Keeping In Touch With Your Intuition: Amanda Surratt On How To Get In Touch With Your Intuition And When To Trust Your Intuition When Making Decisions

An Interview With Maria Angelova

Write or journal using stream-of-consciousness. Journaling can be a powerful tool to help you connect with your intuition. I find it works best when you allow your journal entries to come through as unfiltered expressions stream-of-consciousness style. This freedom of expression helps you write from your most authentic self, allowing your intuitive thoughts to surface naturally. It also creates a record of intuitive insights, which can later help you remember and reflect on those “intuitive hits” that you may otherwise have forgotten — which can also help you build your confidence around your intuition!

Intuition is defined as the ability to understand something immediately without the need for conscious reasoning. Where does intuition come from? Can it be trusted? How can someone tune in to their intuition? To address these questions, we are talking to business leaders, coaches, mental health experts, authors, and anyone who is an authority on “How to Get In Touch With Your Intuition And When To Trust Your Intuition When Making Decisions.” As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Surratt.

Amanda (Brameister) Surratt is a certified life coach and reiki master practitioner who helps people live a balanced and joyful life by (re)connecting to their inner wisdom. She spent 12+ years in Corporate America before responding to her true calling to help others through coaching and energy work. Her unique approach blends the pragmatism of evidence-based, scientifically informed methodologies with the intuition and empathy of an energy worker and healer. You can learn more about Amanda at www.amandasurratt.com.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?

Certainly! I was born and raised on the west coast of Florida, which was fitting because I loved the water! Maybe it is because I am a Pisces, but as a child I spent as much time as possible in the pool and on our family boat. I even saved up money from babysitting and bought my own small boat when I was 14. I took that boat out countless times exploring the river and bays, looking for dolphins, and soaking up the sunshine and salt air. Besides that, I was highly creative and loved to draw, build, imagine, act, and create. I was a quiet child who followed the rules, stayed out of trouble, and did well in school. I always did what I thought I was “supposed” to do, but ultimately, I realized that I am supposed to be my authentic self!

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

This is an easy one for me to answer because this quote has been my personal motto ever since my dad had it engraved in a ring for me 20+ years ago: “To thine own self be true”. When my dad chose this quote, he knew the familiar saying but did not realize that it is from Shakespeare! The quote has taken on great meaning in my life because I view it as being true to one’s Self with a capital “S” — the higher Self, the true essence that is connected to our divine, universal nature. I believe this higher Self to be the source of our inner wisdom and intuition. How appropriate that I would later become a reiki master, which requires me to lean deeply into my intuition on a daily basis.

Is there a particular book, podcast, or film that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

I love Michael Singer’s The Surrender Experiment: My Journey Into Life’s Perfection. In this autobiographical account, Singer chronicles his 40-year “experiment” of saying Yes to Life. In the early 1970’s, when he was a PhD student in economics, Singer went through a deep inner awakening and began his lifelong journey into meditation, yoga, and surrendering to life’s twists and turns. His story is truly remarkable — from doctoral candidate to secluded yogi, from carpenter to software developer, from spiritual teacher to founder of a billion-dollar public company. What is more remarkable, though, is Singer’s willingness to follow the winding path that Life laid out for him, even when it took him down unforeseen and unlikely roads.

As a reader, it is one thing to read about the concepts and ideals of surrender, but quite another to read the story of someone who has done it. The Surrender Experiment is deeply inspiring because it charts a path for the rest of us to follow: that is, how to live our lives with peace and grace, if we only but choose to surrender.

Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. Let’s begin with a definition of terms so that each of us and our readers are on the same page. What exactly does intuition mean? Can you explain?

Let me nerd out and start with something of a literal definition: the Latin root word for intuition means to look (at). To me, intuition means looking at, or contemplating, our spontaneous internal stirrings and sense of knowingness. The “gut feeling” that is so often referenced when talking about intuition is really a sense of inner vision that can guide our actions and decisions.

How would you define common sense? Are intuition and common sense related?

Common sense is a practical, pragmatic understanding of something based on life experience and widely accepted knowledge. Like intuition, common sense can act as a short-cut in decision making, and it can provide practical information to help guide our actions, but they are certainly not the same.

How are they different from each other?

I think of common sense like a computer program — or AI! — which processes bits of data gathered over time to make a logical guess or decision about something. Common sense involves the thinking mind and is based on all the little pieces of experience and knowledge we have accumulated over our lives. We can apply common sense to familiar situations or experiences that we have encountered before or seen others encounter; or, we can use our reasoning and logic to extend our common sense about one situation to a similar or related situation.

