Benefits of Nurturing Intuition: Natalie Eve Marquis explains how to use one's intuition.

We don’t always listen because we’ve been taught not to judge people or do things contrary to what our “gut feeling” is telling us; sometimes to our detriment. As Gavin de Becker writes in The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence, “Only human beings can look directly at something, have all the information they need to make an accurate prediction, perhaps even momentarily make the accurate prediction, and then say that it isn't so.”

The challenge of working with intuition is that it’s a subtle skill. We can’t pump iron in a gym to build our intuitive “muscles”. Instead, we have to listen for that quiet voice, impression or nudge, trust it and take action. In addition to providing life-saving insight, intuition can help us in many other ways. Here are 10 reasons to consider developing our intuitive skills.

It improves decision-making; syncs decisions with our heart and soul; reduces stress when solving or dealing with problems; helps avoid danger; provides insight into the hidden truths about our lives; unleashes creativity and imagination; processes negative emotions more quickly; integrates left and right brain functions for a more complete perspective on issues; improves physical, mental, emotional health; and improves our connection to God, source energy and divine love.

Natalie Eve Marquis is a certified hypnotist, energy healer, intuitive and spiritual life coach in Sedona. She is leading the Sacred Messengers: The Universe Speaks and How To Listen retreat Sept. 14-17. For more information, visit CreativeLeapHealing.com.