The what of it isn't the point of it.

“Instinct is the nose of the mind.” ~ Delphine de Girardin

I love that quote by de Girardin. It resonates with me as much as another profound statement by the renowned Portuguese poet and writer, Fernando Pessoa:

“If the heart could think it would stop beating.”

My life has been guided by my metaphorically large nose, and my heartbeat syncs with the rhythm of my inner spirit. I have followed my intuition unwaveringly (I can’t even begin to recall the number of roles I’ve taken on), and a recent inspiration exemplifies this.

The idea came out of the blue more than a year ago and, since then, a group of talented and fun-loving individuals has passionately worked to refine both it, as well as our experience together, into something extraordinary—interesting, insightful, entertaining, and fun.

What is it, exactly? It’s called I Hear Dead People? and it’s an ongoing series of interview podcasts featuring some of history’s greatest thinkers and teachers—remarkable individuals like The Buddha, Plato, Nietzsche, Marcus Aurelius, Carl Jung, and Jesus Christ. However, the “what” of it is not the point of it, which may baffle some. In fact, a friend, upon learning about the podcast, expressed his doubts in an email:

“I signed up for the series, but in general, I’m not sure these dead thinkers provide a way forward for the problems and issues that we face.”

I respectfully disagree with his viewpoint—and if you listen closely to the interviews and inquire deeply, you will understand why—but again, it is truly beside the point. Let me try to explain.

In a world that emphasizes outcomes and careful planning—a world where the end not only justifies the means but increasingly inspires it—there’s an underrated force of nature that has the power to guide us towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

It’s that inner voice that comes out of the blue and whispers softly, nudging us toward choices that might defy logic but resonate with our deepest desires. And if we have the courage to listen to it, brings us a life of curiosity, connection, and boundless energy.

Following your intuition isn’t just a way of living; it’s the best way to live, and here are a few reasons why:

• Authenticity: Intuition is your inner compass. Embracing it means living authentically, aligning your choices with your values and desires, which fosters a profound sense of purpose and expression. It allows you to recognize, and pursue, what you really want and what’s truly beneficial for you, and to freely and confidently be your Self.
• Creativity: Intuition and creativity go hand in hand. It’s that instinctive spark and the subsequent challenge that ignites your imagination and leads to innovative thinking. By trusting your intuition, you open doors to new and exciting possibilities, both in your personal and professional endeavors.
• Resilience: Life is unpredictable, filled with twists and turns, and its greatest rewards often lie beyond our comfort zones. Relying on intuition hones your adaptability and resilience. It’s a valuable tool for navigating uncertain times, helping you make swift decisions and move forward with confidence, even when the path is unclear.
• Passion: Intuition fuels your passions. It’s the driving force behind the interests and pursuits that bring you joy. By following your intuitive passions, you’re more likely to lead an exciting and fulfilling life brimming with enthusiasm and creativity.
• Self-discovery: Following your intuition is an ongoing journey of self-discovery. It encourages you to explore your inner depths, face your fears, and uncover hidden talents and strengths. This process of self-discovery is enriching and leads to a profound sense of empowerment, gratitude, and humility.
• Self-confidence: When you trust your intuition, you’re building a strong foundation of autonomy and self-reliance. Over time, this trust becomes an unwavering belief in your own judgment and abilities, empowering you to tackle any challenge head-on.
• Peace of mind: Decision anxiety often arises from overthinking and excessive analysis. Surrendering to your inner voice offers clarity and simplicity in your decision-making, allowing you to bypass endless deliberation and move forward decisively, free from fear, shame and regret.
• Togetherness: Following your intuition creates the ineffable “us”—something bigger than you. A spirited connection with like-minded individuals who take on their roles consciously and play all-out, in order to stretch and to grow and, above all, to create something beautiful. By listening to your inner voice—and collaborating and striving to understand each other’s perspectives and needs—deeper, more meaningful relationships are forged and something special emerges.

There’s a saying, attributed to various sources:

Happiness is pretty simple: someone to love, something to do, something to look forward to.

Following your intuition brings these life-affirming elements to your life. And that’s the point of it! It’s a celebration centered around any sort of intriguing “what” that catalyzes interconnectedness, learning, growth, fun… and love.

In a world that marginalizes the invisible and prioritizes external validation and conformity, living a life that’s guided by your inner wisdom and passion is a revolutionary act. Reclaim your mind and reconnect with your heart. Dare to trust that inner voice. It knows the path to a fulfilling life; all you need to do is listen to it.

P.S. Episode One of I Hear Dead People with the O.G. Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, premiers on October 11th. But if you subscribe to the podcast on Substack, you’ll get early access to ad-free episodes, full transcripts, bonus content, community discussions, and more.

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