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The psychology of intuition

                     The psychological basis of intuition

                                      By Jimmy Henderson (MA Psychology)

‘In the interval between words, between thoughts, comes understanding’. Krishnamurti

   The phenomenon of intuition is alluded to in psychological research, but given the term ‘immediate insight’ and linked to the appearance of spontaneous solutions to visual problems, allegedly based on a mental re-arrangement of elements taking place in the mind without any real conscious thought. However, I believe that intuition can be further explained as a process when, under certain circumstances, such as introspection, light slumber or during specific mental exercises such as visualization and meditation, the rational thinking processes are subdued or quieted, allowing the unconscious mind to assume dominance and  release information in the form of sensations, impressions and sometimes even images. These communications usually form the content of dreams, but when one has not yet fully entered the sleep cycle, or as mentioned, is in a highly subjective state, they can, for a few brief seconds, enter normal consciousness.

   This suggests that the fundamental principle of communication between conscious and unconscious processes underlies the phenomenon of intuition, which can now simply be explained as someone becoming aware of the promptings of his or her unconscious mind. This argument is supported by the fact that intuition can be activated simply by addressing specific questions to oneself and waiting expectantly for an appropriate response. Developing intuition is therefore an excellent method of building a working relationship with the unconscious mind. 

   As already mentioned, communications from the unconscious (intuitions), can present themselves as sensory impressions, verbal messages and even spontaneous images which can arise in the inner visual field. In this regard, the human body itself has an inherent intelligence which allows it to communicate its needs in the form of sensory impressions or cues which can sometimes act as an early warning system for preserving life and health. For example, feeling ill after a meal could suggest that one has eaten something disagreeable, and every person has, at some time or other, experienced hunger pains or uncomfortable feelings and sensations which indicate that food or drink is required. This principle forms the basis of many diagnostic and holistic treatments involving bio-feedback.

Sensory intuitions

   What is little known is that this ability to detect sensory cues can be strengthened, improved and used to detect emotional or psychological threats as well. For instance, research shows that, within any social context, clues as to peoples’ true feelings and intentions are embedded or hidden in their actions, body language, choice of words, nuances and emotional responses. In fact, most persons will admit to having experienced feelings of discomfort in some situations, but did not give them a second thought. In most cases these feelings are normally overlooked or simply ignored. In this regard, our unconscious minds are far more open to this type of feedback than our normal perception, and, under the right subjective conditions, could draw our attention to these sensory cues, some of which could suggest possible threats to our physical, emotional or psychological well-being.

Intuition and imagery

   Due to the processes of translation and assembly inherent in human perception, our minds can construct messages and even images out of the impressions and communications from the unconscious mind. Exactly what is heard or seen will usually be based on our existing framework of schemas, (which are mental programs based on our past experiences), as well as our thinking paradigms and belief systems.

   The construction of intuitive visual images depends on the action of the same brain imagery centres that we use for our normal perception of the world (reality). However, in this case, the information is originating from inner processes (the unconscious mind) and not from the outside environment. Intuitive images represent a more powerful medium of communication than words and language. For example, some persons have reported receiving intuitive warnings of impending danger in the form of images of an accident flashing briefly through their consciousness, which links up with the previous section on unconscious cues warning us of possible threats. However, this does not exclude the possibility that some spontaneous imagery (visions) may have an external source.

   The problem that it is relatively easy for our own thoughts and ideas to enter and alter any subliminal messages, and for this reason, it is always important to maintain a clear and open mind when working with intuition. In this regard, intuitive imagery should be distinguished from an overactive imagination. As mentioned in my previous articles, a true intuitive message or image is immediate, presents itself spontaneously, and is not under our conscious control. 

‘The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.’

Albert Einstein

Interpretation

   As with all intuitive communications, the key to understanding the true meaning of intuitive messages or images would be in correct interpretation. In some cases, such as the accident warnings mentioned previously, images have been reported as being quite clear and precise. However, similar to dreams, intuitive images are usually shaped by our symbolic processes and merely contain elements or clues to the message and meaning hidden within their context, structure, form and composition. The meaning we attach to the images could also be influenced by our existing conceptual framework, those ideas, beliefs and values through which we normally view the world, as well as the unconscious schemas mentioned earlier, which contain ‘rules’ for thinking and interpretation based on our past experiences.

