I relate to our intuition as the feminine version of the intellect, that subtle knowing and discrimination that arises within. I see both as heart-based, which also relates to the Vijnana (intellect) kosha or layer of being.
However, we’re not all wired the same way. Intelligence is embedded within the process of experience of consciousness. This means it’s fundamental and we can tap into that knowing in various ways.
For some, signals come as gut instincts. Or as precognitive, somatic knowing. Or as a feeling. Or as images. Or an urge to act a certain way. And so forth.
For some, intuitive hits come in subtle, single hits that must be captured or they’re gone. Others get waves or loud hits, and so on.
We live in a culture that favours the concrete. Many have not learned to tap into their intuitive signals. And indeed, their inner world can be unsettled or even chaotic. That doesn’t support intuition. Settled clarity is ideal.
However, just because it’s subtle doesn’t mean its wisdom. The advice is often to double-check with reality before you act.
I was reminded of this recently when it became clear that some of my past decisions that had been “driven by intuition” had actually been hijacked by unmet needs or desires. The feeling of rightness was coming from the will, not from true knowing.
Not that desires are dangerous. Only that we want to make choices based on wisdom, not unresolved baggage.
It’s important to recognize how true intuition comes our way so we’re not deluded by other things, like aspects of identity, unmet needs, or unresolved trauma.
The key is refinement. More sattva, more clarity. The most direct path to sattva is samadhi, transcendence. This triggers soma, the ultimate refinement solvent.
Also, practice. By trying our intuition out and testing results, we get better at recognizing and using it.
Even so, we keep that discriminating skill active so we can recognize when signals are coming up for healing rather than action.
Davidya
Dear Davidya,
I loved seeing this piece as I woke up very early this morning, being literally pulled out of bed with an energy and urgency to which I simply had to respond. I really did not know if it was trying to distract me from being with the Being, or was a call from the Being to respond to it, and write about what was arising. All I knew was that I had to respond, and I did. Happily, the Being shared some precious “new” gifts that I felt such love and gratitude for hearing.
I deeply appreciate your message that the calling or “intuition” could have instead been driven by unexamined egoic “needs or desires” that equally needed attention. But how perfect to have awakened to your profound writing this particular morning. Thank you.
🙏
Hi David,
I recently experienced something related where I am cognizant of the nascent subtle thoughts and sort of feel/weigh the consequences of letting them give birth. The thoughts themselves are arbitrary and often seemingly innocuous but it’s as if I am aware of the responsibility of simply having a thought and tread carefully…
Does that speak to you at all?
Excellent Scott. Awareness brings choice, and recognizing the potential.
We can also become aware of the source of the impulse. Purification? Reaction? Best left to dissipate. Deeper flows? Then we can have more confidence in their value and potential. Even so, we need to be alert as old egoic impulses can still pop up, wanting airtime.
This is the mechanics of the winding down of the wheel of karma. When we stop engaging everything, we stop creating new unfavourable consequences. Then it’s just the processing of the sprouted seeds.
Note that we want to be aware of responsibility but not repressive about it. That can bring up a desire for control again. And we know where that got us. 🙂
I figured you would understand me and shed some light on this. I didn’t consider “that awareness brings choice” as the cause of this development. Makes sense.
Looking into the source of the impulse is something I’ve always had. ‘Deeper flows’ is interesting and useful.
Your last line made me laugh 🙂
🙏