Intuition explained
By Jimmy Henderson (Hons (phil) MA (psychology) FRC
‘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 specific mental techniques such as visualization and meditation, the
rational thinking processes are subdued or quieted, allowing the unconscious mind
to assume dominance and begin to 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 enter normal consciousness
for a few brief seconds.
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 your intuition is therefore an
excellent method of building a working relationship with your 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 our inner visual
fields. 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. As mentioned previously, our unconscious
mind is 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
In line with our symbolic processes of interpretation, our minds also have
the ability to translate impressions from the unconscious mind into words and
even images. As mentioned previously, exactly what is heard or seen will
usually be based on our existing framework of schemas and will therefore be in
line with our belief systems. 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 previous publications, a true intuitive
image is immediate, appears spontaneously, and is not under one’s conscious
control.
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 (inner visual
field), which links up with the previous section on unconscious cues warning us
of possible threats. This does not exclude the possibility that some
spontaneous imagery (visions) may have an external source. However, this will
be discussed in a later section.
As with all intuitive communications, the
key to understanding their true meaning would be 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 storehouse of knowledge, framework of thinking and 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 reflection 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 is a metaphysician and the author of a number
of books and articles on inner self-development. He has an Honours degree in
philosophy (metaphysics) and a Masters degree in Psychology. He is also a
Metavarsity facilitator and based in Durban ,
South Africa
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