   Unfortunately, this all means that intuitive imagery cannot always be taken literally, and what is seen will normally need to be compared with our present storehouse of knowledge, framework of thinking and past experiences with similar situations, persons or objects, and interpreted metaphorically. For example, seeing an image of a log or large boulder on a road could represent a stumbling block along our present path, something that in real-life, we would have to walk around or climb over, and this would require additional introspection to identify that actual obstacle in our present life. 

   Finally, an entire scenario spontaneously unfolding in one’s consciousness is rarer than a single image, but has been reported in many credible cases. This could in fact, be classified as a vision, although it is normally believed that visions have an external origin. Once again, this scenario would be constructed in the mind from the components of an intuitive message and, as in the case of a dream, could provide information on one’s own inner states, emotions or thoughts. For example, a visual scenario involving an altercation between two figures could actually be mirroring an inner conflict, something of which one was not aware, and such intuitive self-insight will certainly be useful in resolving this issue.

Jimmy Henderson a well-known behavioural specialist, metaphysician and regular radio talk show guest. He is the author of many articles as well as two spiritual self-help books entitled ‘Multi-Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at Exclusive Books, Amazon.com and kalahari.com. He is also a facilitator with Metavarsity, as well as a psychology tutor with the University of South Africa, and is based in Durban, South Africa. His website is www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com

Effective Listening skills

Here is a useful article on reading body language which is an extract from my e-book 'Effective Listening Skills' available on Smashwordshttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/273390

Reading Body Language

The technique of understanding non-verbal communication is based on research which reveals that the human body will respond to areas of psychological and emotional pain and resistance with involuntary movements or shifts. These movements can only be controlled to a small extent and the resulting changes can be interpreted with a high level of accuracy by someone who is trained in this field. This skill is extremely important during the listening process, as it enables a counsellor to track and respond immediately to the changes in the psychological or emotional state of the client. It is also very useful when accepting the role of a listener in any  social situation, as it enables one to gauge and understand the responses of any other person.

A high degree of ‘awareness’ or self-awareness is required to really listen attentively. In this regard, one should be fully aware and ‘present’ when listening in order to note the nuances in what is being said as well any small shifts taking place in voice, tone and body language. These movements of the body will suggest corresponding changes to the emotional and psychological state of the client as the meaning and implications of what is being discussed, is processed.  

The second skill involved in non-verbal communication is learning the rules of body language. In other words, being able to notice the changes taking place in the position, orientation and tension of the client’s body. These shifts will be quite visible to the trained observer using the correct method of observation, including peripheral vision.

Peripheral vision involves using the outer edge of the eyes to view the client. In other words, not focussing on his or her face or any body part in particular, but relaxing one’s eyes and allowing them to ‘wander’ with the idea of viewing his or her body as a whole. This takes practice, and it will be found that this will work best when one’s eyes are slightly out of focus with the head turned slightly away. In any case, a counsellor should not be staring intently at any client, as this could make him or her uncomfortable and lead to uncalled-for changes in body language.  

The aim of reading body-language is to look for sudden shifts in the body-position, body-orientation or bodily tension. If there are no other factors involved, this will suggest a change in an emotional or psychological state.

 General principles

There are a number of general principles which must be considered when reading body

language:

·         Consider possible external factors causing the changes

      Discomfort and distractions due to the invasion of personal space, heat, cold, noise or lack

      of privacy (interruptions) can also result in unexpected body movements. It is therefore

      Important to exclude these other (external) factors before arriving at a conclusion as to the

      content of a non-verbal response or message.

·         View all body movements holistically

    There is no research evidence to suggest that any isolated gesture such as scratching the

    head or pulling an ear has any specific meaning. Non-verbal messages occur in body

    language ‘clusters’. In other words, all areas of the body are involved in sending a true

    non-verbal message and it is important to interpret any changes holistically. In other words,

    one needs to search for a combination of bodily and facial reactions that match. Only then

    can a decision be made as to the likely emotional or psychological state that is being

    experienced by the client which is leading to the change in body language.

