The Intuitive Heart

When researching the human heart the scope of study incorporates the natural connectedness of brain activity. How do we manage stress? What is our level of cognitive interpretation? What is our relationship with our self and others? How do we relate with our daily surroundings?

These things are processed emotionally as well as through avenues of thought. When heart-brain activity is combined, it is safe to say this is intuition. Some might even say the bond is more powerful than the strongest Aurora Towing Company around. The power of the heart and brain working together lights our way with ideas, impressions and yes – brainstorms.

Intuition
This term is defined as the ability to understand something without the use of conscious reasoning. It’s processed through the brain, but not on a level that is the result of analysis or logic. The sense of things comes from a gut feeling, that radiates from the center of our bodies, the solar plexus and the heart rather than that of the brain. We’ve all had those moments when we sense that something just doesn’t feel right or better yet when something feels like a perfect fit. Those senses are founded in our intuitive abilities. Going with a hunch is a good everyday example.

Recently I was getting some blood drawn for a wellness exam and the 20 year old something, young Phlebotomist was telling me all about her promising future due to the current course of action she was taking. Being the old guy I asked if I could offer a piece of advice. I’m sure it was simply from politeness, she said “Yes”. After giving her kudos for pursuing her educational goals, I said to her, “Along the way, be sure to develop your intuition.” She had no idea what that meant. I was a little taken aback and tried not to show the surprise. To her credit, she asked me how she could do that. “Listen to your inner feeling along with your thoughts.

Don’t discount your rational thinking, but don’t ignore your gut.” At that point I had a 2 minute window until she had to move along to her next blood draw. It was a rough response. My surprise came from the fact that she was pursuing a career in the medical profession and was taught science only, but later I realized that it made sense since who wants someone operating on you based on a hunch? Nonetheless, she and her future patients will be better served if she doesn’t end up one as a one dimensional practitioner relying just on the science of things.

Cognitive science is starting to unravel the evident, but sometimes inexplicable train of unconscious reasoning. In the past, intuition was often dismissed because of its association with the paranormal. Since the beginnings of the cold war the military has studied the power of intuition with some amazing findings. There findings have helped troops in combat situations make fast decisions based on their intuitive reaction and thereby saving countless lives. As a result, the study has been brought into the mainstream of psychological and physiological scrutiny.

“There is a growing body of anecdotal evidence, combined with solid research efforts, that suggests intuition is a critical aspect of how we humans interact with our environment and how, ultimately, we make many of our decisions.” Ivy Estabrooke, Program Manager at the Office of Naval Research.

The best performers in any profession are more completely served if they are incorporating a heart-brain relationship. Steve Jobs called intuition “more powerful than intellect.” Using intuition to judge the incline of the market or the progression of a project, to speak and when to stay silent, has proven to benefit the final outcome.

Never discount the brilliance of combining the heart’s intuitive aspects and brain’s cognitive analysis to bring about healthy heart monitoring. Honing our health comes with a few surprises and flexing our intuitive heart muscle appears to be one of them.

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