Following a hunch can mean a heap of trouble. Because even though you may think that hunches are intuitive - they're not. At least, not necessarily. Hunches can be picking up subtle vibes, or, they can be throwbacks to old situations, pains, fears, etc.

- So how do you know the difference between a hunch and true guidance? Now, I'm not normally the dictionary-quoting kind of person, but this is just too telling to leave out: Here's what the dictionary says for "hunch": An intuitive feeling or a premonition, To bend or draw up into a hump, To assume a crouched or cramped posture Hmm? Makes you think, huh? Now, compare that to the definition for "intuition": Direct perception of truth or fact, independent of any reasoning process; The act or faculty of knowing or sensing without the use of rational processes The power or faculty of gaining direct knowledge or cognition without evident rational thought and inference When you read these two groups of definitions, which one leaves you feeling tense and constricted? And which one leaves you feeling open and expanded? Hunches, by definition, are tension-wrought. Intuition, however, speaks of effortlessness. - So those little flashes I get. should I listen to them? Well, just 'cause it's subtle, doesn't mean it's true. I could whisper, "I'm a purple elephant" into your ear, and that doesn't make it any more true than if I shouted it at the top of my lungs.

What matters is how it affects your heart. - Does this mean all guidance feels positive, and hunches feel negative? Not at all. Your heart can hear true warnings, and stay expanded - it's a knowing that the course ahead isn't for you. Take these two situations, for example: 1: Someone calls you up and asks if they can reprint an article you've written in their newsletter. And while you're talking, you feel a tug in your gut, the hair on the back of your neck stands up, and it doesn't feel good.

2: You're talking with a potential client, and they're asking you about your services. In the midst of the conversation, you feel yourself getting excited, because this is someone you know has a lot of influence, and if you do good work for them it could be really beneficial for your business. - Is one a hunch, and one true guidance? The only way you'll know is if you check in with your heart. Based on these feelings alone, you could be stuck in a picture of the past, or getting good inspiration - you just can't tell yet. So, you check in with your heart, and you feel.

1: your heart feels okay, as if the bombs are exploding all around, but your heart isn't really affected. 2: you heart feels tight, squeezed. - So what does that tell you? It tells you that in both situations, you're having reactions based on past events.

That's the tension in the first situation, as well as the excitement in the second. But, in the first situation, your heart is open, while in the second, your heart is closing down. And that tells you that the first situation has potential in it, and it's something to be paid attention to. But the second, where your heart is clearly shutting down, is a situation to be avoided.

- So how do you reconcile the heart feelings with the gut feelings? Know that your heart is connected to the infinite oneness, and a greater perspective of truth. Your reactions, however, are based on your past. Your feelings will always steer you towards what you believe is positive, and away from what you believe is negative; it's all they can do, because it's all they see. Your heart, however, is tapped into a wisdom that goes beyond your experiences.

It can grant you knowledge that your past cannot. So, which one do you want to listen to? ;-) The moral of the story: Hunches only speak to feelings. And feelings, no matter how strong, are incomplete unless you consult your heart. So don't let your hunches get you into a heap of trouble, when your heart is waiting to bail you out!.

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