·         Note the context in which the change in body language is taking place

     Finally, the context of the social situation must always be taken into consideration. In other

     words, what caused the sudden change? Exactly what experience or area of the client’s  

     life was under discussion when the reaction took place, and what was actually said? A shift

     in body language can be initiated either by something the counsellor has done or said, or as

     a result of a certain spontaneous thought, idea or emotion being experienced by the client. 

                

The specifics of reading body language

Non-verbal communication can be seen in changes in the posture or orientation of the body, bodily tension, facial expressions and voice.  

                                                

·         Changes in body posture

     This can be explained as a change in the openness or closure of the body by the client

      crossing/uncrossing or folding/unfolding his or her arms or legs. In other words, an

      imaginary line down the front and centre of the body is either closed up or exposed in

      response to a change in emotional or psychological state. Closure of the body is usually a

      defensive behaviour which suggests a threat or discomfort, such as would occur when the

      conversation opens up an emotionally vulnerable area of the client’s life. The subliminal

      message in this case would be something along the lines of ‘you have now said something

      which makes me feel vulnerable and emotionally threatened’ or ‘I have just thought of

      something which causes me pain’. A good counsellor or listener would detect this shift in

      body posture and gently question the client further around this issue.

      As previously stated, the closing-up of the body could also be due to an external factor

      such as physical discomfort resulting from an uncomfortable chair or an air-conditioner set

      too cold, and the surroundings would have to be checked to establish if this is not the case.

On the other hand, opening up the body by uncrossing the arms or legs suggests a more relaxed state of mind and trust in the counsellor. The message in this case would be ‘I now trust you sufficiently to expose my vulnerabilities (body) to you’. To an observant counsellor this would be a cue that he or she is using the correct approach and has been successful in gaining the confidence of the client.                                            

·         Body orientation

This can be explained as the direction in which the imaginary line along the front and centre of the client’s body is pointing. Usually during a conversation or counselling session a client will face the counsellor. However, any sudden change such as turning, leaning or pulling away would be a defensive behaviour suggesting a threat, discomfort, distrust, stubbornness or unwillingness. This movement can be subtle, such as a slight shift which effectively brings a shoulder between client and counsellor (the ‘cold shoulder’). This is usually combined with a change in the position of the arms or legs (body posture) and facial expression. As before, the aim would be to search for that part of the conversation (the statement) which has resulted in an unpleasant emotion or thought, leading to the subliminal non-verbal message. In this case, a typical example of such an implied communication would be ‘you have said something which upset me and I need to turn away to regain my composure’.                                         

                                    

Once again, one would have to ensure that the change has not resulted from physical discomfort (such as an uncomfortable chair), or other external factors as previously mentioned such as heat, cold or interruptions. If there are no such factors, then the change in body orientation has resulted from an internal state (thoughts or specific emotions).

Other more subtle changes in orientation, such as averting the eyes, also send a similar message.

As before, the opposite would be true if the client was initially facing or leaning away at the beginning of the counselling session (such as usually is the case with a severely traumatised person), and after a while turns to face the counsellor. In this case the subliminal message would be ‘I now trust you sufficiently to face you’, or ‘I no longer feel threatened by you’, or ‘I welcome your presence’.

·         Body tension

     Any tenseness of the body suggests the presence of generalised anxiety or even specific

     emotions such as fear, anger or confusion. This tension will be revealed by shaking or

     restlessness, as the body is seeking an outlet for the excess energy. In the case of women,

     the most common response is shivering and wringing of the hands, and in men, shaking, 

     shuffling the feet or clenching the fists. Short quick breaths and sweating also indicate a

high level of tension and anxiety, as well as avoiding eye contact and rapid eye movement.                                                  

The context of what is being discussed should suggest the reasons for the tension, for example, when the client begins to explain what happened during a very stressful incident. In this case, the change in body tension sends the subliminal message that ‘this experience/incident I am sharing was extremely unpleasant’. The specific emotion being experienced will be more easily identifiable by noting the voice and facial expressions.  

