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INTUITION

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INTRODUCTION to our subject – Intuition

What is intuition? As the Oxford dictionary quotes, ‘the ability to understand or know something immediately, without conscious reasoning.’

Here is another definition:

The word intuition comes from the Latin intueri, meaning to consider, to look on. This intuitive “look on” implies something deeper than simple perception and is best described as APPERCEPTION, the ability to “take hold of” knowledge in one glance. Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary sums up intuition as “the immediate knowing or learning of something without the conscious use of reasoning; instantaneous apperception.” Simply stated, intuition is direct knowledge.

(Sharon Franqemont, Intuition Coach and Teacher)

Many may consider it a sixth sense, a second sight or a form of clairvoyance; others would just prefer to call it ‘common-sense’.

We may have a hunch, feeling, inkling, suspicion, premonition or gut feeling, it is all these and more. There isn’t any hard and fast rules to intuition’s interpretation, each individual may experience it in different ways.

What I would like to explore today is, “What value can we give to it?”

Imagine this quick illustration:

Chris tells me, “It had been a long, hard day at work. I put my car in reverse glad to be heading home when suddenly my foot slammed on the brake. I looked out my rear window for a reason. ‘Why did I do that?’ I asked myself. Then I saw a child starting to walk behind my car.”

(Sharon Franqemont, Intuition Coach and Teacher)

To qualify its value in science, intuition has become important in logic, metaphysics, ethics and epistemology. Yet strangely enough intuition has been described as ‘pre-philosophical thoughts and feelings!’

Before we use our wisdom and philosophy to reason, intuition is described as pre-philosophical. So intuition comes before we think!

QUOTE: Science: “The real valuable thing is intuition.”

(Albert Einstein)

We have a discursive mind that reasons. Upon resolving a problem we subliminally capture that result and when the same circumstances arrives once more the need to reason isn’t required as our ‘intuition’ prompts us with the answer immediately. Whilst this is a scientific answer how can we account for intuition when we get a ‘gut feeling’ on a subject we know little about?

QUOTE: Psychology: “The term intuition does not denote something contrary to reason, but something outside of the province of reason.”

(C.G. Jung)

One consideration is that intuition can only every be a tool that uses the knowledge you have in both your conscious and sub-conscious minds. Proven it would appear by the fact that as you grow older you value and rely on your intuition more. Yet it may be said that some philosophers have claimed that intuition is independent of experience and reason. Whatever be the truth in this situation it is not our concern today, we are only concerned with the value of the knowledge that intuition presents us.

Most people will have had an instant that they can recall whereupon they said, “I should have gone with my instinct.” Wow! The very implication is that intuition has a huge value.

The mystical concept of intuition is very interesting, it is: ‘the truth that surpasses the power of the intellect.’

One of the more famous philosophers on this subject, Baruch Spinoza is quoted as saying, “Intuition is the highest form of knowledge, surpassing both empirical knowledge derived from the senses and scientific knowledge derived from reasoning on the basis of experience.”

Another philosopher, Henri Bergson regarded intuition as the ‘purest form of instinct.’ Bergson also said that intelligence on the other hand can only ever analyse; and this analysis is suspect in some individuals.

Proof I hope that we underestimate the value of intuition.

I once wrote a newsletter on ‘First Thought versus Second Thought,’ with first thought being intuition. Of course intuition isn’t a thought as we commonly refer to it, it is a process of thought at a lightening speed. At the time I wrote this earlier newsletter I suggested that intuition was right 80% of the time and second thought was right the other 20%.

Whilst this is difficult to calculate, the implication is that intuition would serve us well, should we choose to use it more regularly. In fact it is more likely that it is the other way around, and we use second thought 80% of the time and only allow 20% to intuition.

What exactly do I mean by second thought?

If intuition gives you a valuable answer instantly, why would we allow a second thought process, which may perhaps involve a week-long analysis; to eventually reach the same conclusion?

Why? Because there are two of us within our mind! The other being the ego. The little chattering within our mind that wants to question everything.

The ego gets you into trouble at times, it allows you to open your mouth at the wrong time in an argument, it also allows you to justify a wrong action into a right one and it amongst many other things can help convince you to start your diet tomorrow instead of today!

Why would I want to offer so much value to intuition? Because invariably our second thought derives from our ego. We have all seen the films or programmes on television where a little devil sits on the shoulder of the actor. This little devil is your ego, which duly convinces you to have a second thought; a powerful opposition to intuition.