Intuition, on the other hand, does not involve the thinking mind; there is no logic or conscious reasoning involved. Intuition is more of a “spontaneous knowingness”, and we can experience this phenomenon regardless of whether we are facing a situation that is familiar or one that is completely foreign. Interestingly, intuition may actually defy common sense!

What are the positive aspects of being in touch with your intuition? Can you give a story or example to explain what you mean?

Being in tune with our intuition helps us develop our sense of self-trust as we gain confidence in listening to that inner voice. Relatedly, being in touch with our intuition can help our decision-making by guiding us towards choices that resonate with our inner values. This leads to yet another benefit: cultivating a sense of authenticity. Similar to the lesson from my favorite quote, “To thine own Self be true”, intuition helps us connect to the whispers of our authentic higher Self. Last but certainly not least, being in touch with our intuition can help us navigate and improve relationships. Intuition can help us recognize when someone is acting for our greatest good and when someone may have ulterior motives; it can help us cultivate empathy and connect deeply; and it can help us improve our communication by guiding us with when to speak up and what to say.

On a personal note, I will share two related examples of intuition at work in my relationships. In the first example, I did not follow my intuition and ended up paying a high price; in the second example, fortunately I did follow my intuition, and I gained an amazing friendship as a result.

When I was single, I once met an attractive, successful, and outgoing man who everyone else seemed to think was an incredible catch. Despite this, my intuition told me to stay away; in fact, my gut feeling was that there was something almost sinister about him. I decided to ignore my intuition and date him, reasoning that my gut feeling had to be wrong if everyone else thought he was such a good catch. As it turns out, my intuition was right, and that brief relationship caused me a great deal of pain and suffering.

Around the same time, I had a new colleague at work. My intuition told me that she was trustworthy and emotionally intelligent, so I confided in her about my brief relationship with the successful-but-sinister man. Not only was my new colleague trustworthy and emotionally intelligent, but her compassion, empathy and support combined with my vulnerability to form the basis of an incredible, enduring friendship.

Are there negative aspects to being guided by intuition? Can you give a story or example to explain what you mean?

In my own experience, the only negative aspect related to intuition has occurred when I chose not to listen to it. As I shared in my personal example above, ignoring my intuition led me into a good deal of pain and suffering; on the bright side, it also offered me an important lesson.

Of course, it is important to recognize that our intuition may be subject to biases based on our own individual experiences. It can be difficult to distinguish between wishful thinking, personal biases, and intuitive insights.

Also, the gut feelings or “intuitive hits” we experience are difficult, if not impossible, to prove objectively. That said, it may be hard to explain or defend a decision that is guided by your intuition.

Can you give some guidance about when one should make a decision based on their intuition and when one should use other methods to come to a decision?

I recommend using your intuition to make a decision when:

• Time is of the essence: If you need a quick or immediate decision, trust your intuition and go with your initial instinct.
• Creativity is important: In this case, your intuition may help you think outside the box or connect seemingly unrelated ideas.
• You meet someone new: First impressions are usually driven by your gut instinct, but be wary of the potential biases I mentioned before.
• Emotions are a key factor: In this case, tune in to your emotions and intuition when making your decision.
• You are facing “Decision Fatigue”: Either you have already made too many decisions, or you feel overwhelmed by too many options. In this case, either delay your decision and reevaluate, or follow your intuition.

I recommend using a more reflective or analytical approach to decision-making in other scenarios, such as when extensive data and/or expertise are required. For such scenarios, the decision-making process may involve: defining the problem, setting priorities, gathering information, considering alternatives, making a decision, and evaluating the decision. If you are not up for all of these steps, consider following your intuition.

I also recommend “sleeping on it”. The conscious mind can only hold so much information. If you have done the research, let your unconscious mind work on it, then follow your intuition.

From your experience or perspective, what are some of the common barriers that hold someone back from trusting their intuition?

Self-doubt can be a major barrier to trusting our intuition. If we lack confidence in our own judgement or if we have received negative feedback after following our intuition, that self-doubt may prevent us from trusting our intuition in the future. Overthinking can be another barrier to intuition: it is easy to get caught up in our mind chatter, and the more we overanalyze, the less likely we are to notice or heed our intuition. Even a simple lack of practice using our intuition can prevent us from connecting to that inner wisdom.

