Mental overload: How to regain control through intuition?
- Johanna Zaïre
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
Who really calls the shots in your life: your intuition or your inner tyrant?
I'm back from the Grand Off at Angoulême! It was rock ‘n’ roll, intense, and undoubtedly our best year at this festival since 2019. I come away with immense gratitude and a head full of memories.
I'm slowly coming down from my little cloud to share with you a thought that emerged over the last few days.
It's a subject that affects both your writing and your daily life: the famous mental “overflow.”
🛑 The common denominator of all our blockages
Over the past few weeks, I've been running a series of intuitive writing workshops: with my intern, with participants at the Festival de la Sensibilité, and even at a middle school with 8th and 9th graders.
And you know what I've noticed? Regardless of age, background, or project, the block is always the same. Its name? The Mind.
The Mind is that “Ego,” that inner tyrant that uses fear, guilt, and blame to prevent you from achieving your goals. It's that voice that whispers to you:
That you're not “good enough” for this project.
That you're not capable of succeeding at this.
That you don't deserve what you want so badly.
Why your mind wants what's “good” for you (in its own way)
The mind's goal is simple: survival. It slows you down to make sure you stay in your comfort zone, where everything is predictable. For the mind, the unknown is a mortal danger. As a result, you end up paralyzed by endless questions.
⚡ Short-circuit the mind (without the “let go” nonsense)
We are often told that we need to “let go.” But let's be honest: without instructions, that means nothing.
Throughout my personal development, I have come to understand that the true opposite of the mind is intuition.
The mind asks questions and makes assumptions to hold you back.
Intuition, on the other hand, doesn't ask questions. It just knows. It's a direct feeling, a pure and fluid transition to action.
📡 Your body is an antenna: The practical test
To listen to your intuition and mute your mind, you have to go through your body. Your body never lies.
The next time you get stuck writing or have a difficult decision to make, try this intuitive listening exercise:
Breathe: Close your eyes and take three deep breaths.
Ask: Ask yourself a question that can be answered with YES or NO (e.g., “Is this project right for me?”).
Feel: Notice the immediate physical sensation. For me, “No” is a blockage in my solar plexus. ‘ Yes’ is an exhilarating wave of warmth rising within me.
Dare: If your body says “Yes,” go for it without listening to the “But what if...” of your mind.
Remember: Life is an experience. If you do things with common sense and with your heart, nothing is ever set in stone. Allowing yourself to try is the greatest gift you can give yourself.
✨ And you, what will be your next “step toward yourself”?
What is your inner tyrant trying to stop you from doing today? A writing project? A professional decision? A life change?
Tell me in the comments! I love reading your comments and discovering your own moments of inspiration.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Johanna