6 Powerful Ways to Strengthen Your Intuition (for Beginners and Skeptics)
Last week, a client asked me a question that I’ve heard so many times before, "How do you know when it's your intuition speaking versus fear?"
It's a question I've wrestled with myself, especially in those early days of my spiritual journey when everything felt uncertain. Back then, I would have given anything for a clear roadmap to developing my intuition.
That's exactly why I'm sharing these six practices with you today. These aren't just theoretical exercises – they're the exact tools I've used (and still use) to strengthen my own connection to inner wisdom. Some of them might surprise you with their simplicity, but that's often where the most powerful transformation begins.
Why Developing Your Intuition Matters Now More Than Ever
In a world of information overload, where we're bombarded with opinions and "shoulds" from every direction, your intuition is like a personal GPS system that cuts through the noise. Whether you're:
Making career decisions in an uncertain economy
Navigating relationships in an increasingly complex world
Building a business in uncharted territory
Or simply trying to stay true to yourself while everything changes around you
Your intuition is your most reliable guide – if you know how to listen to it.
How to Use This Guide
As you read through these practices, notice which one makes you feel a little spark of excitement or recognition. That flutter in your chest or sudden urge to try something? That's your intuition already speaking to you about where to start.
1. Journaling: Connect With Your Inner Wisdom
One of the most effective ways to strengthen your intuition is through journaling and self-reflection. Take some time each day to write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This helps you not only connect with your inner world, but also helps give you a record of how things shift in your life over time.
Sometimes I'll simply ask a question at the top of the page and just let my pen move. Often, the answers that come through surprise me – they're clearer and wiser than what my thinking mind could have come up with.
What I love about journaling is that it leaves a paper trail. When I look back at older entries, I can see how many how much has changed, how many things I was wishing for actually came to fruition, and what didn’t.
2. Mindful Nature Walks: Clear Your Mental Chatter
This one is non-negotiable for me now. Whenever I feel stuck or disconnected from myself, I head to the park near my house. No phone, no music, no podcasts – just me, the trees, and the flowing river.
Yesterday I was wrestling with a decision about my business. After 20 minutes of walking amongst the trees, feeling the wind on my skin, the answers I was seeking became clear - and they weren’t what I had been thinking about back at my desk.
There's something about being in nature that quiets all the "shoulds" and lets your inner wisdom speak without barriers.
3. Pendulum Work: A Simple Tool for Clear Answers
A pendulum is a simple, weighted object attached to a chain that allows the subconscious mind to communicate through small, involuntary muscle movements. It works similarly to other muscle testing techniques - in that your mind shouldn’t be involved in getting to “yes” or “no”.
I was skeptical at first, but then I started using one to make simple yes/no decisions. The key is establishing what "yes" and "no" look like for you (which direction the pendulum swings), and then asking clear questions. For the more advanced, you can actually buy what’s called a dowsing board that has more options, including numbers and months, etc.
As you work with your pendulum, it’s important to check in with your own intuition to ensure the answers you receive feel aligned with your truth. More often than not, a pendulum is simply confirming what you already thought (or knew) to be true.
4. Daily Oracle Cards: Your Morning Message Practice
This is my morning ritual, and it is probably my favorite way to check in with my inner knowing. Find an oracle or tarot deck that speaks to you (trust your gut on which one to choose), and pull one card each morning.
I always ask, "What do I need to know today?" and trust that whatever card appears is exactly what I need to hear. Then I read the message and reflect on how it relates to my life, or current situation.
The magic isn't in the cards themselves (though so many of them are, indeed, magical!) but rather the thinking and reflection that it prompts after you’ve pulled your card.
5. Automatic Writing: Channel Your Inner Voice
This is different from regular journaling. To practice automatic writing you’ll first want to bring your mind and body into a calm, peaceful state, then you’ll want to freeflow write until your timer goes off. Here’s how I do it:
Intention: Set an intention, or a question you’d like support with. This can be “What is important for me to know right now?” or “What should I do about my work / relationship / family situation?” Feel free to get as specific as you want.
Breathe: Practice boxed breathing for 3-5 minutes: breathe in for 4 (seconds) - hold for 4 - breathe out for 4 - hold for 4 and repeat. This is the quickest way to get out of your head and into your body and the present moment.
Write: Set a timer for 5 minutes and freeflow write onto the page. Don’t judge what comes out and don’t edit a word - just allow the words to come out however they do and write them all down.
Once you’ve completed the exercise you can read back through what you wrote and learn the wisdom and guidance in there.
It's like opening a direct channel to your intuition and letting it speak freely.
6. Insight Meditation: Create Space for Inner Clarity
During a recent visit to a Buddhist Temple here in London, I learned a simple meditation technique that's become a go to in moments where I need to connect to myself, or simply find some inner space. You simply breathe in with the word "Rising" and breathe out with the word "Falling". With each breath in, you say “Rising” in your mind, and with each breath out you say “Falling” in your mind.
That’s it.
What I love about this practice is its simplicity. You're not trying to achieve anything or get anywhere. You're just creating space for your intuitive voice to be heard above the usual mental chatter.
Start Your Intuition Practice Today
Here's what I suggest: pick ONE of these practices that feels exciting to you right now. Commit to trying it for 7 days straight. Don't worry about doing it perfectly – just show up and experiment.
Notice what happens. How does your intuition speak to you? What makes you feel more connected to your inner wisdom? What feels forced versus natural?
After 7 days, you might want to try a different practice, or you might find you've discovered your perfect tool. Trust your instincts on this – you know better than anyone what works for you.
Remember, strengthening your intuition isn't always about learning something new – it's about creating space to hear what's already there, waiting to guide you.
I'd love to hear from you – which of these practices speaks to you the most? What tools do you already use to connect with your intuition?
With love,
Amanda
Amanda is a transformational coach and intuitive guide who helps women healers to connect, learn, and elevate their impact. She is the founder of the Women Healers Collective and hosts the Don’t Sep on the Bluebells podcast. Learn more about working together at www.amandaparker.co
Ready to go deeper? Here's how I can help:
Join the Waitlist for the Inner Vision Quest - launching again late Feb, 2025
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Book a 1:1 session with me to unlock your unique intuitive gifts