Learning to Be Psychic in the Now

We know that everyone is psychic, but many people feel that they have no gift. Like any other native ability, such as being able to read or to ride a bicycle, using psychic arts requires practice, and if you want to be an advanced practitioner, you may want formal training.

But for the everyday beginner, there are simple things you can do to open to your psychic powers. First, start listening for guidance from your psychic agent, a generic name for the guardian angel, inner being, intuition, higher self or whatever your call yours. Mine is called "bump of direction."

For practice, go on a short journey of discovery. Set your intent to experience a pleasant moment, a satori or flash of enlightenment. Take a walk around the neighborhood or in a park (or ride a bike, or if necessary, drive in your car but not in a crowded area). Each time you come to an intersection, listen to your self as to which way to go: ahead, left, right, or even turn around.

If you don't have a "nudge" in your mind, you might look at each possible path, and see which one looks brighter, more inviting, or clearer. Or you may extend your hand and feel which path seems slightly warmer or a tiny bit tingly. These little indications are very subtle at first, as the beginner is used to ignoring them. The inner being likes being ignored as much as you do, so it will take a bit of coaxing to speak up.

Remember that you are not on the fast trick to a destination, but on a journey of discovery. Take time to notice the surroundings: plants, animals, people, architecture, landscape. Enjoy the softness of gray clouds behind trees, or the play of sunlight on the objects you pass. Even the sight of a woman petting her dog while perched on a bench outside her house can fill you with the Love energy of the Universe.

Use common sense, however. If you are driving around, listen for a "nudge" as soon as you see the intersection. Don't block traffic trying to decide which way to go, and don't swerve into another lane and cut off another driver because you think you need to turn. You can wait until it is safe. If you turn in a direction that feels unsafe, dark, sharp or uncomfortable, turn around or move somewhere else.

Magic is not for protection from stupidity. Be aware. Be in the NOW. That is the point of the exercise, to open your inner knowing to the outer world. Your inner being will not lead you into danger, but your persona/ego might. Pay attention.

For each glimpse of something beautiful, poignant, or joyful, say a small prayer of thanksgiving. Nod "yes" to yourself, and feel that you are connected to All That IS, no mater how delicate or tenuous the connection. This experience allows you to trust yourself and to build up a repertoire of inner guidance.

Then you will be better able to discern when your inner being is in the driver's seat, and not the persona/ego. You'll know when you are clear, and you'll be more open to the psychic understanding that you seek.