Luminaries as varied as Sam Walton, Oprah, Lao Tzu and Steve Jobs have sung the praises of following your intuition. Albert Einstein went so far as to say: “The only real, valuable thing is intuition.”
Recent scientific research supports the idea that we have more ways of knowing than the logic we associate with our pre-frontal cortex. We all have complex, adaptive and fully functional neural networks or ‘brains’ in at least three areas: our heart, our gut and our heads. (Although my mother often questioned whether I had any brains in my head as an adolescent.) Follow this link if you want to learn more about the emerging science of multiple brain integration.
Some claim that following your intuition is about following your heart. Eastern wisdom traditions such as yoga say intuition is soul guidance, and appears naturally when the mind is calm. In my work as a purpose coach, I help people get in touch with this inner voice, because it seems to be a source of unending wisdom. I know when I have helped a client connect to their voice of inner wisdom; I have helped them find a gift of immeasurable value.
Lao Tzu said: “The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.” Although our ingenuity for getting into predicaments appears to be endless, the voice of our inner wisdom proves to be no less resourceful in helping us find the way out.
I have come to firmly believe it is the birthright of every human being to have close, intimate connection with their own voice of inner wisdom. I have yet to come across a coaching client who does not possess this remarkable gift. Intuition can be thought of as an underdeveloped muscle we have simply not exercised. We all have the ability to exercise and develop our intuitive muscles to serve us in any and all circumstances. Clearly, western society has not valued this way of knowing as much as we have valued logic and reason.
If you would like to know more about techniques for developing your own intuitive muscle of inner wisdom, contact me via my profile page.