What is Intuition: Simple Technique to Test Your Intuition A Deeper View of Intuition How to Trust Your Intuition... to Make Big Decisions
What is Intuition: Simple Technique to Test Your Intuition
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View full-sizeDownload by P.L. Chang January 29, 2013
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View full-sizeDownload Learning to sense your intuition can be tricky but it is not as hard as you may think.
Before you can sense it, you need to first believe that you have an intuition.
Next, you need to understand what it is.
What is intuition?
What does intuition mean?
The meaning of intuition can be translated into many things.
The definition of intuition, from the perspective of Dictionary.com, is,
"direct perception of truth, fact, etc., independent of any reasoning process."
In specific terms, your intuition is a part of your higher senses that allows your body to synthesize emotion energy codes in a linear pattern.
This process allows your conscious mind to process the emotion energy codes, which in turn gives you the perception of feelings.
Your intuition is a knowingness within you that comes without explanation or proof.
This knowingness takes place at the cellular level and beyond.
Some of us like to refer to it as the "gut feeling." In other words, your intuition is your subconscious bringing forth a sense of knowing into your conscious awareness by way of feeling or thought.
It is important to know that your intuition is not limited to the area of your gut, because it sometimes can come from within every cell of your body.
How to sense and develop your intuition
Learning to sense your intuition can be hard because it is sometime difficult to tell if it is your intuition or ego that you are sensing.
To make sure it is your intuition that you are sensing, you need to know how it feels when it is communicating to you.
This process is very important for developing your intuition.
Your intuition will usually communicate to you in a subtle way.
A lot of the time, it will communicate to you when something is wrong or a bad event is about to occur.
Try to remember a negative experience that you have in the past.
You may want to choose a negative experience that occurred not too long ago.
Before the negative experience happened, do you remember a feeling within you that urged you in a subtle way not to take action.
This feeling will usually feel like something is not right.
Try to remember exactly how this felt.
This feeling is usually your intuition telling you not to take action because something bad may happen.
As you think back to your negative experience, try to remember all the details before and after the experience.
Think about how your intuitive feelings were communicating to you.
Once you learn how to sense your intuition, the next time it tries to tell you something, you will know that it is your intuition and not your ego or some other entity.
The simple technique that I mentioned above may or may not work for you.
If it does, keep practicing the technique because it will strengthen the connection to your intuitive feelings.
The next time you are about to go somewhere and you feel this subtle urge within you that appears without explanation or proof telling you not to go, you may want to think twice about not going.
If you do go and something bad happens, reflect back to the exact moment that you felt the subtle urge and remember this exact feeling.
After a few times of doing this, you will know when your intuition is communicating to you.
Another thing that can help you strengthen your intuition is to use the previous technique to help you play guessing games.
Why you should learn to develop and strengthen your intuition
Your intuition plays an important role in your life because it is there to guide you to achieve your goals in life.
By achieving your goals in life, you will feel happier and your life will feel like it is going somewhere instead of in circles.
Once you become good at using your intuition, you can use it to help you find the right partner or friends.
When you first meet someone, try not to let your emotions run wild and try not to be nervous or fearful.
Put yourself in the observer mode and then look at that person right in the eyes when you are about to shake his or her hand.
With the help of your intuition, try to sense that person’s soul or vibe.
If you feel a lot of negative intentions or negative energy coming from that person, you may want to stay away from him or her unless negative experiences are something that you enjoy.
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View full-sizeDownload "As more of humanity practices heart-based living, it will qualify the 'rite' of passage into the next level of consciousness.
Using our heart's intuitive guidance, will become common sense - practical intelligence." - Doc Childre, HeartMath founder
We often hear ourselves or others say,
"My mind thinks one thing, but my heart feels another."
Through many generations, we have heard and been told to listen to our heart when discerning the things that matter.
As parents, many of us have advised our children to listen to or follow their heart when life's meaningful decisions pop up.
So, a lot of people feel the heart is a far more effective source of guidance than what our minds alone can offer us.
HeartMath calls this the intuitive heart...
