Diversions & Pitfalls
on the Intuitive Path

by Nancy C. Pohle
& Ellen L. Selover

Continued from Part I

Pitfalls on the Intuitive Path: Judging Others

In the process of recognizing and developing our intuitive gifts, we will most likely begin to pick up information about those around us, our family, friends, co-workers, or even someone we pass on the street. It can be a great temptation to judge their thoughts, emotions, or actions, based on our insights. It is vital to seek ways that we can be of service rather than compounding another's burden through judgmentalism, reminding ourselves that there is always more to a story than we might realize.

Misinterpreting Signals

As we begin to put our intuitive insights into practice, it is likely that we will experience times when we just don't get it right. The following example, shared by Ria, is one in which the misinterpretation of an intuitive insight, compounded by judgment of another person, created a very uncomfortable and difficult situation:

"One evening after attending a conference, I was preparing for bed, anxious to get to sleep because I needed to get up early. As I was drifting off to sleep, I got the impression that I should not leave my small pack, which contained my wallet, near the bed. The feeling was very strong, but I was exhausted, and, after a moment of wondering what else to do with it, I left it where I had originally intended and just decided not to leave it unattended. I was rooming with someone I did not know well, and, although I felt a little uncomfortable with her, I decided that I was just being oversensitive and suspicious.

"The next morning, I pulled my hairbrush out of the pack and went into the bathroom, completely forgetting my resolution not to leave my belongings unattended. Then I remembered that the pack was now open on the bed in full view of my roommate, who was also getting ready. I panicked, raced back to the room, and scooped up everything that had fallen out, but could not locate the wallet. I looked everywhere.

"Certain that my 'intuition' had been trying to warn me about this person, I asked her if she knew the whereabouts of my wallet. When she said, 'No,' I insisted that she open her suitcase for me. I then went through her belongings. Although this response was not my normal mode of dealing with a crisis, I was filled with conviction, certain that I knew what was going on, and standing up for myself.

"My roommate was understandably confused and appalled by my actions; however, she tried valiantly to not take my behavior personally. After we both searched through each others' suitcases and other belongings, I finally found my wallet trapped in a fold of the blanket on my bed. I felt absolutely awful and incredibly ashamed.

"My first mistake had been in ignoring my intuition in the first place. If I had gone ahead and put my wallet in a more secure location, it would not have fallen out of my pack, and I would not have had to worry about it. My second mistake was that I assumed the information I was getting was about the potential behavior of my roommate, not about a situation I might create because of my suspicions. If I had taken the time to pray, to tune in a little more closely and ask for clarification, I believe I would have received the information I needed at the time. The entire episode would have been avoided."

When we allow ourselves to learn from our intuition, to move with it, and to grow with it, we truly progress, even, or perhaps especially, when we stumble and make mistakes. One person asked Edgar Cayce in a reading, "How can I avoid getting incorrect answers?" His response reflects the great compassion of the Universal Forces:

No one way while remaining in the flesh! For, there is ever the trial, the test, the gradual growth. And there are faults, but use those faults as stepping-stones -- and be guided by the greater influence that is thy ideal. 317-7

More than a simple "try, try again" approach, this answer reflects a compassionate understanding of the complexities of life on earth, and of the struggle through which every soul must find its way. It is almost as if the Universe is saying to us, "Okay, here you are. What have you learned? What did you miss? How might you act or respond differently the next time you are faced with a similar situation?"

Steps to Intuitive Development

Rather than a list of techniques, the following steps come from the Cayce readings' approach, which emphasizes practices that will strengthen our connection with the Divine within and help us to better discern the information we receive:

• Spiritual practices. Intuition develops naturally as a result of our spiritual development. Meditating, praying, setting ideals, and working with others on a spiritual path are all important tools for spiritual growth.
   

• Ask questions during meditation and listen for the answers. If an answer isn't forthcoming, consider that there may be other underlying questions that need to be answered first.
   

• Pay attention to the impressions you receive as you fall asleep or first awaken. Insights will come as a result of asking questions during meditation, through inner reflection, or as you are falling asleep. Write these down, and find a positive way to act on them.
   

• Trust your inner self as much as your analytical self. This can take practice, as it is easy to brush aside our intuitive promptings. Give yourself permission to give voice to the intuitive.
   

• Have an insatiable curiosity. Discover those things you are drawn to and follow them.
   

• Inspirational writing after a period of meditation or attunement. While in the meditative state, write down your thoughts, feelings, and impressions.
   

• Spend time in nature. We can learn about our own natural balance and harmony by attuning to those primordial aspects of God's creation.
   

• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. If the physical body is not in equilibrium, our intuitive development is inhibited.
   

• Listen to uplifting music and read inspiring literature. This positive engagement of our mental and emotional selves nourishes us spiritually.
   

• Develop your creative imagination. Spend time expressing talents and activities for which you have a passion.

Conclusion

Intuitive awareness is more than just an indicator of how adept we are at accessing psychic perceptions. It is an indication of how attuned we are to our spiritual side. When we develop and rely on our abilities, discern inner truths, and apply that awareness on the physical level, we open the doorway to manifesting our true highest selves.

This article was excerpted from:

"Awakening the Real You: Awareness Through Dreams and Intuition"
by Nancy C. Pohle & Ellen L. Selover.

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About The Authors

Nancy C. Pohle has lectured, counseled, and taught classes on dreams and intuition throughout the U. S. and Canada for more than eighteen years. She was featured internationally on Voice of America radio and appeared on A&E's Biography: Edgar Cayce as a representative of the Association for Research and Enlightenment.
Ellen L. Selover is a lifelong student of the Edgar Cayce readings. Her tenure on the staff of the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc., has included international study group coordinator, manager of youth programs, and program manager with membership and the Mission in Life Institute. This article was excerpted with permission from their book "Awakening the Real You", ©1999, A.R.E. Press, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. www.are-cayce.com

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