Developing Intuition: Practical Guidance for Daily Life

by Shakti Gawain

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Novato: New World Library, 2000.  160 pp.   $12.95.

Shakti Gawain, a best-selling author in the field of personal growth, offers this inspiring short guide on cultivating intuition amidst day-to-day living.  Gawain proposes that intuition brings spirituality directly into our lives, leading to greater clarity and success in all our endeavors.  Since we are heavily programmed by Western society to be externally oriented and to develop our rational capacity, we need to create balance through shifting the focus inward and fostering intuition.  The author organizes the twelve chapters around twelve key steps to living more intuitively, accompanied by easy to follow exercises and meditations.  The tools and examples are practical and useful in understanding how to effectively consult, interpret and integrate intuition in life.  

Gawain affirms that “there is a universal, intelligent life force that exists within everyone and everything.” (p. 21)  She suggests that we can access this deep inner wisdom through intuition as we become more conscious of using it.  Intuition is our inborn faculty and even though we may have grown to doubt it, we can reclaim this gift through practice. 

The author distinguishes between the logical mind on which we are taught to rely on and intuition, or the “universal mind.” (p. 24)  Intuition links us to the realm beyond ordinary senses and helps calibrate our lives based on what we truly need.  According to the author, it differs from instinct because instinct is the survival and procreation response, common to all species, while intuition is particular to humans and contributes to our evolution in alignment with unique higher purpose. 

Gawain notes that socially, we are expected to behave in ways that lead us to “to repress and disown our instinctual energies, such as aggression and sexuality,” which can make us lose contact with intuition. (p. 26)  Therefore, we have to “develop a healthy balance of intellect, instinct, and intuition.” (p. 27)  Additionally, Gawain points out that while all people possess intuitive capacity, some are particularly sensitive and are considered to be "natural psychics." (p. 28)  However, even individuals with average intuitive abilities can intentionally opt to nurture and enhance intuition to the extent that they will reach a similar level of competence.     

Gawain observes that as we become more aware, we can better detect and incorporate inner cues in life.  From early on, we are trained to depend on outside authorities for directions on what proper living entails and cease to honor our innate knowledge.  To recover self-trust, Gawain suggests taking notice of the intuitive signals and learning to relax to be centered and receptive.  She offers meditation exercises to access intuition and instructs regularly tuning in and not dismissing any incoming signs.  The author asserts that no matter where we find ourselves, we can choose to pay more attention to the arising feelings and “check in” intuitively to gain helpful insights on resolving various life situations. (p. 65)  

As we become more experienced and comfortable with perceiving subtle signals, Gawain proposes taking incremental steps in acting on intuition.  Initially, she does not recommend risking making major decisions and suggests starting with minor choices, such as picking a movie to see.  In the instances when we follow our intuitive hunches but do not achieve the results we desire, Gawain notes that there may be several explanations for the outcome, such as misreading the incoming messages or confusing intuition with other feelings.  The author further observes that the process can be intricate in its unfoldment and encourages readers to be patient as we may be unaware of the whole significance of the experience and where it will bring us in the end.  Gawain provides two exercises for practice.  In the "Clearing Exercise," she instructs us to reflect and record every thought that makes us uncertain and critical about trusting intuition, which can help in releasing our fears. (p. 75)  Then, in "Trusting Yourself Exercise," we are invited to envision being absolutely correct about our intuitive hunches for a  defined time segment and actually act on them for that period. (p. 76)

Gawain concludes that when we do not follow intuition, we stop the life force from its organic propensity for self-expression. Subsequently, we are likely to experience depression and lack of energy.  Instead, surrendering to intuition usually leads to productive modifications in life’s circumstances. The author discusses the difference between being and doing, where instead of accepting the embedded dogma of the West “that we must always be doing something outwardly productive,” intuition can aid us in connecting with our innermost core, to be more fully present in the moment and regain the necessary energy before moving forward. (p. 87) 

In distinguishing intuition from other inner voices, Gawain introduces Hal and Sidra Stone’s theory that human personality consists of many distinct selves, with each having its own energy and voice, and intuition being one of the selves.  The selves we embrace are referred to as “primary selves,” while those we are not comfortable with and often inhibit are called “disowned selves.” (p. 93)  Accepting all these sub-identities can help in discerning intuition and feeling more whole.  The author offers guided meditations on listening to the messages from within and using pens with different colors of ink to differentiate between the existing selves.

Gawain emphasizes that intuition is a positive force which is not there to make us do anything potentially damaging, emotionally or physically.  On the contrary, it makes us feel more alive and peaceful, and there is a difference "between our false cravings or addictions and our true intuitive impulses." (p. 99)  A false craving misleads us into pursuing desires we do not really want or need, or do not know how to attain, leaving our true needs unfulfilled.  In extreme cases, when we become overly involved in chasing after a specific false craving, it turns into addiction. 

Gawain insists that to address addictions and maintain general well-being, it is imperative to deeply feel the unmet needs and be in touch with emotions without getting overtaken by them.  Otherwise, when emotions are denied, the energy flow in our body is blocked and can eventually manifest as sickness.  The author believes that “intuition lies underneath emotions.” (p. 110)  Acknowledging and expressing feelings in a healthy way can help in connecting with intuition.  To examine our feelings, Gawain recommends an exercise with focusing attention on the middle part of the body to take notice of any feelings.  In case something disturbing is detected, the individual is encouraged to explore the underlining issue with kindness and compassion.

Gawain accentuates the significance of the physical body in intuitive development and claims that “one of the ills of modern society is that we tend to be disconnected from our bodies.” (p. 115)  The body knows and communicates what we need to be aware of but unfortunately, our minds are trained to ignore this assistance.  Gawain advises us to listen frequently to the body’s feedback to improve our intuition.  Using the author’s “Body Talk Exercise,” we can learn to regularly dialogue with our bodies and evaluate the emerging images, thoughts or physical sensations.  (p. 124)

The author observes that sometimes "it can be challenging to maintain your integrity and stay true to yourself in a work environment." (p. 128)  However, she maintains that committing to intuitive honesty is essential and will eventually lead to a rewarding job experience.  She further remarks that intuition provides the necessary guidance to us only when we are ready and we cannot expect to achieve all of our goals right away because there are many lessons we have to learn as we progress through life.  With regards to financial security, Gawain considers that when we trust intuition and are being authentic, we tend to get the needed support to realize our individual mission.  To become more aligned with our souls, the author includes “Exercises for Discovering Your Passion,” a variety of creative activities, such as writing down our dreams about personal and professional aspirations and listing the steps for exploring these possibilities. (p. 138)      

Towards the end of the book, Gawain elaborates on intuition as a form of art and adds that opening to it in trust leads to both greater inner and outer harmony, presenting new and creative life opportunities.  Intuition can help us relinquish control and allow for suitable changes to happen, thus, enabling us to let go of fear and welcome transformation with confidence. 

I have read this book in one sitting and found its ideas and suggestions very handy in both my life and in interactions with others.  The exercises Gawain proposes are motivating and can be instantly put into practice.  This is a truly empowering resource.

Review by Veronica Shipilov, Doctoral Student
Holos University Graduate Seminary
http://www.HolosUniversity.org 

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