Listening to Your Intuition: The Cost of Ignoring the Whisper Within
- Solomon Berezin
- Apr 2
- 5 min read
When one person tells you you’re a horse, they’re crazy. When three people tell you you’re a horse, there’s a conspiracy amuck. When ten people tell you you’re a horse, it’s time to buy a saddle. 🐎
Ever notice how when one person tells you something—like, say, “You’re a horse”—you might write it off as a strange opinion? But when three people tell you the same thing, you start to wonder if there’s a conspiracy in play. By the time ten people are saying it, well, it's time to buy a saddle.
The point is, when Hashem speaks through repeated signs and signals, ignoring them often leads to pain. But here’s the kicker: sometimes we only hear those signals clearly after we've already suffered the consequences of not listening to our inner voice.
This brings me to a reflection on three specific moments in my life when I didn’t listen to my intuition. Looking back, it’s clear how the result was always the same: discomfort, pain, procrastination, and other forms of self-sabotage. Here’s what happened:
1. Sticking Around in Relationships That Didn’t Serve Me
How many of us have stayed too long in relationships because we didn’t listen to that quiet voice inside us saying it was time to move on? I’ve been guilty of this more times than I’d like to admit. I’ve stayed in relationships longer than I should have or even started relationships that didn’t align with what I truly wanted from the beginning.
It’s easy to ignore the signals when you're caught up in the moment or trying to make things work out. But, eventually, the discomfort becomes unbearable. I learned that my intuition was speaking loud and clear—just as the consequences were finally catching up with me.
2. Missing Out on Opportunities for Growth
How often have we hesitated to take that leap into something new—whether it’s attending a workshop or signing up for an event—that we know deep down could contribute to our growth? I’ve missed opportunities, putting them off, telling myself that “it’s not the right time” or “I’ll go next time,” or even listening to mentors say “you don’t need it,” “it’s a lot of money,” but deep down I felt drawn to go. And then, when I finally went, it was clear that it was exactly what I needed at that moment.
By ignoring the calls to push myself, I ended up wasting time, energy, and resources that could have been better invested earlier. Ultimately, the pain of procrastination and delay was much more powerful than if I’d trusted my gut from the start.
3. Pushing Through Physical Pain
This one hits close to home. From basketball injuries to overworking myself, I’ve pushed through physical pain many times. I’ve ignored those warning signs from my body—especially when I was laser-focused on goals or tasks. But the price was steep. Whether it was an injury or burnout, the consequences of not listening to my body became glaringly obvious after the fact.
When we don’t listen to our intuition, there’s a ripple effect. Over time, it creates stress, anxiety, and emotional strain, which then manifest as physical illness or disease. Thought leaders in the realm of the mind-body connection speak about how long-term stress can literally lead to dis-ease in the body. I know firsthand how stress and unacknowledged feelings can build up, eventually creating conditions for illness or injury.
What I realized in reflecting on these events is that, in all three situations, there was a common thread: I only really heard my intuition once it was very loud and the situation became too painful to ignore. It was as though Hashem was shouting, trying to get my attention.
But what if we could listen sooner? What if we could recognize the subtle signs before Hashem had to raise the volume?
How to Listen and Make Space for Intuition
The key, I believe, is to make space for the quiet voice that speaks within us, before it turns into a scream. It requires checking in with yourself regularly—something we often neglect in our busy lives. Here are a few practices I’ve found useful:
Meditate on connecting with your inner child or higher self. These moments of quiet reflection can help you tap into the wisdom that’s been inside you all along.
Journal to capture those fleeting hunches, intuitive nudges, or pieces of information that stand out. Writing can help you process and honor these insights.
Speak with a trusted mentor or friend—but be selective about who you turn to. The advice and guidance from others is important, but ultimately, you are the one who has to live with your decision. And that’s why it’s crucial to trust yourself.
Listening to Your Inner Voice
A powerful experience recently reminded me of the importance of listening to intuition. During a guided meditation, I envisioned myself playing basketball in Madison Square Garden. The crowd was roaring, the game was intense, and I hesitated before taking a critical three-point shot. In a time out, my coach called me over. As I approached him, I realized it was my future self—older, wiser, and full of love.
“Why don’t I listen to my intuition?” I asked. He grabbed my head gently, pulling me close, and said, “It’s because you weren’t encouraged to do so growing up. But you’re getting better at it. You’re doing great—just keep shooting.”
“How do I listen to my intuition?” I asked.
He then told me, “When you’re on that court, don’t think of anyone else—don’t think of me, don’t think of the crowd. Just play. And when you feel the nudge, shoot. Even if it’s deep.”
The game resumed and I played my heart out. Another opportunity came and this time I swished the shot. As the ball hit the floor, I was drawn slowly out of the meditation.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt the deep truth of my coach, my wiser self's words.
Perhaps, when it comes to intuition, we all need a little love and encouragement. We were born knowing how to listen to ourselves. The only reason we stray from it is because it wasn’t always encouraged by those around us. And that’s okay. The important thing is to reawaken that connection, and be the example of honoring our intuition.
We all have that inner voice, the quiet whisper that guides us toward the things we’re meant to do. The challenge is in trusting it—before the universe has to shout. It may take time, patience, and self-compassion, but learning to listen to your intuition is a journey worth taking. After all, you’re the one who has to live with your decisions.
So next time you hear that nudge or feel that pull—whether in relationships, opportunities, or physical health—remember to listen. You don’t have to wait for ten people to tell you that you’re a horse. Trust your own wisdom, saddle up, and go for it. Even if ten people tell you you're a horse, but deep down you know you’re an amazing human being with a spark of inspiration calling you, go for it! I can only imagine the dozens if not thousands of people who labeled many of our greatest inventors as crazy, yet they honored the calling they had.
Leverage and lean into your intuition.
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