In this article I'm going to discuss different ways in which Yoga helps with developing intuition. In sanskrit there is a word that describes knowledge: Jña. The word "knowledge" in its deeper sense appears in yogic scriptures, especially those that refer to the chakras (symbolism, elements and colours associated with certain areas of the body).
The chakras can give us good insight as to which area of the body can reveal which kind of knowledge. For example contemplating the heart one can gain insight about the universe - what is infinite and immeasurable, as described in the extract below:
In the heart is a very pleasant spot, anahata. Contemplating this place, one has insight about the universe - both what is seeable and what is unseeable. Contemplating this place one gains immeasurable knowledge and clairvoyance and has mastery over the element of air. I cannot fully describe the importance of this lotus. Even the divine beings meditate on this place and keep their methods hidden. ~ Siva Samhità
On a general basis, one generally receives insight through their senses; they may hear things, perceive mental images, feel their bodies react in certain ways, etc. Different messages may be received in different ways or one may always receive insight in the same way (for example, one may always feel their intuition in their hearts or in their guts).
There are a few expressions that refer to intuition in the English language:
"I have a gut feeling"
"I have a sixth sense about it"
"I can feel it in my bones"
"Follow your heart"
"My inner voice is saying"
"The heart has its reasons that reason ignores" (translated from a French expression)
And other languages probably have many more !
How does that relate to Yoga?
There are generally four distinct areas in the body where people "feel" their intuition, let's take a look at each one:
The pelvis/sacral area:
Svadhisthana Cakra realm
The realm of water
Feminine energy, emotion, sensuality, nurturance, connection, intimacy
Jña about one's own desires
The belly/gut:
Manipuraka Cakra realm
The realm of fire
Masculine energy, heat, will, power, transformation
Jña about the sun, moon and stars
The heart:
Anahata Cakra realm
The realm of air
Harmony, peace, balance, compassion, generosity
Jña about the world and others
The third-eye (between the eyebrows):
Ajña Cakra realm
The realm of awareness
Self-mastery, clear perception, clarity, wisdom, transcendance
Jña about the Nature of the Self
You may feel your intuition is one or more of these places within your body. It may depend on your constitution (which elements are mostly present within you: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether) or simply on what you have developed through personal experience.
If you don't already know where and how you tend to "receive" insight in your body, you may want to spend some time reflecting on each of these areas, connecting with their elements and through simple daily decisions (like which tea you're going to have or what you're going to wear) paying attention to your body and how it relates to decision-making.
If you have been living in a state of fight/flight for a long time, if you struggle with feeling disconnected to your body because of past trauma and stress, it may take more time for you to connect with your intuition. However, intuition can be developed and strengthened. In my own experience, I had to relearn how to receive messages through my body. Through mindfulness, Yoga, patience and self-kindness it is definitely possible to regain intuition, after all, it is an innate gift that all human beings have within themselves.
What may intuition feel like when received through the body?
A tightening sensation
A tingling sensation
Sensation of heat or coolness
Sensation of heaviness or lightness
A burst of energy
A deep sense of peace
Dreams
Images, words or sounds that come during quiet time or meditation
How to differentiate between true intuition and ego?
This is a very hard question! I once heard someone explain this in a way that truly resonated with me, so I'll share it here. When your intuition is ego-drive as opposed to a true, wise knowing you may experience fear, anxiety, unsettled-ness, excessive thinking. True intuition isn't fearful or anxious, true intuition feels peaceful, grounded, expansive - even if it is related to a negative event.
As a last note, I am writing from my own heart and experiences, as well as through the knowledge I have acquired through studying (with my teacher Kaya Mindlin) and observing students and clients over the years, This article (and all other articles) is only that. I am aware that each has their own experience of their bodies and therefore their intuition, and if you think I could add to this article I'd love to hear from you!
Want to dive deeper?
I will be teaching a whole series of online Yoga classes on this topic this month of July. The summer months are the period of the year where there is the most light - sun light illumines our outer and inner world, light is knowledge itself. If you want to develop or connect with your intuition this month, you can join here. You will also have access to all past Yoga series.
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