My wife and I recently booked a trip with our kiddo – our first real trip in about six years. Just a few days. Really close to home. Not that big of a deal, right? We knew we wanted to go – needed to go – but something always stopped us.
But not that day.
All of a sudden, there we were on a rental booking site clicking “confirm” on a tiny little loft that just happened to meet our budget and location needs. It was the only one for the dates we’d selected.
Just like that, two perpetual planners (and their little planner-in-progress) were on their way to the coast. The time was right, the stars aligned, and we acted quickly on what we knew we needed to do.
Although we work a lot on listening to our intuition around here, we’re sometimes a little slow to act. Our inner wisdom may be telling us that getting up and going is what’s best, but there’s always one more thing to do, one more detail to check…
In other words, we often know what is best, but we’re often hesitant to take action.
So the question arose: How can embracing both spontaneity and intuition help us to feel a little better about the steps we take (or don’t take!) in life?
Spontaneity and Intuition – What Do They Mean?
Before we get on with it, let’s take a closer look at what these words mean.
Spontaneity is about acting on impulse. No planning. Just going! Maybe you have a friend like that – any time is a good time for a road trip. Who needs a map? We’ll figure it out as we go!
Intuition is about knowing something without any rational path to that knowledge. You just kinda…sorta…get it. Snap fingers, get insight. Simple, right? If you are of a spiritual mindset, you might think about intuition as an inner knowing or inner wisdom. It’s a voice somewhere inside that can help guide you to a next step without checking in with your rational brain.
How Can Intuition and Spontaneity Work Together?
When I’m coaching folks or talking to friends and family, “intuition” and “spontaneity” are words that come up a lot. People say that want to be more spontaneous and have more fun, or else they say they want to get more in touch with their intuitive nature. Some want to learn to act more quickly on what their intuition tells them!
Intuition and spontaneity both seem to have something to do with the moment. With being here, now, ready for answers or adventure. Taken together, they aren’t about questioning and planning, but knowing and doing…knowing that what you’re doing is not just a thing, but a right thing. A thing that’s right for you.
But do we always have to act spontaneously on an intuitive insight? I don’t think so.
When we mix intuition and spontaneity together, it doesn’t mean doing any old thing that comes to mind. I mean, I’m sure there are people out there who do that, but honestly, that’s a good way to get into trouble.
I believe life isn’t simply about either blind faith or airtight planning. Maybe the truth is in the middle. Maybe intuition and spontaneity can work together like this:
1. Ask your inner self for guidance. Sit in a quiet place and take a few deep breaths. Ask yourself, “What is the next right step with X situation?” or “What should I do about Y in my life?” Let the question settle and marinate. If an answer doesn’t come right away, pay attention in the coming days or weeks and see what happens.
2. See how the answer fits with your life (or daily) goals. If an answer arrives, listen to it, then see how it aligns with your life-in-progress. If you hear, “Quit your job, leave your friends and family, and move 5,000 miles away tomorrow!” but you’re not ready for spontaneity of that magnitude, jot it down in a journal, and then let it be. Yes, there are stories of people doing this kind of thing, but if it’s not where you are right now, set it aside.
3. Find a way to work the answer into your life. I believe that intuitive answers can be metaphors or signposts. If you hear, “Move 5,000 miles away,” it might be your intuition shocking you into realizing the importance of a move. Great! If you can’t go 5,000 miles, try five miles to a different part of town. If you feel you can’t quit your job, start browsing job sites in the evening while relaxing on the couch. If you feel stuck in a relationship or friendship, and intuition tells you it’s time for a change (but you’re hesitant), consider meeting new people or pruning existing connections out or taking some time away from your phone (you don’t have to burn your address book).
4. When the time is right, make the move – either spontaneously or slowly. If you are asking intuition about something small, and you get a feeling you’re excited about, maybe consider bypassing the planning and going for it! Go get a used guitar today and start teaching yourself. Take a weekend trip out of town. Ask that new person on a date. If it’s a bigger life change, and you’re not as comfortable, take some time to plan a little and then, when it feels right, take action!
Remember: This is your journey. These are your answers you’re seeking. It’s your life, and you have to live with the consequences (and successes) of your actions (or inactions).
You’ll hear, “Follow your gut at all costs and ignore obstacles!” or “Plan carefully before doing anything in life.” But neither is the truth.
The truth of following intuition – and taking spontaneous action – is yours, and yours alone. Find a good balance, and you’ll learn to trust your own answers … and your own plan.
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If you want to get more in touch with your intuition, book a free 15-minute consultation to explore coaching. Or get more in touch with the moment by grabbing the free Mindfulness Quickstart Guide!