Excerpted with permission of the publisher, Jossey-Bass, a Wiley imprint.
Divine Intuition: Your Inner Guide to Purpose, Peace, and Prosperity,
by Lynn A. Robinson Copyright © 2013

What do you do if you’re facing a challenging time in your life and don’t know what path to take? Perhaps you are struggling over whether to embark on a new career, or wondering how you can be a better parent to your difficult child, or contemplating a move to another part of the world. Whatever difficulties you encounter, know that there are answers within you.

Indian spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “God speaks to us every day only we don’t know how to listen.” Author Mona Lisa Schultz seems to agree with Gandhi when she writes, “"The Divine consciousness speaks to our human consciousness, offering us quick, keen insights into the problems of everyday life and suggesting potential solutions through the language of intuition – the language of the soul."

How each of us listens and receives wisdom may be very different, because there is a Spirit, a Higher Power, an Inner Guide, The Universe, God, which is guiding us. It doesn’t matter what you call it or how you access it, your intuition touches the wisdom of All-That-Is and leads you to what you are here to learn and accomplish.

As you listen for guidance on a daily basis you’ll find yourself being given one step at a time. Your intuition will never give you more than you can handle. The answer may come through an inspired idea, an image that pops into your mind, or a sudden insight that offers a new and creative direction for you to pursue. When you consistently look within, asking “What is the right course of action?” or “What path should I take?” you’ll be rewarded with wise, divine guidance.

Your inner wisdom may direct you in other ways, too. You may feel guided to share your issue or concern with friends and family who might give helpful feedback about your choices and options. You may find books to read on the subject of your dilemma. Or you may tune in at just the right time to hear a podcast, radio show (or online spiritual magazine!) that’s focused on your concern. And though other people can help, only you will know when your heart resonates with a “Yes, this is right!” answer.

You may be wondering right now if there’s a simple way to define intuition. Here are some answers that are often used. Intuition is . . .

· A tool for quick and ready insight.

· A natural mental faculty.

· A sixth sense we all possess.

· A gut feeling.

· A key element in the creative process.

· A warning experienced as a tingle up the spine.

· A component in problem solving and decision-making.

· A deep inner knowing.

· A form of guidance and wisdom from God.

Intuition is a rich resource for acquiring knowledge about yourself and the world around you. It can provide you with profound guidance that allows you to make the best choices for yourself. When you listen to intuition and follow its wisdom you will be led to a life that is abundant, successful and full of limitless possibilities. I believe that intuition is a connection to your soul, a means for the Universe to communicate with you. When you ask your intuition for help or insight, you are tapping into your Spirit and seeking its wise guidance. That's why I've referred to it as "Divine Intuition."

Intuition comes in many forms. It communicates in different ways to each of us. Following are some of the ways intuition makes itself known.

Inner Voice - Many people report a "still, quiet, inner voice." Your intuition will always communicate with you in a compassionate, loving manner that is perceptibly different from your normal inner chatter.

Dreams - You can receive a wealth of guidance when you learn to ask for intuitive insight from your dreams. What better way to get information than while you’re sleeping!

Emotions - Intuitive information often comes through your feelings or emotions. You may simply “feel right” about a certain course of action. Or you might experience a sense of distrust about an individual or situation.

Physical sensations - The Japanese call intuition “stomach art.” We call such sensations a “gut feeling.” You might find that your body feels heavy if a decision you’ve made is wrong. Your body may feel light or experience "chills" if it is the correct path for you.

Instant knowing - You may receive a sudden flash of understanding. The answer may seem obvious even though moments before you were still confused. This is sometimes called the “Eureka” effect.

Symbols - Intuition often comes to us in symbolic images. It is often said that, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” You might receive a symbolic impression of a rocky road if you choose “Path A.” If you choose the alternative “Path B,” you may see a clear, well-paved path in your mind’s eye.

Coincidences and synchronicity - It's been said that coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous. When you experience frequent synchronicity you'll know your intuition has led you on the right path.

While I have always wished intuition would proclaim itself in a loud voice, saying, "Here's what you should do," it doesn't. Intuition has its own language; its own code. There is no one right way to hear its guidance.

My hope for you is that you'll find a steadfast companion on your path in life; a true friend who wants what's best for you, who is always there, guiding, listening, encouraging — showing you the way to achieve your heart's desire through love and compassion. It resides within you and has been with you always. That companion is your intuitive guidance.

Lynn A. Robinson, M.Ed., is a leading expert on the topic of intuition. Through her work as an intuitive consultant she's helped thousands of people discover their life passion and achieve their goals. Voted “Best Psychic” by Boston Magazine, she’s also a bestselling author whose books include LISTEN: Trusting Your Inner Voice in Times of Crisis, Divine Intuition and Trust Your Gut. She writes a free, highly popular Intuition Newsletter. Her website is http://LynnRobinson.com