Intuition vs. Willful Forcing – A Life Coaching Tool (part two)
Article by M. Joy Young, LCSW, ACSW Portland Oregon
(503) 309-1163
One of the benefits of intuition is that it can also help you develop faith and trust in living. This does not undermine religious faith , but this is something else. For those who are religious, intuition is a faith not only in your chosen deity it is faith and trust in the life that flows from that deity. For those less religious but perhaps spiritually inclined, intuition puts you in a positive, receptive relationship with life. Life becomes a living teacher and you develop faith in the overall benevolence of life no matter how challenging the appearances.
Discussion:
- Describe your experiences with intuition. What was it like? How did it help you?
- What are the benefits of letting go of willful force when seeking a goal?
Intuition – A Technique
How do you begin to use our intuition? It is pretty easy. You start by relaxing the part of your mind that works really hard to logically know something. It is the part of your brain, the left side that enjoys figuring things out, coming up with linear solutions quickly, and having all the answers to every problem and a plan of action for every step of the journey. Instead intuition works with the imaginative or right side of the brain. It is the part of the brain that comes up with answers without you consciously trying. Sometimes answers may come in a dream or an idea may appear to you “out of the blue”. Sometimes people get a picture or image of themselves doing or saying something that seems to feel right to them or that “fits”. Other times intuition can appears as a guiding voice inside your self that instructs, teaches, or warns you. Have you ever said, “Something told me to do this or that” or “I had this feeling” – well that’s intuition.
To start using your intuition, begin by placing an intention to be receptive to whatever is happening. Next pay attention to the events of the day and notice what seems synchronistic to your life and goals.
Lastly, make it a daily practice to pay attention to your internal compass and to listen for that inner voice of guidance that is never ordering, demanding, pushy, or bossy – but is kind, reasonable, and instructive. Being receptive, paying attention, noticing synchronistic events, and listening are all characteristics of intuition and can begin the process of intuitive events in your life. Answers arise, new and imaginative solutions present themselves, important helpers arrive on time, and opportunities that you could have never thought before hand appear.
Intuition and Coaching
As a coach you have many tools to use to help others in their journey towards better and more fulfilling lives. But as a coach you can also use your intuition to help during coaching sessions. Firstly, it is important to note that the coaching process is a living process. As a coach you are in partnership with your client and together you have a coaching relationship. This relationship is driven by the coaching process which has peaks and valleys, ups and downs, a beginning, middle, and end just like life. Using your intuition during the coaching sessions can help you as a coach trust the coaching process.
To utilize your intuition during coaching sessions, as illustrated earlier, begin to relaxing the left side of the brain – you don’t have to have preconceived questions all the time, quick answers, or “the perfect response”. Allow yourself to be receptive to the coaching process as it is. Next pay close attention to what your client is saying and not saying and notice what is synchronistic with their stated goals. Also listen for what feels authentic and in alignment with the client’s goals, the coaching process, and general good will. Now, listen and respond from your inner compass and voice of guidance.
Reflection and Application
- List three areas you can use your intuition in.
- During a coaching session try asking questions using your intuition. What was it like?
- Write down a goal and make a commitment to using your intuition to help you achieve the goal.
- Spend the day using the intuition technique. Write down what you noticed. Were there any surprises?
- Observe willful force within yourself – when does it arise within you? And what actions or non action do you take?
- For question five – try replacing willful force with intuition. What action or non action did you take?