·         Facial expressions

Changes in the facial expression suggest the arousal of specific emotions. These emotions can either be experienced as pleasant, such as happiness and joy, or unpleasant, in the case of fear or anger. Pleasant emotions will usually be accompanied by smiles, raised eyebrows and dilated pupils, whereas an unpleasant emotion will be the opposite, resulting in a drooping of the face, frowns or grimaces. There is a unique combination of facial contractions associated with each different emotion and with practice it is relatively easy to identify them.                     

·         Changes in the voice

Usually a quiver in the voice indicates the presence of strong emotions. The tone of the voice is also important. A change in the pitch of the voice suggests an emotional shift, either to an anxiety-based emotion (higher pitch) or a depressive emotion (a lower and flatter tone). A gasp or quick breath suggests that the client has experienced a sudden and powerful emotion.                                                     

  

Finally, the counsellor always needs to consider his or her own non-verbal communications. The rules of non-verbal communication apply to everyone. In other words, even if it is at a subliminal level, a client can also detect and respond to non‑verbal messages which the counsellor is sending. When counselling or even just being engaged in conversation, it is always important to be aware of one’s own non-verbal messages as will be revealed in openness/closure, body orientation, bodily tension, voice and facial expression.

In Search of the Oracle

This is an article based on my first self-published book (2002) which has now been released in e-book format through http://www.lulu.com/shop/jimmy-henderson/in-search-of-the-oracle-a-book-on-spiritual-philosophy/ebook/product-20483966.html

                                  Remembering your true self

    By Jimmy Henderson

  

  The idea of human beings having a higher self is becoming more acceptable to current thinking. If you examine religious teachings carefully, you will notice that most refer to us as having an eternal ‘soul’ or ‘divine spirit’ a more perfect version of oneself that is totally different to our current state. They speak of an allegorical ‘fall’ and a separation (‘casting out’) which took place.

   In psychological terms, this separation could simply be a loss of consciousness or memory of one’s original state of being, but something which would have far-reaching effects. To explain this, I will share with you a short story I formulated to demonstrate this principle.

   There was a little girl who had been brought up in an orphanage. She had no idea of who her parents were. She became used to her daily chores at the home, but was never really happy. She never laughed or danced and most of the time felt depressed and empty inside. Then one day a man came to the orphanage to see the supervisor. He wanted to speak to the little girl. He was from a far-away land and was a prince, the son of the king of that country. He told her that many years ago the king’s small child, his little sister, had been lost. They had searched far and wide and at last had discovered that she had been found and placed in the orphanage. He then embraced and informed her that she was the king’s long lost child, his sister, and that he had come to fetch her. He then called the courtiers who had accompanied him, and they took off the little girl’s dirty and torn clothes and dressed her in the finest royal robes. All this time, she had been a princess, but had not known it.  She began to laugh and dance, which she had never done before, and left with the prince to return to her father who awaiting her.

   There are a number of interesting points that emerge from the story. First, the little girl had been a princess from birth, but was not conscious of this. Second, the moment she became conscious of this fact, she underwent a radical change. During her life, the little girl had had two ‘selves’, the outer, which was incomplete and empty in itself, and the inner (royal) ‘self,’ which later emerged as her true nature and inheritance.

   The truth of the matter is that we have all forgotten our true self which is formed from the Consciousness and attributes of the Divine Mind or Intelligence. And the problem is that, unless we learn to accept who and what we truly are, a son or daughter of the Most High, we will continue to see ourselves as inherently imperfect and behave according to this perception, producing only selfish, violent and destructive actions.

   However, once this memory of our higher nature is regained, we can once again attain this level of consciousness and be able to more freely release our past negative actions and their consequences within the framework of our spiritual or religious beliefs. 

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The book, In Search of The Oracle (2002), explains a meditation technique which enables the reader to re-connect one with the wisdom of the inner self, resulting in a flow of consciousness and understanding that can transform one's thinking, perception and experience of life. It also provides answers to many questions that one would pose at the beginning of a search for the Divine and a higher meaning to life. Have a look at the re-release, which is also available through my website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com