Here is the central question of our discussion. What are five methods that someone can use to become more in touch with their intuition?

https://youtu.be/aaxT_2qEoLg

1 . Make space for quiet reflection, meditation or prayer daily. Each of these practices will help you quiet — or at least notice — the mind. Even if you cannot fully quiet the mind, you can increase your self-awareness by paying attention to your thoughts and watching them without judgment as an “observer.” Reflection, meditation and prayer also help you make room for your intuitive insights to arise. If you need an anchoring practice to meditate, do a quick internet search of the “Sa Ta Na Ma” meditation referenced in Dr. Andrew Newberg’s book, How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist. The mantra used in this scientifically-studied meditation loosely translates to shedding the old you, and becoming who you were meant to be: your true self. What better mantra to help you get in touch with your intuition?!

2 . Use Muscle Testing to tap into your unconscious mind’s wisdom. I recently discussed Muscle Testing, also known as Applied Kinesiology, on an episode of The Divine Messages Podcast called “Choose Your Spiritual Influencers Wisely.” Muscle Testing is an intuitive technique that is based on principles of biomagnetic energy. While our conscious mind is mostly oblivious of these energies, our intuitive subconscious minds are profoundly affected by them. You can use muscle testing to ask yes or no questions and get clear, immediate answers about what is in your best interest or for your highest good. To test yourself using the sway technique, stand with feet hip width apart and wait until a complete stillness comes into your body. Then, ask a Yes or No question and wait until your body starts to automatically sway: if it moves forward, the answer is a Yes; if it moves backwards, the answer is a No.

3 . Write or journal using stream-of-consciousness. Journaling can be a powerful tool to help you connect with your intuition. I find it works best when you allow your journal entries to come through as unfiltered expressions stream-of-consciousness style. This freedom of expression helps you write from your most authentic self, allowing your intuitive thoughts to surface naturally. It also creates a record of intuitive insights, which can later help you remember and reflect on those “intuitive hits” that you may otherwise have forgotten — which can also help you build your confidence around your intuition!

4 . Scan your body for information and insight. I prefer to use this technique while lying on my back, but when that is not possible, a quick scan from any position will provide valuable insight. As you contemplate a decision or situation, start your scan by tuning in to your body’s sensations such as tension, ease, a sense of lightness, or any other feelings that may arise. Notice if there is a particular part of your body from which the sensation seems to emanate. If you can pinpoint a certain area, I love referencing Louise Hay’s book, Heal Your Body A — Z for deeper insight. Keep in mind that the left side of the body is connected to feminine energies, and the right side of the body is connected to masculine energies. As an example, if you feel a sense of weight or tension in your left shoulder, consider if there is a female in your life who is making you feel burdened. Our bodies hold great wisdom; we simply have to access it without the thinking mind’s chatter.

5 . Take an Intuitive Development Class. Many metaphysical practitioners offer Intuitive Development classes designed specifically to help you connect with your deep inner wisdom and intuition. A quick online search can help you find practitioners or groups in your area, or you can take a course online. One word of advice on this: choose your practitioner or teacher wisely. When deciding on a class to take, use the four previously mentioned techniques to employ your budding intuition and make sure the class is a good fit. For more on this topic, check out my guest appearance on the aforementioned episode of The Divine Messages Podcast entitled “Choose Your Spiritual Influencers Wisely.”

You are a person of significant influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?

I would love to see a movement of Device Free Dinners. Let me explain: we are almost all connected to devices — whether it is our smart phones, laptops, iPads, tvs, smart watches, etc. — for more hours every day than we probably care to admit. When we are tuned in to these devices, it is that much harder for us to tune in to our intuition, or even to the people around us! Imagine if everyone would disconnect from their devices every evening during dinner time. We would be more present in the moment, more tuned in to our companions, and more likely to make space for our intuition. This small daily commitment could have a huge impact!

Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? Maybe we can tag them and see what happens!

I might as well dream big here, so I will say Eckhart Tolle. His book A New Earth: Awakening To Your Life’s Purpose may have been the first spiritual book I ever read. I was introduced to it in 2015 as part of my Yoga Teacher Training curriculum. The book was completely transformational to me: I realized how deeply I wanted to feel inner peace, and that I was the only thing preventing it. I have been striving for inner peace ever since. Meister Eckhart is one of very few Beings who has reached that state of inner peace, and I am honored to be his contemporary.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/amandasurrattcoaching/, check out my website at www.amandasurratt.com, or access my Linktree at https://linktr.ee/amandasurrattcoaching.

Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!

About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.