The Nine Lives Of Intuition

What do we know about intuition? Not much really, reliable research is not freely available particularly because of the ambiguous nature of intuition to begin with. Some researchers believe that the power to intuit is an innate ‘gift’ which some people possess, much like the ability to create art (http://afgen.com/intuition.html). 

So where does intuition really come from? Well, for that answer, let’s pay homage to the old saying ‘that gut feeling’; new research suggests that the brains in your head might not be the only brains you have! Yup you read it right we’ve got a primitive brain located in our gut! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enteric_nervous_system). 

This brain works in concert with your ‘higher functioning’ brain in a complex concert. This secondary brain has the power to autonomously function, detect changes in its surrounding, reacts appropriately and even shows rudimentary learning. 

Nervous butterflies, stress knots, postprandial flare-ups and other gut-based feelings have been finally explained, as this enteric nervous system secretes many of the neurotransmitters found in your brain and is the largest manufacturer of serotonin in your body! (http://whyfiles.org/026fear/physio2.html)

All this is great, but what does it have to do with intuition? Well, though the brains that sit on your shoulders are a product of millions of evolution and no doubt are a marvel of nature all by them, they are bogged down by higher thought processes that are a function of our day-day living, it is too absorbed with the stimulus-learning-reaction equilibrium which blots out those little whispers of Lady Intuition. 

While your enteric nervous system which is not bogged down by such higher functioning can more easily react to the primeval impulses that are imparted to us through trillions of years of trial and error evolution.

So the next time you feel that little surge in your tummy, pay attention, it’s trying to say something important. Who knows then, you too could exercise your right to the nine lives bestowed upon the kitty next door or even bear the next Game Changing thought that has exquisitely tainted humanity.