Intuition is our inner sense. It’s the feeling that we get when we allow ourselves to shut off the chatter and expectations of others or society.

Intuition comes from our subconscious mind which is composed of our past experiences, memories and environment. It is constantly operating as we go through our day. When we get a “gut-feeling” about something we are tapping into our subconscious, comparing the current situation to past experiences and inducing an emotion. This all happens at lightening speed before we even have a chance to THINK about it.

Have you ever just known something without knowing how or why? This is your intuition!

Example: You are walking down the street and get an uneasy feeling, you turn around to see someone walking up behind you. You FEEL (fear, surprise) and then you to a RESPOND (make room for them on the sidewalk or tuck your hand around your mace spray in your purse.

Intuition is a gift that women have, it is an innate quality. When we learn to slow down and listen to ourselves, we find that intuition can lead us to honor our body and mind.

Intuition is FEELING–not thinking or over-analyzing. When learn to trust ourselves we find that we know instinctually what our needs our. If we ignore our inner voice and put others opinions or needs before our own, we risk disconnecting from ourselves. Our bodies are wise though and will find ways to demand our attention! Maybe this comes through an illness, fatigue, anxiety, anger or resentment. When we hush our inner voice or dismiss our needs we deny ourselves a chance for healing and growth.

From a neurological aspect, women are wired to be intuitive. Our brains have enhanced abilities to tap into our centers of memory and emotion and we experience greater blood flow to these brain regions. In addition, there is biological evidence on the strength of the gut-brain connection. Our stomach sends signals to the brain via our Vagus Nerve and vice versa. In fact, 95% of our serotonin receptors are found throughout the gut! It’s no wonder why we use terms like “my stomach is in knots” when a situation makes us uneasy or “I felt butterflies in my stomach” when we are with someone we like.

Health is not a one-size-fits-all model. What works for one person may not work for another. Just because your friend is thriving on a vegan diet, does not mean this will work for you. Maybe your body responds better to some lean, animal-protein and THAT’S OK!

What does YOUR body need? What makes YOUR mind feel at peace? What works for YOU?

The answer to these questions is not found in that new fad-diet book or trending workouts on social media. Surprisingly it is also not found in the medical field when you are TOLD what to do and lack autonomy in your health choices. The answer to these questions are within YOU.

Consider these questions:

• Pay attention to the people you spend time with. Do they make you feel re-charged, inspired or at peace? Or do you feel depleted, drained and insecure?
• Be mindful during your meals. How do you feel after a meal? Are you tired, heavy, sluggish or irritable? Or do you feel more energy to go through your day?
• Do you have a say in your medical decisions? Does your provider listen to you, partner with you and validate your feelings?