Trust Your Intuition and Let Life Unfold – It’s not so scary after all!

From the online Oxford Dictionary:

In·tu·i·tion the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. “We shall allow our intuition to guide us.” synonyms: instinct · intuitiveness · sixth sense · divination · clairvoyance · second sight · ESP (extrasensory perception). A thing that one knows or considers likely from instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning. synonyms: hunch · feeling · feeling in one's bones · gut feeling · funny feeling · inkling · sneaking suspicion · suspicion · impression · premonition · presentiment

·antonyms: ·intellect

The following blog is about what happens when you let your intuition take the lead. My intuition led to a therapist ,which led to take a solo road trip, which then led to visiting new places and people who had wisdom and teachings for me. I hope you enjoy the story, but mostly I hope you learn to trust your intuition.

I Was Divinely Guided to a Place of Healing

I recently added “seeing a therapist” to my healing toolbox. I meditate, I read a lot of self-help books, I eat well, I exercise, I’ve discussed issues with mediums of all sorts, and yet, I just couldn’t “fix” the sadness.

At my first appointment, I talked about my Reiki path, my heartache at the breakup of my marriage, living alone for the first time, etc. I discussed wanting to put myself first without feeling guilty. It’s easier to help others and not so easy helping me first.

At the end of my first session, my therapist’s first challenge to me:

Plan a trip to Sedona.

I asked, “Why Sedona?” He was shocked that I didn’t know anything about Sedona. I didn’t know it is a spiritual mecca. I didn’t know about the vortexes. I didn’t know about the amazing hiking, biking, or the red rocks. I didn’t even know how to get there. What state is Sedona in? New Mexico? (Answer: Arizona)

I went home, got on my laptop and started researching everything Sedona. I was first impressed that my therapist knew about Sedona and its spiritual significance.

The Universe Pushed Me to Follow My Path

I am a Reiki Master/Teacher. I take advantage of local seminars to listen to people talk about metaphysical spirituality. How could I not be aware of this spiritual community called Sedona. I also know everything happens in Divine timing. I was up for the challenge my therapist had given me – Plan a trip to Sedona.

My intuition told me the trip would happen; however, my mind began putting up roadblocks of self-doubt – Could I afford it? Should I fly? Would I need to rent a car? What if I drove? 12 hours is a long road trip! Who would I invite or should I go alone? How much time should I take off from work? Again, could I afford it? Dollar signs were flying about in my mind!

And then the Universe began putting people and plans in place and I knew I was going:

First universal intervention­­ – A friend broke her arm and wanted to attend Theology on Tap. Theology on Tap is a sort of bible study class, but at a brew pub. I had a hair appointment that evening near my friend’s home. I wasn’t planning to go to Theology on Tap, but I wanted to support my friend. She needed a ride and I was going to be nearby, so I decided to pick her up and go get some Theology on Tap!

The minister asked the group if we wanted to discuss bible chapters or personal stories. The group chose to discuss personal stories. (Yay! I could contribute!)

When it got to be my turn to share, I discussed my challenge of planning a trip to Sedona. One of the women in the group spoke up and strongly suggested I road trip it and I do it alone. She told me about how wonderful it is to stop wherever you wanted to stop. I started crying at the thought of doing what I wanted to do! No one else would be in the car to tell me “No”.

Second universal intervention – I’m a camper, a hiker, a mountain biker, and I enjoy just being in the great outdoors. I have a SUV that fits all my food and gear. I decided this trip would be planned with No Plan! I was going to go with the flow and trust my intuition!

Third universal intervention – It was easy to get the time off. I had the time accrued and it was approved. I’m really going to do this!! Spirit was putting plans in place for me and all I had to do was trust my intuition.

My Fears Became Stronger, But I Had to Pushed Passed

As the date to depart became closer, I began second guessing the great idea of a no-plan road trip.

Where would I sleep? How far should I drive each day? How much time would I actually have in Sedona?

Good grief, my monkey mind was on overdrive! Maybe the strain of such a long trip would be too much on Bella (my 2007 GMC Denali). What if she broke down in the middle of the desert? My mind was suggesting a staycation. There was too much too risk!

And then, Spirit put more people in my path. I was discussing my trip with a coworker who gave me the most valuable trip tips – what scenic freeway to take, what campsites to sleep at, and what Indian reservations to visit. She was what I needed to reenergize my excitement about taking this trip.

Every time doubt set in about going on this trip, I reminded myself that it was for my highest and best and it was part of my healing process. Let my intuition be my guide!

Spirit kept sending me messages of encouragement. Reminding me that I was doing the right thing. My intuition was also telling me that I was making the right choices.

At the strong suggestion of a good friend, I left a day earlier than planned. I missed the holiday traffic. So glad I listened to my friend and trusted my intuition.

I left a day earlier than planned, and found Camp Eden

I stopped at places I might not have visited due to time constraints.

While camping and hiking on a Navajo Indian reservation, I wouldn’t have had the chat with a gentleman about channeling energy within the confines of his religion.

While I was hiking down Cathedral Rock, I definitely would not have met the medium who sees auras. She and I chatted for almost an hour! She shared with me some very important teachings. One teaching was letting go with love. Grounding, Centering, Connecting = Always in alignment!

I wouldn’t have chosen Camp Eden to camp at during my stay in Sedona. The property is beautiful. My campsite was near a river. While at Camp Eden there was a group of Indians telling stories, singing and praying for the bees. I may not have been sitting with them that night but I did hear their singing!

The next day I was able to participate in a sage circle. I made connections with other staying at the campground. I met the camp hosts and their precious daughter.

While taking another hike on Day 2 in Sedona, I would not have talked with the man who was writing a book and who happened to see me talking to the medium the day before. I definitely would not have helped the woman get the rest of the way up the trail to Kachina Woman Rock Vortex or hold her hand while we hiked down the trail.

On my final day at Camp Eden

I was meditating at the river. I wasn’t ready to leave but I knew I needed to start my return trip. I sat at the river listening to the birds, the water as it rushed by, and enjoying the sensation of the cool water just covering my feet.

My intuition told me it was time to open my eyes and when I looked at the time it was 11:11! I laughed at the synchronicity and then returned to my campsite to prepare for the drive home.

My intuition also told me to use my pendulum to decide which way to travel home. I ended up taking a completely different route than I had planned.

I’m so glad I listened to my intuition!

I stopped at scenic views, visited Four Corners, I hiked a trail to a beautiful waterfall, and I ate at a local farmer’s market in Cortez.

My entire trip was perfect!

I let go of my need to control every aspect.

I had a spiritually expansive adventure.

I met people I’m sure I’ll see again.

I met people who shared valuable life lessons.

I listened to a book I probably wouldn’t have read – which BTW was really good.

I stopped at places I wouldn’t have stopped at if I had someone else had been in the car with me; and as a result, I saw some beautiful landmarks. I was never fearful. I was always excited!

Listen to your intuition – you will not be disappointed!

If you are curious about Reiki, intuition, where I camped, the hotels I stayed in, the book I read, the route I took or if you have any comments, please lea