Philosophers and those who consider the values of wisdom, actively suppress their ego. A definite clarity of mind is achieved when the ego is suppressed, we can achieve many wondrous decisions without a battle within your own mind for what is right and wrong.

Women’s intuition has been claimed to be superior to that of a man’s intuition. Without intense research I cannot explain this easily, other than to say when a problem is encountered by either sex our immediate ‘operational tools’ are different. A man would choose to use ‘reason’ first, and a women would choose her ‘emotion’ to make a judgement.

The very fact that the dictionary definition explains the ability to understand or know something immediately, without CONSCIOUS REASONING; would of course suggest that a women has the edge on man. Women generally, and I use that word for a reason as not every women operates the same, uses emotion first and then at some later stage uses reason.

So when a man understands that women have a slight edge, it would seem only appropriate that they refer to them should a problem arise that they cannot easily decipher, as women appear to have superior intuitive advantage.

I am a great believer in examples to clarify a point. So rather than offer more theory on the value of intuition, I would suggest you practice. This is all the evidence you need.

So onto this week's story…

1. STORY

Why do clocks sometimes seem to stop?

Have you ever glanced at a clock and thought that the second hand had stopped moving – only to find that after a moment it started to tick again?

If you have then you have experienced the mystery of the ‘stopped clock,’ a common perception that inspired a team of British scientists to investigate the reasons behind it.

As I continue with this story, draw a parallel with intuition. Intuition results in a bundle of knowledge being presented to you within a flash. This moment maybe only one second, but how long do we perceive one second to be?

The London Institute of Neurology and various relevant colleagues set out to discover what happens during these hiccups of time.

The researches concluded that when you glance at something like a ticking clock or flashing cursor on our computer screen, our brains expand the length of the new perception to make up for the time our eyes took to move.

This effect happens all of the time, but we ONLY notice it when we look at something that changes at regular intervals.

2. EVERYDAY EXAMPLE

11 WAYS

(11 Ways Your Intuition Can Help You Create a Happy and Successful Life…)

Think of someone you know who leads a successful life. They exude an aura of calm and inner peace, yet you can almost see their "spirit." They crackle with infectious energy. They may have millions or they may not, but their success is obvious in their "presence." They enjoy life and they love to share that joy with others. Does that sound like you?

It could be, because you have within you a mechanism that can guide you unerringly to a positive and vibrant life. That mechanism is intuition -- the compass of the soul. It's available to you 24/7, 52 weeks a year, ready to point you in the direction of energy, passion and joy. And best of all, you don't have to be a "gifted" intuitive to take advantage of all that it offers. You can get started on a successful life -- or a more successful life -- right now by following these simple suggestions:

Trust Your Inner Wisdom
People who believe in trusting their intuition tend to be more successful in life. Intuition is often referred to as a "gut feeling." However there are many more ways to receive this vital information. It may come to you through feelings, words, physical sensations, images, fleeting impressions or dreams. Learn to pay attention to how you receive these impressions and check in often with your inner "Intuitive Success Coach."

Ask Your Intuition Questions
When you're in the midst of a difficult life situation, begin the habit of asking questions of your intuition. "What is it that I am here to learn?" "What is the best possible outcome for this situation?" The answer may not always leap into your mind. It takes time to train yourself to "hear" the subtle messages from your guidance system. You may find that the answer comes in an impulse to try something different, or a gradual awakening to a new way of dealing with an obstacle. Remember that your intuition can help guide you to peace in any situation.

Learn to Take Small Steps
Developing your intuition is like learning any new skill. It's not unlike learning a sport. The more you practice the better you get at it. If using your intuition is new for you it may be best to use it in relatively low-risk situations at first. This will help you develop your "intuitive muscles." Most of us feel quite anxious when making big changes in our lives. Small steps are important. You don't need to take a huge leap of faith. You may find, as many do, that as you take these small steps, a decision becomes clearer, your resolve becomes stronger and your fear begins to lessen. That's your intuition guiding you step by step!

Discover What You Love to Do
Each of us has chosen to come into this life with a mission that will bring us joy and enthusiasm. The root of the word enthusiasm is entheos. It literally means "God Within." When you feel enthusiastic about your dreams it means that God is speaking through you and saying "yes" to your goals! The feeling of enthusiasm is one of the ways intuition speaks to us. Successful people pay attention to what they feel passionate about. They commit to spending time each day doing what they love. For some it's a job that pays. For others it may be volunteer work or a hobby. When you feel excited about something, that's a hint about what to pursue.

