On Instinct and Intuition #ListenToYourInstinct — Aura Mugler

Just a few of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of receiving a new fragrance, Aura Mugler by Thierry Mugler. The bottle is stunning; emerald green, with large facets all over and a silver M marking it as a Mugler fragrance. The fragrance itself is beautiful, warm, and exotic, with floral and herbal notes from orange blossoms, wolf wood, bourbon vanilla, and rhubarb.

Mugler has always produced products with a powerful message that celebrated women, encouraged them that they could be whoever they wanted, and showed them through their own journey the art and ability of always being able to reinvent oneself. All messages that have resonated with me and my story, as I went from studying law, to being a concert pianist and teacher, to now finally finding my passion in creating digital content related to fashion, beauty, and travel.

The most recent launch, Aura Mugler, embodies a woman who is deeply connected to her instinct, which allows her to live boldly and freely. It challenged me to think on my own journey of learning to be intuitive and listen to my instinct...

I'm not sure how, but growing up I seemed to have lost touch with my sense of intuition, and the results were:

-I over-thought everything, looking for the 'right answer'.

-I was indecisive to a point where I was often handicapped.

-I was far from confident and felt a bit lost.

-I was easily swayed.

-I was a follower, listening more to others than myself.

-I often did things to please people, instead of because I wanted to or agreed with what I was doing.

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In life, things aren't always clear-cut or black and white. You can't always find a 'right answer' or find empirical evidence showing you made the 'right decision'. You also can't rely on others to make your decisions for you. That's where your instinct comes in - it's meant to help you bridge the gap between logic and action.

While I'm still working on all of these things (life is a journey, and I don't believe any of us will ever 'arrive' and have it all perfect and figured out!), I have learned a lot on how to listen to better your instinct:

1) Do your Research

You might not need to do actual research, or maybe you will if it is job-related, but as much as this sounds like the opposite of using your instinct, it's is actually what allows you to use it well. Learn what you can, seek out others' advice, become as informed as possible. Then...

2) Be Mindful, Especially of your Body's Signals

Our body is often more in tune with ourselves than we are. A knotted up stomach, sweaty palms, blurred vision, ect., are signs that something isn't right. Contrastingly, feeling safe, peaceful and calm are signs that they are. Tune into your body and what it's sensing, as it will often help you listen to your instinct.

3) Let it Sit, Even Sleep on it if You Can

If you have time, stepping away from a situation or decision often helps you clear your head and reset. Often times, when you revisit it, you'll have a clearer sense of your gut instinct on the matter and be able to make a better decision. If you have the time to sleep on it, that's even better! So often we make decisions out of fear or pressure, instead of confidence, and time can change that.

4) Make Time to Escape and Be Still

It's really hard to be in tune with yourself and your instinct if you're constantly busy with no time to just sit and think. You likely won't even be able to identify what you're thinking and feeling half the time, let alone be able to process it and make decisions accordingly. Take time daily to sit, reflect, journal, and just be. Going outside can also be great for this, and leave you refreshed and with a clear head. As a Christian, I also try to stop, pray, and filter a situation through what I believe. I often end up remembering things that encourage me, and I make better decisions that I can stand behind proudly.

5) Practice Listening to your Instinct Regularly

Practice makes progress, I like to remember. Regularly practicing these steps and tuning into your instinct will allow you to do it faster and better in the future.

The results from doing so are amazing: peace, confidence, self-respect, and believing in yourself and your decisions.

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This year, I've been challenging myself to live and gift more meaningfully, which is why I love Mugler fragrances. Whether you're gifting a friend, mother, or loved one, give a gift that has meaning. Instead of just chocolate or flowers, how about a fragrance that is personal (you can even get a name inscribed!), symbolizes strength & individuality, celebrates femininity, all while reminding the woman you love to follow her instinct and live confidently?

Bisous,

Laurelle

This post was sponsored by Clarins, but as always, all thought and opinions are 100% my own.