Your Sixth Sense

Learning to trust your Gut Instinct

Today I honour the Muse within and again will be focusing on listening to my intuition. Sometimes we have those moments of inspiration or a sixth sense of what to do - it is up to us to listen to and trust that voice in order for us to follow our deepest intuitive centers, or our spirit. When we can listen to our intuition, we tap into the part of us that is connected to the planet that we are compromised of.

For me, the sixth sense is that deep, intuitive knowing that goes beyond logic and the five physical senses. It’s the feeling of "just knowing" something without needing tangible proof—like an energetic whisper from the universe, your higher self, or the Earth itself.

It’s the sense that guides you when you’re in flow, like when you dance and your body moves without thought, just pure energy and instinct. It’s also that gut feeling that tells you to take a different path, trust a certain person, or make a decision that might not make sense on paper but feels completely right in your soul.

My intuition deepened when I transformed dance from a hobby into a spiritual practice. The more I immersed myself—especially at drum circles and ecstatic dance events—the more clarity I gained. Epiphanies would surface mid-movement, revealing insights about my path, my relationships, and the challenges I was facing. It was as if my body was shaking out stagnation, making space for deeper wisdom to come through. Dancing was more than just an activity—it was a portal to something both deeply primal and profoundly intelligent. With every movement, I tapped into an ancient, instinctual rhythm that existed beyond thought, yet at the same time, I felt guided by a wisdom far greater than anything my mind could consciously construct. It was as if my body carried knowledge my mind had yet to understand, and through dance, I was simply remembering.

For years, and especially since the pandemic in 2020, my intuition has been urging me to fully commit to supporting local and ethical businesses—to replace everyday necessities with products and services that are sourced and made within my community. I even went as far as creating a website for an online marketplace, though I have yet to launch it. During the lockdowns of 2020-2021, I had a strong sense that things wouldn’t return to "normal." I felt an undeniable shift—a call to embrace minimalism and invest in local economies. I remember thinking that we would have to learn to make do with what we already had and rebuild our communities from the ground up. The truth is, we are only as strong as our local networks, yet we’ve expanded them so far and wide that we no longer know who we’re buying from or how things are made. It’s time to change that.

For the rest of the month, I will be compiling a list of local, sustainable and ethical businesses that provides the essentials. The items I am looking for are below:

Local & Sustainable Replacements for Everyday Purchases

Food & Groceries

Fresh Produce: Buy from local farmers' markets or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs.
Dry Goods: Choose bulk stores that allow reusable containers.
Coffee & Tea: Support local roasters and ethical brands (Fair Trade, organic).
Honey & Sweeteners: Opt for local honey or maple syrup instead of imported sugar.
Snacks & Packaged Foods: Look for locally made, organic, and plastic-free options.

Personal Care & Beauty

Soap & Shampoo: Switch to package-free or refillable options from local artisans.
Skincare & Makeup: Choose brands that use natural ingredients and sustainable packaging.
Other Self-care Products: Buy from eco-friendly brands or try DIY alternatives.
Menstrual Products: Use reusable options like menstrual cups or organic cotton pads.

Clothing & Fashion

Thrift & Vintage Shopping: Reduce waste by buying secondhand.
Sustainable Brands: Look for organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or upcycled materials.
Local Designers & Artisans: Support ethical, small-batch production instead of fast fashion.
Shoes & Accessories: Opt for vegan, recycled, or locally handcrafted options.

Home & Lifestyle

Cleaning Products: Use refillable, biodegradable, or DIY natural cleaners.
Laundry Detergent: Choose plastic-free, eco-friendly brands or soap nuts.
Candles & Home Scents: Go for locally made, beeswax, or soy-based options.
Furniture & Decor: Buy secondhand, upcycled, or sustainably sourced pieces.

Tech & Office Supplies

Notebooks & Stationery: Look for recycled paper or digital alternatives.
Pens & Highlighters: Use refillable or plant-based options.
Electronics: Consider refurbished or secondhand devices instead of new.

Fitness & Wellness

Yoga Mats: Opt for natural rubber or cork.
Activewear: Support sustainable brands that use recycled fabrics.
Reusable Water Bottles & Containers: Invest in stainless steel or glass options.

Gifts & Thoughtful Giving

Handmade & Local Artisans: Support local artists, woodworkers, jewelers, and craft makers.
Experiences Over Things: Gift a massage, yoga class, retreat, concert, or eco-tour instead of material items.
DIY & Upcycled Gifts: Handmade candles, herbal teas, or upcycled crafts make meaningful presents.
Sustainable Gift Wrap: Use reusable fabric (furoshiki), recycled paper, or newspaper instead of traditional wrapping paper.
Eco-Friendly Gift Boxes: Curate a zero-waste self-care kit with sustainable beauty, teas, or handmade soaps.
Donation in Their Name: Contribute to a cause they care about, such as tree planting, wildlife conservation, or community support.
Books with a Purpose: Gift books about sustainability, personal growth, or ethical living.
Plant-Based & Organic Treats: Choose locally made chocolates, organic wine, or homemade baked goods.
Subscription to a CSA or Ethical Brand: Monthly deliveries of local produce, ethical fashion, or clean skincare.
Eco-Friendly Tech Accessories: Bamboo phone cases, solar-powered chargers, or biodegradable AirPod cases.

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve already started a website for this marketplace, but the ultimate goal is to create an app where people can seamlessly order what they need—just like they would on Amazon, but with a focus on ethical, local, and sustainable options. I’ve begun curating a list of vendors who align with this vision, but I know this is just the beginning. If you know of any incredible local businesses, artisans, or sustainable brands that deserve a spotlight, I’d love to hear your suggestions.

Let’s build something powerful together—one conscious purchase at a time.

One Love Everybody <3