August has been a turbo charged month for me. Notwithstanding the major cosmic alignments of Lion’s Gate portal, super moons and Venus Retrograde, from end to end this month has uprooted the final stone of my old life and given me the space and supports on all levels to re-build a whole new foundation. Being both the observer and the participant in this incredible transformation has humbled me to my core. Although I am the one walking this spiral and embodying the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional shifts, never once have I felt alone in this path and that is such a joyous reconning as I reflect on my life journey to date.
Often people ask me “how do I do it?” As they observe me moving through some very heavy emotional events and still put on art exhibitions, record Podcasts, raise my children and work full time teaching. When I look at it all, yes it does seem like a lot. The short answer is that I have a really solid spiritual practice that allows me to channel my energy and connect with my inner being so that I can tap into the wellspring of my intuition and cultivate all that wants to be created as well as all that needs to be completed and continued.
I will share with you my five core transformative practices that have helped me harness my intuition and live life from a place of graceful surrender expanding my notion of self along the way.
1. Mindful Awareness: The Gateway to Intuition
At the heart of intuitive living is mindful awareness – the practice of being fully present in each moment. When I consciously engage with my surroundings, emotions, and thoughts, I create space for intuition to arise. I also like to call this practice “paying attention”. When I am paying attention I notice the tension in my body, my breath, my words, my thoughts and how it is all moving together to align me with “the moment”. It is a practice of deep listening.
2. Meditation: Nurturing the Inner Voice
Meditation is the cornerstone of my spiritual journey. Through regular meditation, I’ve learned to quiet the chatter of my mind and listen to my inner voice. There are so many styles of mediation out there. I particularly like to use visualisation and movement. I find the more kinesthetic practices allow me to come back to centre. Especially with three children, finding a moment to sit and meditate often is a challenge for me. If I can get out in nature and do a sensory activation, feeling each of the elements that is also a bonus. However, my committed daily practice is a very simple visualisation that grounds me and sets up my intention to nurture my inner voice and bring me back to peace and calmness.
3. Creative Expression: Unleashing Intuitive Wisdom
Engaging in creative activities – whether it’s painting, writing, dance, or playing music – opens a channel for intuitive insights. As an artist this is foundational for me. Both in terms of making ‘work’ and also in terms of expressing the inner workings and processing big moments in my life. So much of what I create is channeled and the practices of mindfulness and meditation feed my creative expression. There is a seamless flow here. The impulse to create is fundamental to our human experience.
4. Nature Communion: Listening to Earth’s Whispers
Nature is a profound teacher of surrender and intuition. When I spend time in nature, I witness the cycles of growth, decay, and rebirth, reminding me of the ebb and flow of life. Nature is where I go to rest, to restore, to receive. There is so much wisdom our precious Earth Mother shares with us. So much magic and majesty. Whenever nothing else works I go out into nature and she takes away all that is no longer for me to carry. So much love and generosity is given.
5. Journaling: Dialoguing with the Soul
Writing in a journal creates a sacred space for a dialogue between my conscious mind and my deeper self. Many of my journals were destroyed in the 2022 floods. It is interesting that journaling has always been part of my life. I received my first one at age 11 and I have been journaling since then. One of the things I love about journaling is that uncensored dialogue I can have with myself. Moving from a re-count of events to deeper insights I often notice recurring themes that point towards a clear path when I am unsure about a direction to take. Or heart felt embrace of myself in painful moments, as if my intuition had been patiently waiting for the chance to speak and let me know I am safe, loved and held in all ways.
Embracing these spiritual practices has not only allowed me to tap into my intuition but has also transformed the way I navigate life. By cultivating mindful awareness, meditation, creative expression, nature communion, and journaling, I’ve found myself living from a place of surrender, trusting the inherent wisdom that guides my journey. As you embark on your own path of intuitive living, remember that it’s a journey unique to you – a journey towards a life filled with flow, purpose, and an unwavering connection to your inner self.
Nazanin Marashian 