Fountain of Youth
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Intuition & The Fountain of Youth

Enhancing and Using Your Inner Wisdom

Intuition can be a valuable tool for navigating life’s ups and downs, and creating better relationships, especially for elders. To me, by continuously and consciously working on my intuition, I not only make better decisions and lead a more fulfilling life, but I feel I am able to stave off mental stagnation and decline. In other words, intuition is part of the Fountain of Youth so many seek.

What is Intuition?

A collective definition from several online dictionaries define intuition as: a natural ability or power that makes it possible to know something without any proof or evidence; a feeling that guides a person to act a certain way without fully understanding why; something that is known instinctively or understood without proof, evidence or the need for conscious reasoning.

While we’re at it…

And while we’re at it, let’s include a definition for mindfulness, as well, as that will come up later. I like this one from mindfulness.org. “Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.”

It is a trait everyone possesses, but we might have to learn how to access it. (In other words, we might just have to be mindful.)

How Intuition Works

Now back to intuition. While the mechanisms behind intuition are still a subject of debate among scientists and philosophers, several theories shed light on how intuition works. One theory suggests that intuition is the result of our brain’s ability to process vast amounts of information subconsciously and make sense of patterns and connections that may not be immediately apparent to our conscious mind.

Our brain constantly absorbs and stores information through our experiences, observations, and interactions with the world around us. This information forms a vast database of knowledge that is accessible to our subconscious mind. When faced with a new situation or problem, our subconscious mind retrieves relevant information from this database and presents it to our conscious mind, often as a gut feeling or sometimes as that “little voice,” as I like to call it.

Think of intuition as a shortcut that allows us to tap into this vast database of knowledge and experience without consciously recalling every single detail. It’s like the brain’s way of saying, “I’ve seen – or felt – this before. Based on what I know, here’s what you should do.”

Emotional Content

Intuition is also deeply influenced by our emotions. Our subconscious mind takes into account not only factual information but also our emotional experiences and memories when presenting us with intuitive insights. This is why intuition often feels accompanied by a certain emotional charge or resonance.

In essence, intuition is a powerful tool that combines our subconscious processing power, accumulated knowledge, and emotional intelligence to provide us with valuable insights and guidance.

Common Misconceptions about Intuition

There are several misconceptions about intuition that can make it difficult to trust. One is that intuition is always a gut feeling that arises without any evidence or logic. As mentioned, a so-called gut feeling is only one way intuition is perceived.

And, while intuition can be valuable and trustworthy, it is not infallible. We may need more information or consider other factors before making a decision. This includes intuition based on subconscious processing of information and experiences, which can provide a reliable foundation for decision-making.

Heartmath.org offers this graphic to show the intuitive “sweet spot.” Things we know, things we feel, and subconscious perceptions. It is where all three circles overlap. (I always plug action into the equation, as I feel when we act we get more info.)

The Importance & Benefits of Intuition for Elders

Just look at these important benefits, when it comes to enhanced intuition. It’s no wonder that I call intuition the Fountain of Youth. Everything about it makes us more present and impactful, curtailing negative effects of aging while increasing the benefits we bring to others!

  1. Better Decision-Making: Intuition allows us to tap into our inner wisdom and make decisions based on a deep sense of knowing. It helps us cut through the noise, analyze situations more effectively, and make choices that align with our values and goals.
  2. Improved Safety: As we age, safety becomes a top priority. Intuition acts as a built-in warning system, alerting us to potential dangers and away from risky situations. Intuition empowers us to protect ourselves and maintain our well-being.
  3. Heightened Self-Awareness: Intuition can serve as a compass to better self-understanding. It helps us recognize our emotions, desires, and needs, leading to improved self-care and a stronger sense of identity. By being in tune with our intuition, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater self-assurance.
  4. Less Stress: Intuition can help us navigate stressful situations easier. By relying on what we feel and sense, we can make choices that alleviate stress and promote ease. Using intuition appropriately allows us to approach challenges with more confidence, and a positive, resilient mindset. Life begins outside our comfort zone!
  5. More Enjoyable & Meaningful Relationships: Few things foster family and friendships better than a wise and intuitive elder who knows how to listen and, when asked, give a little input. Good humor and compassion go a long way in keeping loneliness and isolation at bay. And, we rely on intuition to gauge the authenticity and trustworthiness of others. Intuition helps us sense subtle cues in conversations, body language and energy exchanges.We can use it avoid toxic or manipulative individuals, and instead create relationships that enhance our overall well-being.
 