More and more people sense the heart is connected to a higher-capacity guidance system for creativity, clearer decisions and choices and especially for deeper, more caring relationships with others.
Evidence for this is the many thousands of people in a variety of cultures who are benefitting from this deeper heart connection.
While science can help show us the way, science does not make the ultimate decisions on how we live our lives.
We make those from within our intuitive hearts.
Below, we share some of the science in research HeartMath Institute (HMI) has conducted to help explain the heart-intuition relationship and how this can benefit us:
mentally
emotionally
physically
and spiritually.
Nonlocal Intuition Research
HeartMath researchers, and many others around the world, have conducted controlled and scientifically validated studies to determine how human intuition works.
This research can help validate what we have believed for a very long time:
The heart is the source of wisdom, higher intelligence and intuition.
A primary definition of intuition is the ability to understand or know something without conscious reasoning.
Of the three types of intuition:
implicit knowledge
energetic sensitivity
nonlocal intuition
...HeartMath researchers decided to study nonlocal intuition.
Nonlocal intuition cannot be explained by past or forgotten knowledge/implicit processes; or by sensing environmental signals/energetic sensitivity.
The Experiment
Several years ago Institute of Noetic Sciences senior scientist Dr. Dean Radin visited HeartMath's research lab and shared the results of a study he conducted.
In it, study participants' autonomic nervous systems responded in advance of seeing randomly selected pictures intended to elicit a negative or calming emotional response.
HeartMath wanted to replicate and expand the study.
HMI researchers added other protocols to its study, including measures of participants' brain waves (EEG), their heart's electrical activity (ECG) and their heart rate variability (HRV).
Twenty-six adults experienced in using HeartMath techniques and who could sustain a heart-coherent state completed two rounds of study protocols approximately two weeks apart.
Half of the participants completed the protocols after they intentionally achieved a heart-coherent state for 10 minutes. The other half completed the same procedures without first achieving heart coherence.
Then they reversed the process for the second round of monitoring, with the first group not becoming heart-coherent before completing the protocols and the second group becoming heart-coherent before.
The point was to test whether heart coherence affected the results of the experiment.
Participants were told the study's purpose was to test stress reactions and were unaware of its actual purpose. (This practice meets institutional-review-board standards.) Each participant sat at a computer and was instructed to click a mouse when ready to begin.
The screen stayed blank for six seconds.
The participant's physiological data was recorded by a special software program, and then, one by one, a series of 45 pictures was displayed on the screen.
Each picture, displayed for 3 seconds, evoked either a strong emotional reaction or a calm state. After each picture, the screen went blank for 10 seconds.
Participants repeated this process for all 45 pictures, 30 of which were known to evoke a calm response and 15 a strong emotional response.
A Deeper View of Intuition
The results were fascinating, showing that both the participants' heart and brain appeared to indicate receiving and responding to information about the emotional quality of the pictures before the computer randomly selected them, as if they were responding to a future event.
Specifically, these responses occurred, on average 4.8 seconds before the computer randomly selected pictures.
Even more profound, perhaps, was data showing the heart received information before the brain.
"It is first registered from the heart," Rollin McCraty Ph.D. explained, "then up to the brain (emotional and pre-frontal cortex), where we can logically relate what we are intuiting, then finally down to the gut (or where something stirs)."
Why this is important
As David Straus, CEO of Reason Ventures, writes in Inc. Magazine,
"The (aha moment) emanates from the heart and is fueled by its intuition.
True visionary leadership develops inside the heart, not the brain. And it is there for each of us to grasp… we simply need the awareness of how to access it."[1]
The results further appear to provide compelling evidence to suggest the physical heart is connected to a field of information not bound by the classical limits of time and space.
Ancient mystics, philosophers and great thinkers had it right:
The heart's wisdom can help us discern our issues, communications and decisions more than we know.
Becoming heart-coherent and practicing simple techniques can change everything by helping us access much more of our intuitive intelligence.
Have we been seeking this intelligence through the centuries, and is it a portal to our higher capacities?
