The Gut feeling

When I’m on the brink of breaking down, I know exactly who to call: the friend who listens without judgment and connects with every word. We all need that one person who recharges our batteries and makes everything seem a bit more manageable. Knowing how much we both enjoy classical music, I texted her with a suggestion to attend a concert together. Despite the hustle of the back-to-school season, Montreal still had some delightful summer events on offer, including the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal's 2024/2025 season premiere. I was excited about the opportunity to share this experience with her.

I got ready, slipping into a long, flowy beige and maroon dress, paired with a beige cardigan as the autumn breeze began to make its entrance with September. I completed the look with my beloved white mary-jane shoes—demure and cute, perfect for the evening.

Since it was a thirty-minute walk from my home, I decided to make the most of it by walking and practicing my Art of Noticing.

I met my friend at the entrance, and after exchanging warm greetings, we made our way to the concert hall. As always, she was graceful and perfectly embodied the essence of the evening’s vibe.

From the very beginning to the end, our ears were blessed by the purity of the performance. We were transported into a world of magnificent music, experiencing a suspended moment in time. Afterward, we had the chance to exchange a few words with the musicians as they came to meet the guests. We talked about how they had the opportunity to turn their passion into a profession, and how they transmit such a beautiful energy to the public. 

As we were chatting with one of the musicians, he revealed that the orchestra was seeking a creative director and that the position had just opened up. And guess who’s a very talented creative director currently looking for new opportunities? Yes, you guessed it right—it was my friend. It seemed like the perfect fit! She mentioned her experience in the field and expressed her interest in discussing the role further with the person in charge of recruitment. They exchanged phone numbers to stay in touch and explore this exciting opportunity.

As we left the concert hall, the sense of serendipity lingered. My friend looked at me with a knowing smile and said, “I had a gut feeling that we needed to be here tonight.” It was a reminder of how powerful our instincts can be. Sometimes, when everything aligns perfectly—like the right event at the right moment—it’s not just coincidence but a gentle nudge from our intuition guiding us toward something meaningful. We both felt that the evening was more than just a concert; it was a moment of connection and opportunity that we were destined to experience together. 

As we were walking back home, the evening’s events left us reflecting on how vital it is to trust our gut feelings and intuition. Often mistaken for anxiety, intuition is not a source of worry but rather a profound connection with our inner selves. It’s a subtle, yet powerful, form of inner guidance that goes beyond mere emotion. 

Unlike anxiety, which tends to amplify uncertainties and fears, intuition operates from a place of calm and certainty. It’s a quiet knowing that emerges when we are aligned with our true selves. While anxiety can cloud our judgment with hypothetical what-ifs and exaggerated fears, intuition offers a more grounded and authentic sense of direction.

Trusting your intuition involves listening to that inner voice that quietly guides you, often in ways that defy logical reasoning. It’s about being in tune with your values, experiences, and desires, allowing them to inform your decisions naturally and effortlessly. This connection is less about overthinking and more about recognizing and following subtle signals that resonate deeply within.

As we walked through the cool night air, we felt the truth of this understanding. The evening’s perfect alignment—a serendipitous encounter leading to a potential opportunity—was a testament to how following our gut feeling had led us to a meaningful experience. It was a reminder that intuition is a form of wisdom that helps us navigate our path with confidence and clarity.

Recognizing the difference between intuition and anxiety can be transformative. When we trust our intuitive nudges, we connect more deeply with our inner selves and make choices that align with our authentic desires and purpose. It’s about embracing that inner wisdom, allowing it to guide us with a sense of peace rather than being swayed by the turbulence of anxiety.

As we concluded our walk, the night seemed to echo this lesson. We realized that by trusting our intuition, we not only find direction but also foster a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us. The evening’s experience reaffirmed that intuition is a powerful ally, guiding us toward what feels right and true, amidst the noise of everyday life.

Imane Chibou.