What Is Your Intuition Telling You?

Sometimes it’s in the form of an unexplainable gut feeling or a nagging voice within. Other times it’s an inspirational insight or spontaneous thought about someone or something that crops up completely out of nowhere. This is known as extrasensory perception (ESP). It is your intuition, or a sixth sense so to speak. Whatever you call it, is it something to listen to and trust? Many would agree . . . yes.

What is Intuition?

Intuition is the ability to gather information without any use of reason, and it works faster than the reasoning mind. Intuition is the subconscious mind relaying messages via a dream, mental picture or inner voice. Some people experience intuition as a feeling, or an inkling, or a hunch. Oftentimes intuition can be perceived as a warning or a premonition of something to come. In a sense, intuition bypasses the logical step-by-step process of the conscious mind. We perceive the outside world via sight, taste, smell, touch, and sound. Intuition, our sixth sense, is our ability to perceive things around us via the subtle mind and the subtle intellect; otherwise known as our subconscious. Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese philosopher once said, “The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.”

Instinct vs. Intuition

Instinct is an innate impulse whereas intuition is attaining cognition without any rational interference. We need both instinct and intuition to make the best decisions for ourselves.

Who Has intuition?

Females are known to have a stronger sixth sense than men, since men have a tendency to lean more toward rational explanations. And yet, everyone has the power of intuition. It simply depends on whether you choose to heed the advice your intuition is telling you. In Latin, intuition means “in to you.”  

How to Decipher Intuitive Messages

Jack Canfield writes in his book, The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be: “your intuition can communicate with you in many ways.” It has been proven that actual chemical reactions occur in the body during intuitive experiences. Heed your body’s signals. If your intuition is trying to communicate a sense of warning, a clear “no” or “stay away” message may be a pit in your stomach, or a chill or discomfort in your chest. A positive message may come as feeling of relief or a wave of excitement. You will receive a greater sense of clarity or a sense of knowing when your intuition speaks to you. If you feel drained while considering a plan of action, it may be a clear message telling you NO. Wishful thinking, on the other hand, is generally accompanied by a need or wanting for something.

For example, ask yourself whether your thoughts are filled with fear, doubt or hope. Be objective when assessing your emotions. If your intuition gives conflicting answers, wait for clarification. Reflect on your thoughts and try to separate intuitive thoughts from wishful thinking.

How to Explore Your Intuition

Start by keeping a journal. This is one of the best ways to understand your intuition. Listen to your intuition in a quiet and calm state. Let go of all the “inner noise.” Detach and be still. Meditate. Sometimes our intuition is telling us something completely different then our ego mind. Be open to receiving the information your intuition is giving you. Let go of rationality. Ask questions for clarification. Cultivate your intuition and nourish it. Your body will never lie . . . and your intuition will never steer you wrong.


Cited Sources

Canfield, Jack. The Success Principles. New York: Collins, 2007. Jack Canfield's The Success Principles: Official Site. Web. 13 July 2012. <http://www.thesuccessprinciples.com/>.

Cholle, Francis P. "The Intuitive Compass." What Is Intuition, And How Do We Use It? Psychology Today, 31 Aug. 2011. Web. 13 July 2012. <http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-intuitive-compass/201108/what-is-intuition-and-how-do-we-use-it>.

Sadhguru. "What Is Intuition?" The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 16 Mar. 2012. Web. 13 July 2012. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sadhguru/intuition_b_1340858.html>.

"Taking Charge of Your Health." Is Intuition Always Right? N.p., 2006. Web. 13 July 2012. <http://takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/intuition-healthcare/-intuition-always-right>.

"What Is Sixth Sense?" What Is Sixth Sense? Spiritual Science Research Foundation, 2012. Web. 13 July 2012. <http://www.spiritualresearchfoundation.org/articles/id/spiritualresearch/spiritualscience/sixthsense>.

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