Debi Barr Says Intuition Isn’t Woo-Woo: Signs, Examples, and How to Trust It

Many women have been taught to ignore their intuition. We’re told it’s silly, flaky, or too “woo-woo” to trust gut feelings. Instead, we’re encouraged to be logical and sensible, to have evidence and reasons for everything.

But intuition isn’t some mystical power reserved for a select few. It’s a natural, human ability we all share. The real challenge is learning how to hear it again. (Photo by Shannon Barr photography - purchased and licensed by Debi Barr for commercial use)

What Intuition Really Is

Intuition is your inner knowing. It’s that quiet sense that something feels right or wrong—even before you can explain why.

It’s the gut feeling that tells you to slow down on the motorway. The subtle sense that someone isn’t being honest. The inexplicable pull towards a new opportunity that “just feels right.”

Intuition is not magic. It’s the part of you that’s always paying attention, even when you’re not consciously aware of it. It’s your mind, body, and experience working together beneath the surface.

We all have it. But many of us have forgotten how to listen.

Why We Lose Touch with It

There are many reasons intuition gets quieter over time.

We live in a noisy, distracted world. Screens, social media, constant news—there’s little space for quiet reflection.

We’re taught to value logic and analysis over feelings. Many of us learn to dismiss gut instincts as irrational.

People-pleasing plays a big role, too. When you spend your life trying to keep others happy or avoid conflict, you get used to ignoring the voice inside that says this isn’t right for me.

And then there’s fear. Fear of making the “wrong” choice, of not having proof, of being judged. It can feel safer to outsource decisions than to trust ourselves.

Signs Your Intuition Is Speaking

Even if it’s quiet, your intuition never really disappears. It simply waits for you to notice.

You might feel it as:

A gut feeling in your belly

Tightness or ease in your body

A quiet certainty without clear evidence

Repeated nudges or coincidences pointing you in a direction

A strong draw towards—or away from—someone or something

Often it’s subtle, more of a whisper than a shout. But the more you pay attention, the clearer it becomes.

Three Ways to Strengthen Your Intuition

You don’t need to become a psychic or mystic. Reconnecting is about making space to hear yourself again.

1. Quiet the Noise

Modern life is loud. Even a few minutes of silence can make a difference. Try sitting quietly without your phone. Take a slow walk without music or podcasts. Let your mind settle. Stillness gives intuition room to speak.

2. Listen to Your Body

Your body is incredibly wise. Notice where you feel tension or ease when making decisions. Does an option make your chest feel tight or light? Physical reactions are often the first signs of your inner knowing.

3. Ask and Reflect

Journalling can be a powerful way to connect. Try prompts such as:

What feels true to me right now?

What am I ignoring or pushing down?

What choice feels peaceful?

Write without overthinking. Let your answers surprise you.

Balancing Head and Heart

Reconnecting with your intuition is an act of trust. It might feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable if you’re used to dismissing your feelings. That’s okay.

This isn’t about abandoning logic. It’s about balancing your head and your heart.

You don’t need to get it right every time. Intuition is like any other skill—the more you practise, the clearer it becomes.

You might be surprised by how much you already know. Why not choose one small way to listen today?