Discerning the Difference Between Intuition and Impulse
By Cari L. Murphy
So, how do we know if the inner voice we’re listening to is actually our intuition and not something else, like a sudden impulse? It is a fascinating and important question to address on our journey through life. I personally feel that when we pay attention to that still small intui- tive voice that attempts to guide us from moment to moment, we remain on our soul’s path with conscious intent and deliberate action. The challenge we face lies in determining what voice we’re listening to! It can be challenging to determine whether we’re receiving guidance or advice from our intuition/higher self or just the impulsive tendency that stems from our own logic or ego. It can be difficult to discern the difference if we know what signs to look for.
From my experience, impulsivity feels anxious and unsettling and it tends to create a false sense of need. It seem to stem from our ego, and our ego fears annihilation. There- fore, impulsivity kicks in because our ego fights for survival at all times. When we’re acting on impulse, we feel restless. The voice of the ego is usually critical, and it broadcasts loud and clear on the fear and anxiety channel! On some level it’s trying to protect us from embarrassments or failure. It has a job to do, it has its place, but it’s our responsibility to learn to recognize it for what it is. It operates from fear. It will only serves us to the extent that it’s trying to keep us safe. It’s looking to keep things secure in predictable patterns
August/September 2012
of the past. The ego assesses what is happening to us based on the limiting filters of our past experience and projected future scenarios that haven’t even yet happened. The ideas offered from the voice of the impulsive ego offers are usually just reactions to past that if feels could affect our future in negative ways.
Many people find comfort in listening to the ego voice, and logically speak- ing, it’s a valid way to go through life. It’s not out to hurt us, only to protect us and keep us comfortable in a routine. The ego doesn’t like change. While it seems like it has our best interest at heart, I don’t feel it leads us toward spiritual growth and awak- ening. Still, it serves its purpose. The voice of logic is the mental voice
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