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View full-sizeDownload Instincts, gut feelings, hunches, premonitions... all of these words point to a deep capacity that we all carry inside known as intuition.
The word intuition originally came from the Latin word intueri, which meant "to contemplate" or "to look within."
Without learning how to look and listen to our intuition, we tend to rely solely on the limited rational mind or external input from others, which can quickly lead us astray.
Many scientists and researchers are now referring to intuition as the highest form of intelligence we possess.
In other words, intuition is no longer limited to the new age world of magical thought; it is increasingly being seen as a legitimate way to make judgments and decisions.
Unsurprisingly, spiritual traditions for thousands of years have all known and revered the powers of intuition.
Buddhist
Islamic
Hindu
and Western philosophy have all connected intuition with planes of higher consciousness or the Soul.
The Advaita Vedānta for example (a school of Hindu thought) values intuition as an experience through which a person can contact and experience Brahman (Spirit/God).
Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung also believed that intuition is a powerful force, once writing:
Intuition gives outlook and insight; it revels in the garden of magical possibilities.
Personally, I see intuition as the "Soul's GPS" which can help us,
Discover our life purpose.
Make wise decisions.
Lead fulfilling lives.
In this article, I'll show you how to trust your intuition and break through the fearful voice of the mind.
What is Intuition?
Intuition is a sudden and inexplicable feeling that arises within us.
Also referred to as:
the instinct
sixth sense
inkling
hunch
and gut feeling,
...intuition is the mysterious force that guides, protects, and informs us.
The information we receive from our intuition is not usually available from our conscious mind and thus stems from the unconscious.
What common ways do we experience intuition?
Usually, intuition emerges as a quiet inner voice or feeling that tells us to take this chance, go down that path, accept that opportunity, open that door, and so on.
Intuition also tells us what not to do, what to be careful of, when to be vigilant, and when to stop.
How Does Intuition Arise?
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View full-sizeDownload Intuition is associated with the right side of the brain which is responsible for:
creativity
imagination
musical and artistic aptitude
and emotions...
The left side of the brain, on the other hand, is connected to,
logic, reasoning, and critical thinking (we tend to favor the left brain over the right brain in the West...)
Intuition stems from that nonlinear dimension of our minds, that part where unconscious connections and associations are made and arise within our conscious minds seemingly out of nowhere.
As Joseph Murphy, author of The Power of Your Unconscious Mind notes:
Within your subconscious depths lie infinite wisdom, infinite power, and infinite supply of all that is necessary, which is waiting for development and expression.
Intuition is an amazingly powerful tool - a natural gift of our biology that is ready and available to us.
However, it's often ignored or forgotten by us humans.
Yet there are so many exhilarating benefits from learning how to tap into it.
We'll explore some benefits next.
Why Intuition is Powerful - And a Little Intimidating...!
All throughout history people have listened closely to the whispers of their intuition.
From Dr. Loewi's intuitive discovery of the chemical transmission of nerve impulses, and Elias Howe's invention of the sewing machine, to Isaac Newton's theory of gravity, many great strides in existence have been attributed to spontaneous sparks of intuition.
But why should we pay attention to our intuition? I mean... it's not like we're planning on becoming world-famous physicists or inventors, right?
Wrong...
You don't need to strive for either.
Intuition is very down-to-earth and can help us in any area of life.
Here's why it's so powerful:
1. Intuition reveals deep truths in our lives
Either about ourselves, other people, or life at large, intuition helps us to develop a deeper understanding and insight.
The result is that we feel more intelligently guided in our thoughts, feelings, and decisions.
2. Intuition helps us identify negative omens in our lives
Failure, financial collapse, death, emotional threat - intuition puts us in touch with our instinctive defense systems, helping us to avoid harm. (How eerie but cool is that!)
3. Intuition opens new paths to us
By helping us to identify positive signs in our lives, intuition opens new doors to us when we least expect it.
4. Intuition guides us and helps us to make wise decisions
By allowing us to know what decisions to make and when, intuition helps us to achieve a measure of confidence and peace of mind, assisting us in following paths that are true to ourselves: paths with heart.
