By Faye Martins
What is the connection between Yoga and intuition. Much like Yoga, intuition catches criticism by those who question its scientific merit. Given Yoga’s nature, it’s hard to imagine practitioners not relying on their intuition. For those who prefer solid evidence, though, limited research is available.
Scientific Evidence and Intuition
In the United Kingdom, researchers at Leeds University Business School completed a study suggesting that intuition is the process our brains use “to store, process, and retrieve information on a subconscious level.” The British team also classified intuition as a “real psychological phenomenon,” adding that we need more information to harvest its full potential.
“Psychology Today” says that intuition consists of hunches that come from things we’ve done and learned earlier in life, and a new book “Entangled Minds: Handbook of Intuition Research,” edited by Marta Sinclair, addresses various theories and their possibilities.
Intuition and Awareness
We see the intuitive ability of birds and animals – the internal wisdom they use to migrate over long distances or the instinct they have to feed and protect their young. Why should we any different than birds or ancient Yogis or Native Americans – all of whom recognized the power of inner awareness in their daily lives and rituals?
Yoga to Enhance Intuition
Yogic science teaches us how to know our own hearts, to live peacefully and compassionately with our environment, and connect to something greater than ourselves, all skills needed to access our intuitive powers.
When we do breathing exercises, postures, and meditation, information stems from our subconscious mind in the forms of ideas, knowledge, and creativity. We can only receive this information when we are centered in the present moment.
Rituals, such as having a designated place to meditate, lighting a candle, or listening to classical music, can be used to signal the mind that it’s time to slow down. On the other hand, the quickest way to squelch intuition is by trying to force a desired result. Whether we’re in Corpse Pose, following our breath, or listening to guided meditations, we have to surrender our egos for our sixth sense to open up. When we let go of the need to control, we open ourselves to insight and understanding.
Lao Tzu said it best: “The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.”
© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
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