I always thought of instinct as something to protect myself. I still do, but it’s much bigger and better than that. 

Instinct is when we feel a connection or a disconnection with a thought, an action, a person, an event. We must listen to our instinctual responses to the world around us. What do I mean?    

Feels like angels nudging us in a direction. Our soul whispers.  

Feels like wise ancestors advising us. Our mind guides.

Feels like an intense thumping when something is right or wrong. Our heart stirs.

Feels like internal electricity that says no or yes. Our body senses.

All speak to us. Instinct will show us the way. We feel peaceful or restless.   

Psychology Today says a common instinct is also compassion. How beautiful because we think outside ourselves. It’s natural for us to truly want to help others. 

And at the same time, we help ourselves. It boosts our mood because we’re thinking of others and gives our lives meaning. It lowers our stress and raises our health; thus increases our life spans. 

Realize that instinct tells us that our compassionate nature can cause us harm. We need to know when and how to give to another. 

Think of “Teach a person to fish.” Think of the drowning person who can take the rescuer under. We can give another a fighting chance, but know when and how to do it. 

Thank God that instinct is part of us, to protect ourselves and others. 

Image by johnhain from Pixabay.