5. Intuition helps us to live fulfilling lives
Truth hurts, but truth also helps us to wake up to the false, corrupted, and delusional lives that we sometimes lead and choices we occasionally make. Intuition is a bringer of truth, and thus a bringer of change and transformation.
When we listen to it, we make decisions that ultimately help our lives to be genuine and fulfilling.
How to Distinguish Fearful Thoughts from Intuition
I sometimes FEEL that I am right.
I do not KNOW that I am.
Albert Einstein
Unfortunately, it's very common for us to confuse the voice of intuition with the voice of fear.
In order for us to make the most intelligent, successful, wise, loving, and meaningful decisions in our lives, we need to learn how to make a clear distinction between the two.
As a person who has a very strong "inner skeptic," it has been difficult for me to loosen my rational brain in favor of my intuition.
As a thinker, my mental voice has always been quite strong and persistent.
I'm sure you have struggled with this to some extent too.
What helped me to distinguish fearful thoughts from intuitive guidance was to pay attention to how each inner voice felt in my body.
Here are some main differences between fear and intuition.
Fear:
Feels:
heavy and dark
Emotionally charged (e.g., "I need to do this or else ____ will happen!!")
Vague
Makes you feel frustrated, overwhelmed, confused or anxious.
Causes you to ruminate and get lost in cycles of thought.
Intuition:
Feels:
light
Unemotional
Crystal clear
Makes you feel calm, inspired, and a sense of resolution.
Spontaneously arises and immediately feels "right" without further rational thought
By paying attention to these signs, you will slowly be able to distinguish paranoid thinking from neutral and intuitive knowing.
How to Trust Your Intuition to Make Big Life Decisions
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View full-sizeDownload Intuition means exactly what it sounds like, in-tuition!
An inner tutor or teaching and learning mechanism that takes us forward daily.
It is a resource that, where recognized, has infinite potential. - Sylvia Clare
Intuition is an essential life skill that we must all learn to refine and develop, preferably sooner rather than later.
Without intuition, we get stranded in labyrinths of rigid, agitated or obsessive thoughts that limit our capacity to see clearly.
The less clear we can see, the more likely we will make bad decisions.
When we listen to our intuition, we experience clarity that helps us to make the most beneficial choices for our lives.
We can learn how to trust our intuition in nine main ways:
Silence your mind
Ask yourself, "How do I feel about this decision?"
Focus on the sensations in your body
Explore whether fear is fuelling you
Formulate your conclusion, and live both scenarios
Don't allow pressure to bias you
Ask for guidance
Develop more self-awareness
Clear your third eye chakra
Below I will explore each of these points more in-depth and help you learn how to trust your intuition to make big life decisions:
1. Silence your mind
Often the mind tends to hijack our decision making processes.
While it is important that you use rational thought, your usual thinking is often subject to prejudice, past beliefs, external influences ("peer pressure"), and fear.
To access your intuition, you need to clear your mind of thought. In order to clear your mind, I recommend that you meditate, listen to some relaxing music, or focus on mindful breathing.
It is very difficult to listen to your intuition when you're in a stressed-out state of mind.
For example,
you might like to try breathing deeply for a few minutes.
Breathe in through your nose and allow your belly to gently expand.
You may like to slow your breath to the count of four and breathe in slowly for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and breathe out for four seconds.
Try doing any practice that relaxes and stills your mind.
Only once you are calm and centered can you accurately access your intuitive power.
2. Ask yourself, "How do I feel about this decision?"
Once you have relaxed your mind and body, inwardly ask yourself,
"How do I feel about this decision?"
Notice the first feeling, sensation, word or image that arises within you.
You might like to write down whatever appears and reflect on it some more.
3. Focus on the sensations in your body
We can never be deceived by our bodies because our bodies can never lie.
No matter what elaborate stories or theories we concoct, our body will always reveal the truth of the matter. In order to connect with your intuition, try listening to your body.
Think about the decision you have to make and focus on your body's response.
For example, if you want to quit your job, you might notice a sensation of relief flood your entire body (which is a sign that you should quit your job!).
