Receiving signs and signals from your internal guidance system can be an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience. It has the power to alleviate the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies decision-making in various aspects of life. For instance, I recently found myself repeatedly encountering the image of ‘deer,’ and I instinctively recognized it as a sign. Today, I want to discuss not only how I discern these signs but also how to interpret them once they appear.

The CALM Method: A Four-Step Approach

The CALM method is the process I created to describe how I go about decision making.  By following these 4 steps, I can get clarity on any situation or issue I’m faced with and figure out the next optimal step to take.  Even if it means doing nothing.

Let’s break down each of the four steps:

1. Clarify the Issue

The initial step is to gain clarity about the issue you’re dealing with. It involves digging deep to understand why this particular issue is causing concern. By identifying the root cause and assessing whether it’s genuinely your responsibility to address, you lay the foundation for effective problem-solving.

I prefer to assign a “nickname” to the issue or situation I’m focusing on.  In an era where we often dwell on past mistakes or future anxieties, assigning a nickname to the issue is a wonderful strategy. This simple act helps shift the focus from historical baggage or future worries to the present moment. It enables you to view the issue objectively and without unnecessary emotional baggage.

2. Ask for Guidance

Once you’ve clarified the issue and given it a nickname, it’s time to seek guidance. This step is about reaching out to your internal guidance system, the universe, or your higher power, depending on your beliefs. By expressing your need for assistance and gratitude, you create a receptive space for insights to flow in.

You can “Ask” for guidance either by thought, or by writing it down in a journal.  Either way works fine, just try to be as clear as you can.

3. Look and Listen for Signs

Now comes the heart of recognizing and interpreting signs—the “L” in CALM. After asking for guidance, pay close attention to the signs and symbols that appear in your life. These signs can manifest in myriad ways, such as numbers, animals, dreams, or snippets of conversation. They serve as your personal compass, offering invaluable information for decision-making.

That’s what we’re going to focus on in this article.

4. Make a Decision

Step 4 of the CALM method, “Make a Decision,” is the final and crucial step in the process of tackling challenges and making choices. After you’ve clarified the issue, assigned it a nickname, asked for guidance, and looked for meaningful signs, it’s time to take action.

In this step, you have the opportunity to exercise your free will and make a decision based on the insights and guidance you’ve gathered. It’s important to remember that while signs and guidance can provide valuable information, the ultimate choice is yours. You retain full control over your decisions.

Making a decision signifies moving forward with confidence, trusting the guidance you’ve received, and taking the necessary steps to address the issue or embrace an opportunity. Whether it’s a personal choice, a professional decision, or any other aspect of your life, this step empowers you to put your insights into action and navigate your path with intention.

Recognizing Signs: Your Key to Guidance

When I initially began noticing the presence of deer, I didn’t immediately realize that it held any significance. It’s not unusual to spot deer on the side of the road in a wooded area, after all. However, a sequence of events unfolded. First, I encountered a sign featuring a deer, then noticed a deer-shaped sticker on a passing car. Soon after, a deer made an appearance in a movie, and to top it off, I came across a night light designed in the shape of a deer!

There’s always a distinct surge of energy that accompanies the act of recognizing a sign. Personally, I find this aspect of the process incredibly exhilarating. In this article, I’ll share a few valuable tips for honing your ability to spot and interpret these signs.

Tips for Your Sign-Seeking Journey

As you embark on your journey of recognizing and interpreting signs, consider these practical tips to enhance your experience:

1. Keep an Open Mind

Approach this practice with an open and receptive mindset. Signs can appear in unexpected ways, and being open to various interpretations can lead to richer insights.

2. Document Your Signs

Consider keeping a journal to record the signs you encounter and your interpretations. Over time, this can help you identify patterns and gain a deeper understanding of the messages you receive.

3. Trust Your Energy

Did you stop and feel a connection to the sign? If a sign resonates strongly with you, trust your gut feeling. I usually feel a “zing” of energy when something is meaningful.

4. Develop Your Personal System

While you can draw inspiration from resources like books or online references, remember that your interpretation of signs is deeply personal. Develop your own system that aligns with your beliefs and experiences.

5. Practice Patience

Signs may not always provide immediate clarity. Sometimes, it takes time for their meanings to become evident. Be patient and allow the insights to unfold naturally.

6. Embrace Positive Signs

Recognize that signs aren’t limited to warnings or red flags. Embrace the positive signs, the green flags, that guide you toward fulfilling experiences and opportunities.

Deciphering the Message: Your Unique System

Once you’ve spotted signs, the next pivotal step is interpreting them. Interpretation is a deeply personal endeavor, influenced by your unique life experiences and beliefs.

When I see an animal sign, for example, like the “deer”, I always go to the “Animal Spirit Guides” book by Steven D. Farmer, Ph.D.*  In this case, I was able to get meaningful guidance that was relevant to a situation I was recently confronted with.

By aligning the sign’s message with your personal journey, you can extract profound insights.

Empowerment Through Signs: Trusting Your Inner Wisdom

The practice of recognizing and interpreting signs empowers you in various ways. It encourages you to trust your inner wisdom, intuitions, and instincts. By embracing the information received through signs, you become more confident in making informed decisions and navigating life’s challenges.

Recognizing and interpreting signs isn’t merely about receiving guidance; it’s about embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It reshapes your relationship with the world around you, guiding you towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Embracing the Language of Signs

Incorporating the CALM method into your decision-making process and actively seeking signs in your life can be a transformative experience. It enables you to connect with your inner wisdom, make informed choices, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

Remember that signs are all around us, waiting to convey messages that can shape our destinies. By recognizing, interpreting, and trusting in these signs, you embark on a path of empowerment and self-discovery that leads to a richer and more fulfilling life.

So, open your eyes to the signs, listen to their whispers, and trust in the language of guidance that surrounds you. Your journey of self-discovery and empowered decision-making begins today. Embrace the world of signs and unlock their potential in your quest for a more meaningful life.

Let me know in the comments below:  Do you ask for signs?  Do you follow them?

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