The dictionary defines intuition as “immediate apprehension by the mind without reasoning.” It implies that the mind knows something inherently, without rationalising. In common parlance, intuition is sometimes called the sixth sense, quite distinct from the five physical senses – sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
Does the mind actually have the power to know, without consciously processing information picked by the five senses? Or, does the mind, in its deepest recesses, know it all, much as a crystal ball reveals the future to those that possess the power to see?
Sceptics often rubbish intuition as pure nonsense, claiming that intuitive knowledge is only coincidental guesswork. However, there are logical, interconnected aspects of intuition that merit explanation.
Our mind is like a sponge
Our five senses pick up information throughout our wakeful hours, much as a sponge soaks up liquids, irrespective of it being “told” to do so. So, while you may think that you only see what you choose to – the scene straight ahead when you are jogging on a track – your sense of vision is far more sensitive. Every slight turn of your head reveals a new setting, which you may have little use for; yet your eyes cannot but fail to see.
Likewise, you do not only listen when you want to – as when you watch the evening news. Your hearing sense is always active, picking up little nuggets of information. The remaining three physical senses – smell, taste and touch – work in like manner. So, what happens to this extra information? It is stored, but since we have not consciously “instructed” its collection, the information lies in our subconscious mind, as opposed to our conscious mind which we delve into frequently.
It all lies within
Consider the mind as a pond of water. Our regular thought processes only involve its surface. Beneath is a vault of information that we could tap into – if only we know how.
Evidently, we absorb a lot of information via our five senses. But insofar as its processing is concerned, we can only direct our mind to rationally think over what we believe exists, in the part of our mind we are in contact with – our conscious mind. However, if we could connect with our subconscious mind, which holds complex information, it would make our decision-making process amazingly spontaneous, and easy. This is also when we start feeling more intuitive.
Connect with the source
Intuition is often thought of as a gift, not an ability that can be developed. You can, however, develop your intuitive powers by connecting more closely with your mind – especially, your subconscious mind. The easiest method to do this is one that you would probably have heard about in your youth!
Remember when you were told to listen to your conscience and were instructed – “Don’t do anything your conscience says is wrong.” This is the most basic teaching you’d use to stay in touch with the mind. Sadly though, we often ignore our conscience – which is rooted in our conscious mind – which lies dormant, unspeaking.
But, the closer you connect with your mind, the more powerful is your power of intuition. The conscious mind, therefore, has to be reactivated – yes, this is possible – as it is your stepping stone to your subconscious mind.
Intuition is logical
Intuition is a state of being receptive to information that we possess, though we may not know that it is so. Intuition is not magic – it is an internal process that involves allowing the mind to work freely, and draw on its immense resources. Our mind is very capable – it can cause useful information to surface at the right time. However, sometimes we get so caught up in our thinking process that we fail to get an answer in spite of intense rationalising. This is because we rely only on what we think we have seen and heard. We reason with what we believe we know. Our mind, however, knows more!
If you’re still sceptical of intuition, think of the last time you packed up work without solving a problem, saying you’d come back to it in the morning. You thought, “I’ll sleep over it,” and consciously or unconsciously you gave problems to your mind and went to sleep. When you woke up and looked at the problem again, the solution was there – staring at you in the face! No wonder, there is a Russian saying – “The morning is wiser than the evening.”
How does this happen? Well, your mind is nearly always at work. Feeling free of the useless information, you were feeding it, your mind was able to bring the right information to the surface, enabling you to pin-point the solution. What does this mean? Intuition cannot be forced – you need to allow it to happen.
Direct perception
While the preceding example explains how intuition helps solve problems you supposedly know about, it still does not explain why when you sometimes meet a new person, you instantly, yet inexplicably, know whether you will click with the person or not.
This brings to the fore another dimension of intuition that indicates the thinking mind knows far more than what we credit it for. But, the mind is not a crystal ball that knows what lies ahead. It is simply a point of energy, akin to the energy that pervades the Universe.
Intuition is, indeed, linked to your ability to connect within, but also your ability to connect with the energy in the Universe. Consider your mind as a chord – when it vibrates in synchronicity with the Universe, you are able to pick up information as energy. So, when you meet a new person, you are able to judge his/her energy levels and know whether or not your minds can vibrate on the same frequency – so to speak. Practically, you experience this as an intuitive feeling – or, a direct perception of your compatibility levels.
Activate Your Sixth Sense
Intuition is, undoubtedly, a useful tool. Using inner resources to judge situations means not having to rely on advisors, or consultants. Intuition makes decision-making so much easier. Besides, as ancient sages would say our five senses can let you down, but your sixth sense will not.
- Your intuitive power is there for the asking, but it needs to evolve. Connect within, by listening to your conscience, or try meditation to be more in tune with your mind
- Since intuition needs opportunities to express itself – ask yourself a question before sitting in meditation. When your mind is energised, it will feel free to explore a hidden realm – your invaluable subconscious
- Intuition can manifest as a feeling, thought, vision, dream or even hearing. The simplest intuitive experiences are experienced as hesitation prior to making an important decision – something within just doesn’t feel right – or, a positive feeling that tells you to go for it, to grab an opportunity
- Creative minds usually rely on intuition while at work – so paint or draw, or write, and allow your mind to guide your hand
- Don’t shun intuitive signals, especially repetitive signals – even if these are contrary to what you think is right. This is your inner self speaking to you for a reason.
Trust your mind – it knows best.