Alternatively, if you are thinking of moving to a certain town, you might feel your shoulders and neck tense up (which is most likely a sign that you shouldn't move there).
By using mindful body awareness, you will be able to connect more freely with your intuition.
4. Explore whether fear is fueling you
Fear has a sneaky way of disguising itself as intuition.
When we are fearful, we tend to make rash decisions or believe that we are "following our intuition" because of how strong the mental voice can become.
When you are faced with an important decision, try writing down all of your fears surrounding the situation on a piece of paper.
Making your fears visible will help you to determine whether the voice within you is driven by fear or clear knowing.
5. Formulate your conclusion, and live both scenarios
Come up with a range of solutions and mentally live out each scenario.
Visualize each choice as vividly as you can, then pay attention to how each option feels.
Whichever option feels the most "right" is the choice you need to go for.
6. Don't allow pressure to bias you
Are you putting a lot of pressure on yourself?
The pressure to make a "quick decision" tends to inhibit the flow of intuition.
While intuition can work under strenuous circumstances, if you have the option to slow down, please do.
Just because you aren't obsessing over something doesn't mean the thought isn't bubbling in your subconscious mind.
Sometimes putting decision making on the "back burner" helps you to relax, adopt new perspectives, and open more easily to the presence of your intuitive knowing.
7. Ask for guidance
Intuition is seeing with the soul. - Dean Koontz
When I struggle to access my intuition, I say a prayer of guidance asking my Soul for support.
If you are struggling with accessing your intuition, say a small prayer to whomever or whatever you believe in (e.g., your Higher Self, Soul, Spirit, God, Allah).
You don't need to be religious to pray.
Prayer is condensed energy and intention which will help you to focus your willpower.
Saying a prayer is a powerful way to enhance your intuitive prowess.
8. Develop more self-awareness.
Self-awareness is the ability to,
be aware of your:
feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and the way in which they impact you and the people around you.
The more aware we are of what goes on inside of ourselves, the easier it will be to identify the quiet voice of our intuition in the first place.
Mindfulness
meditation
introspection
all assist in developing self-awareness.
9. Clear your third eye chakra
If you believe in chakra healing, focus on balancing your third eye chakra, which is the center of your intuitive abilities.
There are so many facets involved in learning how to trust your intuition.
If you're still in need of guidance, the following Q&A's might help:
Can your intuition be wrong?
This is a tricky question to answer, but in short, pure intuition is never wrong.
But intuition that is tainted by thoughts can be wrong.
As intuition stems from the unconscious and universal mind (also known as the 'Collective Unconscious') that has access to a tremendous amount of information, the insights it relays are far more accurate than pure rational thinking.
When intuition is unclear and foggy, it's more likely for it to be wrong or misguided.
This is why learning how to distinguish the voice of fear from the voice of intuition is crucial.
What does intuition feel like?
The feeling of intuition varies for everyone.
For some people, it will be very physical. It's common, for example, to experience tingles down the spine, a rush of energy, goosebumps, a pit in the stomach, and so on.
Others experience intuition as something more mental.
For instance, some people get visual flashes (such as premonitions or visions) and others get a quiet (and in some instances loud!) inner voice arising.
What is an example of intuition?
There are endless examples of intuition out there.
Intuition, for example, can arise in moments before a crisis directing a person to do or not do something that can have dire life/death consequences.
Many individuals have intuitive feelings of dread or joy before making conscious life decisions.
Intuition can also emerge in everyday situations, such as what present to buy someone, what's really wrong with your partner or best friend ("something doesn't feel right"), and what route to take to work.
Is everyone intuitive?
Yes, everyone has the capacity to be intuitive.
It's just a matter of learning how to tap into your unconscious mind.
While intuition might come more easily to some, it's ultimately a skill that needs to be honed and developed.
Intuition is a small glimpse into the enormous magnitude of wisdom and intelligence possessed by your largely secret and untapped unconscious mind...
By learning how to silence your mind, connect with your body, identify fear, and clear energy blockages, you will find it easier to access your intuition in any life circumstance.
