Arise Monthly Guide: Intuition

Each guide blends practical self-defense strategies with reflection prompts, empowerment tools, and insights from our classes and community. Whether you’re a parent, educator, teen, or professional, you’ll find resources here to help you grow stronger — in body, voice, and mindset.

Have you ever been in a situation that just felt off?

Maybe you couldn’t explain why, but you felt some kind of bad vibe and just wanted to leave as soon as possible. Maybe your hands started to sweat, your heart rate shot up, or your stomach started hurting…

That’s your intuition.

We all have it, but we’re not always good at listening to it. Sometimes, people will even discourage you from listening to it and call you “silly” or “dramatic” if you bring it up.

But your intuition is not silly or dramatic at all—it’s a way your body senses danger and tries to protect you from it. And, it’s a skill everyone can grow in. So, let’s learn to listen to our intuition—together.

- Jess

“Safety starts with knowing that your intuition about people is a brilliant guardian.” -Gavin de Becker

💭Reflection question: Is there a time you knew something was “off” but ignored that feeling? What happened?

On The Blog

Your intuition is there to keep you safe. But how do you listen to it? Today’s blog post covers a four-step process to start using your intuition for safety:

  1. Pay attention to your body.

  2. Assess your situation.

  3. Decide on your options.

  4. Act with confidence.

👉 Read more on today’s blog post: 4 Steps to Use Your Intuition for Safety

👉 Related post: How to Stand Up for Yourself—Literally

Try It Out

Practice paying attention to your body and surroundings with the 5-4-3-2-1 technique. Stop, be still, and use your senses to observe:

  • 5 things you can see.

  • 4 things you can hear.

  • 3 things you fan feel.

  • 2 things you can smell.

  • 1 thing you can taste.

👉 Learn more about this technique and how it can help tune into your senses and combat anxiety HERE.

Check It Out

Want to dive deeper into the topic of intuition and safety? Check out these resources:

📖 BOOK: The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence by Gavin de Becker. Full of practical suggestions and tips, this book explores how trusting your intuition is the key to self-protection.

🎧 PODCAST: Body Connection with Dr. Hillary McBride on Meet Your Body podcast. Host Jessica Valant interviews Dr. Hillary McBride, author of “The Wisdom of Your Body,” about how to connect more with your body—a key first step to listening to your intuition.

✍️ COURSE: 14-Day Beginner Empowerment Self-Defense Course: Self-directed, online, and designed to help you feel more secure, assertive, and in control of everyday situations.

Want to join the club? Upcoming Summer Events

Things might be slowing down a little over the summer but we’ve got a couple of things to watch out for.

🗓 Monthly Sundays at Flow Martial Arts, Vancouver June 29 | No Class July | August 24 | 4:30-6pm |  Adults and Teens No experience needed. Drop-in friendly.

Register here »

🗓 Be Your Own Hero Summer Camps at 341 E.Broadway, Vancouver

July 14-18 | 9-12pm AND August 18-21 | 10-2pm

Co-ed camps for ages 8-13 years.

July registration here »

August registration here »

Whatever you’re looking for, we hope to offer  ways to deepen your practice, build confidence, and connect regularly with our community. More to come in the fall!

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