I’m often asked about how I discovered my spiritual gifts and heightened intuition. Here it goes:
I remember feeling pressure in my chest when I heard my mother’s words and then immediately saying to myself “no, she isn’t.”
My First Intuitive Experience
I was born in 1968 and grew up in Wichita, KS, the daughter of a Lebanese immigrant, youngest of four girls. I was raised Eastern Orthodox Christian and went to Catholic School for 12 years. Loads of aunts, uncles and cousins were a constant presence.
My first recollection of “knowing” was when I was young, under the age of 10. My mom had a sister who lived in Memphis with her family. They were such fun to be around, and I always looked forward to their visits. One day, Mom said, “Aunt Marlene may come in town this weekend!”. I remember feeling pressure in my chest when I heard my mother’s words. Then, immediately, I said to myself, “No, she isn’t.” It wasn’t a question to myself; it was a knowing. The weekend came and she didn’t make the trip.
I remember thinking how strange it was that I knew that. How would I know? How should I know? I didn’t even question the information as it was so clear to me as the truth. I didn’t tell anyone about my experience. It wouldn’t make sense to others, or they wouldn’t believe me. Intuition wasn’t a common word or concept at that time. This was a gift; I knew that no one could guide me with this. However, in that moment, I knew that 1. The ability to do this was unusual and 2. I was going to use it to help people with it someday.
Over the next few years, I would have more inexplainable experiences. I would know if or when something was going to happen. I could sense danger and take the necessary action. Friends would always come to me for advice or comfort. Somehow, I would know exactly what to say, what they needed to hear to bring peace and clarity. Yes, I did find it strange. I went with it and continued to help when asked. It seemed to be serving a positive purpose in my life and those around me.
Strengthening My Intuition
This is when I began to understand that this “knowing” was intuition. I learned that this was an aspect of me. my inner wisdom. The voice of the Divine Source working through me and to understand that this gift needed to be treated with reverence, humility and responsibility. As time went on I learned that as you do the work to heal your fears, trauma and limiting beliefs, as you deepen your connection to Source, Spirit and your Higher Self, your gifts will grow and expand.
My practice includes a regular combination of meditation, prayer, energy work, sound healing and traditional therapeutic modalities. My mind is my biggest challenge in life and these modalities also help me manage the monkeys who take up residence and make a mess of things. Being more grounded in your body and centered in your heart means being more connected to the source and your inner wisdom. It means being more connected to all of your Soul Specialties.
Fast forward to my early 20s, which was in the early 90s. This is the era when the “first wavers” emerged, bringing forth metaphysical and spiritual information, including Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, and others. The first book I read was The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield. That book resonated with me as truth. It spoke to things that I had always questioned and was never satisfied with the answers. That book started me on my quest of self-improvement, spirituality and an understanding of myself and my truth.
We all have intuition. For some, it comes naturally. For others, it is a skill that can be developed and refined. Can you recall the first time you recognized your intuition? Can you recognize it now? What is your journey with intuition? If you don’t feel you have one, are you ready to begin?