Spend Time in Prayer and Meditation
Intuitive answers often come to life's questions through self-reflection. Prayer and meditation are two ways we have of slowing down enough to listen to the still, quiet voice of our Higher Self. Someone once said that "Prayer is when you talk to God, and intuition is when He answers." Remember that the answers don't always pop into your mind fully formed as you meditate or pray. You may find them slowly evolving over several days or weeks as you ask for insight. 
Communing with the Universe doesn't need to take hours of time. Get in the habit of taking brief "prayer" breaks throughout the day, asking for guidance and wisdom. A prayer can be a simple thought: "Allow me to feel at peace." Or "Help guide me in my meeting this afternoon."

Get Clear about Your Goals
We are often quite clear about what we don't want. Spend time thinking about what you do want. What does your ideal life look like? Draw pictures or cut out scenes from magazines that illustrate the life you want to create. Write in your journal, envision. Spend time each day imagining your ideal life. Envision the details of that life. Imagine you are living it now. What are you wearing? 
What are you feeling? Who are the people around you? The power is within your mind and heart to bring forth the new life you desire. Your intuition will show you the way.

Practice Gratitude
Ample evidence exists that you get what you focus on. Do you often whine and complain about what you don't have and ignore the abundance all around you? Begin to notice and appreciate what you attract easily into your life. Perhaps you have a healthy body or a wonderful group of close friends. Pay attention to small things around you -- the new flower in your garden, the sound of your cat's purr, the laughter of a child or the beauty of freshly fallen snow. Before you know it, abundance in all forms will begin to flow into your life. Intuitive guidance comes more easily when you are open to and appreciative of life.

(by Lynn Robinson)

3. RESPONDING TO YOUR QUESTIONS

QUESTION: “I have a question you may want to consider, or perhaps you have already.

What are we "doing" when we think philosophically? What is being accomplished? How do we know we have achieved "wisdom?" and what does it mean to do so? Your newsletter is Wisdom but how does this "wisdom" differ from scientific or artistic or musical wisdom? And how are we and/or our world different because of it?
IS this something you'd like, or have, considered? I would be interested in your thoughts.

ANSWER: I would think it quite appropriate that our main subject this week is intuition, as that would have answered the main chunk of your question. Yet I will endeavour to answer all the same.

What are we "doing" when we think philosophically? What we are DOING is to stick to fundamental truths, as opposed to some gibberish that we compile and somehow justify as suitable.

What is being accomplished? The best direction forward for that individual. If you chose an alternative path based on revenge for example, you’ll finish up in the gutter. You may well be happy for a while, but you’ll have a lot of climbing to accomplish to get back where you started.

How does this "wisdom" differ? Wisdom is often simply defined as the quality of being wise. Being wise is; having or showing experience, knowledge or good judgement. So no matter what subject the same principle of wisdom applies. So wisdom doesn’t change within each subject, but its attributes in one subject may be of no value in another. Showing wisdom in music wouldn’t necessarily follow that you’re wise in shopping at the supermarket.

And how are we and/or our world different because of it? Perhaps the best way to answer this is to ask yourself is there any regrets in your life? Don’t just consider major regrets but minor ones too. For example were you happy with the food choice at lunch? Too much, to salty, too spicy, not enough flavour etc. etc. Most philosophers have suggested that being happy is our ultimate aim, so to have any regrets whatsoever would suggest we haven’t got the formula right just yet.

Practical philosophy is the LOVE of WISDOM. Your personal philosophy will determine how you proceed through life. Few philosophers will ever tell you what you need, but they’ll take you on a journey and show you how useful this wisdom is.

5. PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTES

"Start from wherever you are and with whatever you've got" (Unknown Author)

"Don't read a book and be a follower; read a book and be a student." (Jim Rohn, American Business Philosopher)

“If the thunder isn’t loud, the peasant forgets to be prepared.” (Russian Proverb)

Next week we look at the subject ‘Gratitude’.

Bye for now.

PS: “Everybody ought to do at least two things that they hate doing, just for practice.” (William James)
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Phil Booker
Editor, Author, Businessman and Philosopher of Life.

 

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