Can We Learn Intuition?

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"At times you have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself." – Alan Alda

Intuition is "knowing" something without being able to explain how you came to that conclusion rationally. It's that mysterious "gut feeling" or "instinct" that often turns out to be right, in retrospect.

Intuition is basically how we quickly tap into the subconscious mind, where we store all kinds of information we don't remember on a conscious level. Sometimes we pick up things subconsciously without realizing it, such as body language. It registers as a certain "feeling" that we can't articulate at that moment.

Without intuition, we are no different from a computer that makes decisions based on facts. So unless we're functioning like a computer, we are already making decisions based on various factors other than logic.

So although intuition is not something we usually learn about, here a few tips to help…

1. Trust your instincts.

It can be difficult to depend on something that you don't understand, and I am not suggesting we base all our decisions on intuition. But some of the world's greatest scientists, the most logical thinkers of all time, have made discoveries based on flashes of intuition (think of Newton and the apple that fell on his head or Archimedes shouting "Eureka!" in his bathtub).

2. Ask yourself questions and listen to the first answer that pops into your mind.

That isn't easy, because several thoughts will flood your mind at once. For instance, let's say you're looking at a menu. In deciding what you want, pick out the first thing that stands out to you. Ignore the remainder of your thoughts, like for example: "But I didn't even look at the specials" or "But my friend is on a diet and I'll feel bad eating this in front of him" or "But my uncle said the mashed potatoes he had here were too mushy" etc. Don't dwell on it. Just pick something. It might be scary, because what if you make the wrong choice? Do not worry, you will be fine.

3. Meditate or relax.

Clearing your mind of repetitive thoughts and worries will make it easier to listen to your intuition. Find a relaxation technique you are comfortable using and practice.

4. Listen to your gut.

There's a reason it's called a "gut feeling". Many times, a decision that you "know" is wrong makes you feel discomfort in your stomach area.

5. Listen to and communicate with your multiple brains.

Neuroscience research has shown we have functional and complex brains in both our heart and gut. These brains have memory and intelligence. As the points above indicate, your gut and heart brains know when something isn't right and will tell you through feelings, hunches and messages. You can communicate with these brains through simple language, imagery and touch.

6. Keep an intuition journal.

Every day, use your intuition to make a guess about someone or something. Don't act on it, though. Just write it down. Focus on statements like "I have a feeling that…" or "My intuition tells me that…" If there are any sensations associated with your intuition, such as a vision, or physical discomfort, be sure to record it. Looking back in your journal, see how often you are right. As you learn more about how to recognize your intuition, and you see it leading you in the right direction. Your confidence will grow and so will your intuitive power.

7. Exercise the right side of your brain.

Intuition is drawn from the right hemisphere of the brain which is the same side that controls nonverbal, holistic thought and expression. Some other ways to "work out" your intuition are to : be creative, dance, paint, visualise, brainstorm.

"Our bodies have five senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing. But not to be overlooked are the senses of our souls: intuition, peace, foresight, trust, empathy. The differences between people lie in their use of these senses; most people don't know anything about the inner senses while a few people rely on them just as they rely on their physical senses, and in fact probably even more." – Anon.

Ron Tustin
Revive and Thrive Coaching, Professional Coach, member of International Coach Federation.

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