of knowledge. Even though I believe the way I feel is best for me, I work on avoiding dogma.

“Feelings, whether of compassion or irritation, should be welcomed, recognized, and treated on an absolutely equal basis; because both are ourselves. The tangerine I am eating is me. The mustard greens I am planting are me. I plant with all my heart and mind. I clean this teapot with the kind of attention I would have were I giving the baby Buddha or Jesus a bath. Nothing should be treated more carefully than anything else. In mindfulness, compassion, irritation, mustard green plant, and teapot are all sacred.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh, The Miracle of Mindfulness

6. Soul Wisdom

“The more you use soul communication, the higher level of communication you receive. The more you offer service, the higher your frequency is and the higher level of teaching you receive. Release the wisdom.” ~ Dr. Zhi Gang Sha

People who are highly intuitive listen to their soul wisdom, which can translate into an actual bodily experience. The feeling is experienced in the sacral, heart and/or navel chakras. Do you ever instinctively rub over your heart chakra, feel knots in your stomach or try to breathe through a feeling?

That is your intuition speaking, alerting you to something you should be paying attention to. With time and self-growth, we learn to trust this knowing.

I have a journal full of instances where listening has provided a leap into spiritual advancement and fortuitous happenings.

7. Creativity

Psychics and Intuitives are highly creative creatures. There is a river of inspiration that flows like molten lava through the fingers, feet, voice, pen, musical instrument, and body.

The latest Pinterest craze? All about creativity and dreams. Facebook? Creating community and fostering self-expression. While it might sound silly, these are outlets for creativity and often serve as a springboard for developing further creative talents.

Anyone who is intuitive/psychic and who stifles their creative spirit will find themselves depressed, unmotivated, sad, angry, sick or excessively tired. The only cure is to return to one’s own true nature and let their art flow.

8. Technicolor Dreams

Intuitive people dream often, big, and astral travel during the night. While in the subconscious dream state, Intuitives and psychics gather information, wisdom, meet up with like-minded spirits and tap into their most creative ideas.

A dream journal is a good way of keeping tabs on our ethereal travels. No matter how strange the dream, it is a nudge from the subconscious.

“In the space between your thoughts there is your truth.” ~ Reuben Lowe

Intuition and psychic abilities can be practiced. It is simply giving in to soul wisdom. It is the pathway to a great freedom.

When we listen to our intuition, we no longer are slaves to the mind. The heart becomes the wise leader.

I encourage you on your intuitive journey. Remember to trust what comes to your awareness. And may it be of service you and others.

Author: Monika Carless

Editor: Emily Bartran

Image: Flickr