Recognizing the Voice of Your Intuition
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One of the most common questions I receive is:
“How can I tell the difference between my intuition and my mind (fear, anxiety, etc.)?”
This is both an easy and difficult question to answer. The simple answer is: “You just know.”
But let’s break it down further. Think back to a time when you felt an unshakable inner pull toward something. Maybe it was taking a leap of faith in your career, moving to a new city, or saying yes to an opportunity you weren’t sure you were ready for.
That inner pull, that quiet confidence, is intuition. It’s not a fleeting feeling or a logical thought. It’s an inner knowing that rises above the noise of the mind. But as powerful as this inner compass is, it can be drowned out by the constant chatter of our thoughts, fears, and anxieties.
The average person has between 12,000 and 60,000 thoughts per day. For most, the mind is loud. If you have an especially overactive mind, it can feel almost impossible to tune into your inner knowing.
The good news is that intuition has distinct qualities that set it apart from the voice of fear or anxiety. Recognizing these differences can help you build a stronger connection to your inner guidance.
Fear vs. Love
The first, and arguably most important, difference between the voice of your mind and your intuition is the motivation behind how they speak.
Your intuition is rooted in love. It speaks from the part of you that knows you are capable, deserving, and supported by the Universe. It encourages you to make decisions that align with your highest good, even when those decisions feel uncertain or uncomfortable.
Your mind, on the other hand, is often driven by fear. It craves control and predictability, steering you toward “safe” choices to avoid discomfort or risk.
For example:
Fear says: “If you leave this relationship, you’ll never find anyone better. Stay and make it work, even if you’re unhappy.”
Intuition says: “You deserve the love you desire. Letting go of this relationship creates space for the right one to find you.”
Fear says: “If you start that business, you’ll fail. It’s better to stay where you are—it’s safer.”
Intuition says: “You’re capable of success. Take the first step, and you’ll figure out the rest as you go.”
Fear often tries to disguise itself as intuition by mimicking a “gut feeling.” For instance, you might feel an overwhelming urge to avoid something because it feels “wrong,” but upon reflection, it’s fear of failure or rejection speaking—not your intuition.
Ask yourself: Is this voice rooted in love, or is it coming from a place of trying to control or avoid something? Love expands; fear restricts.
Demanding vs. Encouraging
Another way to discern intuition from your mind is to notice the energy behind the message.
Fear is demanding. It pushes, pressures, and operates in absolutes:
“If you don’t do this, you’ll fail.”
“If you take that risk, everything will fall apart.”
Intuition is encouraging. It’s like a gentle, loving friend nudging you in the direction of your highest good:
“You have what it takes to handle this.”
“This path may feel uncertain, but it’s leading you to something better.”
Fear wants to control and protect. Intuition trusts and allows. Intuition doesn’t shout; it whispers. It encourages rather than demands. And while fear often pressures you to act immediately, intuition is patient.
For example:
Fear says: “You need to decide right now, or everything will fall apart.”
Intuition says: “The right time to act will become clear. Trust in the process.”
Complex vs. Simple
There’s a philosophical principle called Occam’s Razor that states: “The simplest explanation is usually the right one.” This applies beautifully to intuition.
Intuition is simple, clear, and direct. It tells you the truth, even when that truth is uncomfortable.
For example:
“Leave the relationship.”
“Start the business.”
“It’s time to rest.”
Your mind, however, will overcomplicate the process. It will spiral into overthinking, creating stories, excuses, and “what if” scenarios to keep you from acting on your intuition.
The truth is, deep down, we always know the right answer for ourselves. But the mind resists simplicity because it wants control over the outcome. We often avoid short-term discomfort, even if it means prolonging long-term pain.
Building Trust in Your Intuition
Learning to trust your intuition is a practice. It’s about choosing love over fear, simplicity over complexity, and trust over control. Here are some tools to help you strengthen this connection:
Meditation
Quiet your mind to tune into your inner knowing. Even 5-10 minutes a day can create space to recognize the difference between the voice of your mind and your intuition.Journaling
Write down your thoughts and feelings to release mental noise. Journaling helps you see your fears and anxieties for what they are—temporary guests—and allows your intuition to shine through.Clear Your Energy Regularly
Use meditation, time in nature, sage, crystals, breathwork, or binaural beats to cleanse your energy and quiet your mind.Limit Distractions
Reduce noise from external sources like social media, news, or others’ opinions. The less external input you have, the easier it is to hear your inner voice.Challenge Your Thoughts
Don’t believe everything you think. Treat your thoughts and feelings as passing visitors, not permanent truths. Stay curious and allow them to move through you.Ask Your Intuition Questions
Practice asking your intuition for guidance. Sit quietly, ask a question, and allow the answer to come naturally. Trust that the right guidance will surface when the time is right.
Your Intuition Is Your Compass
Every single person has access to an inner guidance system that is always working in their favor. The more you communicate with and trust your intuition, the more your life will align with love, abundance, and safety.
Your intuition is like a compass, always pointing you toward your highest good. By learning to trust its voice, you create a life rooted in love, freedom, and possibility.
Start small. Meditate for 5 minutes a day, journal your thoughts, or notice the subtle energy behind your decisions. Each step you take toward listening to your intuition is a step toward creating a life rooted in love, safety, and abundance.
This week, I challenge you to ask your intuition a question and quietly wait for the answer. Trust that it will come when the time is right, and know that the more you listen, the stronger your connection will grow.
Your intuition already knows the way. All you have to do is listen.
With love,
Gabrielle N.
P.S. The 'Reclaiming Your Power to Manifest the Life You Desire' workshop was an incredible experience! I’m so grateful for everyone who joined and brought such amazing energy. 💖
For a LIMITED TIME ONLY, the recording and workshop materials are available—don’t miss out! Click here to access them now.