Insight And Intuition example essay topic

More Than A Feeling By definition, intuition is the inherent ability to connect with one's inner self. It seems as if as time goes by, intuition is thought of less. This is likely due to the lack of education and understanding of this peculiar ability. Yet some people believe that everyone has intuition. Few people actually experience it. Many dismiss the fleeting hunches and gut-feelings as coincidence.

Those who do believe in the intuitive powers of the mind think it comes in many different forms. For example, a stressful situation may cause one to become frantic and worried. As if they 'know' everything will work out, another person may handle that situation differently. That is what believers feel is a natural ability derived from instinct. In our Western society of cell phones and fax machines, many of us ignore our natural instinct. In fact, some have already had an intuitive experience.

The experiences can be anything from a feeling that something will be good or bad, a feeling that we need to pay attention or that something is wrong with someone, or even de ja vu. Most of the time, we ignore these intuition and we use our reasoning and logic instead. Although reasoning and logic are very good for solving our Smith 2 problems, our intuition may provide us with the answer to that problem more helpfully or accurately 'Intuition is knowing without knowing why you know,' says Laura Day. For some people, this is easier said than done. Intuition may be difficult to grasp for some due to lack of frequency but, many things can be done to improve the occurrence and quality of intuitions.

For example, those people wishing to better their intuition perform relaxing activities. Those activities could include sitting by a body of water, staring at a relaxing fire, visualizing something relaxing or listening to a calming sound. This quiets the sound that constantly echo in the minds of humans. This is when we realize our intuitions.

In his book 'The Celestine Prophecy', James Redfield tells the story of a man who travel to the Peruvian rain forest in search of his friend Charlene. This man come to discover a group of people in search of what they call 'The Nine Insights'. On his journey, he meets many people who help him to get in touch with his intuitive side. The character was periodically put in a setting where he had difficulty figuring out a problem or getting out of trouble. He would search for answers by performing many of the same relaxation techniques that true believers exercise. He would find those answers by meditating and trusting his intuition.

He learned, eventually, to harness the power of his own mind. Why is it that our society has trouble understanding this? Smith 3 In Redfield's books, he describes more than nine insights that explain how and why we experience life. His books are said to be 'non-fiction' fiction because his story is based on the actual cultural beliefs. Those nine plus insights that are discussed are said to have been written by an ancient Peruvian culture. In reality, many ancient civilizations do base their futures, fates and destinies on insight and intuition.

For example, in 500 BC, Pythagorean developed the skill of intuitive diagnosis. Even throughout history, intuition is apparent. So we have a pretty firm understanding of intuition. Many question how it can be used.

Some believe it can be beneficial, while others find it to be bothersome. one of the benefits, though, is medical diagnosis through intuition. As previously stated, Pythagorean use it in the 6th century. It was used to determine health, illness and personality. Later on, in the 1800's, Frank Mesmer developed 'mesmerizing' to put patients in such a state so that they could offer their own intuition to determine what was ailing them. In our time, intuitive diagnosis is rarely ever heard of. It is not accepted by many physicians who totally disagree with the idea that a 'hunch' could cure someone's terrible illness.

This also makes it difficult for intuition to be recognized in our society. In conclusion, while insight and intuition are present in many ways in our society, it is only accepted in our society by the few who trust it's powers. For those who understand, it is a natural instinct and the only way to live. However, for the majority that pays no attention to gut- feelings, it is merely a way to Smith 4 describe coincidence. Unfortunately, despite the many instances of intuition and insight, some may never totally accept that a hunch could very well be out natural instinct. Smith 5

Bibliography

Institute For Management Excellence. Online Newsletter. 2001, March 2001 web James.
The Celestine Prophecy. New York: First Warner books printing, 1994 -- -.
The Tenth Insight. New York: First Warner Books Printing, 1996 -- -.
The Tenth Insight: An Experiential Guide. New York: First Warner Books Printing, 1996 Rit berger, Carol.
Diagnosis Using Intuition. 2001, March 2001 web.