Enhancing Intuition

To enhance intuition and get these swell benefits, here are 8 things we can do!

  1. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises, such as immersing into the present moment or deep breathing, can help us quiet our mind and tune into their intuition. Set time each day to cultivate a state of calm and focus on inner vision. I also do frequent “check-ins” throughout the day, reconnecting with a good posture, positive emotion, positive expression and relaxed breathing.
  2. Embrace Solitude: Time alone in a quiet environment can enhance intuition, whether through outdoor walks, journaling, or simply sitting in contemplation. Peaceful moments create space for intuition to emerge.
  3. Meditation: There are many types of meditation; any can be a powerful tool to deepen our connection with intuition. Regular meditation helps calm the mind, reduces stress, and enhances clarity of thought. Through meditation, we can create both an inner and outer environment conducive to receiving intuitive guidance. Guided meditation apps or recordings can help, too.
  4. Reflect on Past Experiences: Reflect on past situations where intuition guided us correctly. These successful instances can build confidence and strengthen trust in our self.
  5. Trust Gut Feelings/Listen to the Body: Trusting gut feelings is another essential aspect of cultivating and strengthening intuition. Science confirms the extensive connections between the body’s gut and the brain. The body often holds valuable insights and can provide cues that guide intuition. Pay attention to physical sensations, such as tension, relaxation or simply a knowingness, when making decisions. Lean into these signals to align actions with intuition.
  6. Engage in Creative Activities: Engaging in creative pursuits, such as painting, writing, cooking/baking or playing a musical instrument, can stimulate intuition. These activities tap into the subconscious mind and allow access to intuition more readily.

By recognizing the importance of intuition and actively working to enhance it, we can unlock a powerful resource within. Trusting a developed intuition, which is like an inner radar, can lead us to better decision-making –­ including scams and others ways people try to take advantage of us – improved safety, increased self-awareness, and reduced stress. By incorporating practices like mindfulness, solitude, reflection, body awareness, and creative activities, we can cultivate and strengthen our intuition, leading to a more fulfilling, engaged and empowered life.

Age-related Changes in Intuition

As we age, the brain’s ability to process emotions and sensory information may decline, making it harder to pick up subtle cues or signals that contribute to intuitive decision-making. The brain’s processing speed slows down, and we may have trouble accessing and interpreting information quickly. This can downgrade the accuracy and reliability of our intuitive responses. Additionally, age-related changes in brain structure and function can affect intuition.

Chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, can also indirectly affect intuition by causing discomfort, pain, or fatigue. These physical conditions can impair our ability to focus, which impedes our intuition.

Lifestyle & Intuition

An active and mentally stimulating lifestyle tends to maintain better cognitive function, including intuition. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle, lack of mental stimulation, or social isolation can have detrimental effects on intuition. These factors can contribute to cognitive decline and decrease opportunities for intuitive decision-making, as the brain is not regularly engaged in complex cognitive processes.

It’s no surprise that stress and anxiety can interfere with intuition. When our thoughts are overwhelmed with worry or pressure, it becomes difficult to tap into our intuition effectively. Practicing meditation or deep breathing or simply doing things we enjoy, can help anyone master stress and create an environment conducive for intuition to flourish.

Conclusion

Intuition is a natural ability. It can play a crucial role developing that dynamic trait called personal growth. As we age, our intuition can become even more refined, drawing from a wealth of experiences, knowledge, know-how and wisdom gained over the years, if we use some of the suggestions provided. When we share our developed intuition with others, especially with people we love, we really can have a more positive impact, and use it to guide others and ourself to that elusive, yet ubiquitous, Fountain of Youth.

For a comprehensive guide titled How to Trust Your Intuition & Leave a Lasting Legacy, download this free 17 page ebook.

© Steve Guettermann 2023

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Dew Treading

May 2, 2023 No Comments

Recorded in mid-May last year, this vlog features one of my favorite topics: Dew Treading. Dew Treading is also one of the most powerful meditations

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