Intuition & the Regulated Body
Every job I have ever had was intense. I have gravitated toward toxic, unkempt, needy spaces to fill a void within my spirit. Only recently have I started to recognize how often I lost track of my instincts & intuition within those environments. It was like cutting off a limb to turn it into a steady paycheck. Luckily, I realized that loss of this sort isn’t permenant.
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, the concept of intuition has taken on new importance. Modern interpretations of intuition go beyond mysticism, delving into the realms of science & self-awareness. Recent research has unearthed intriguing connections between our inner knowing intuition & the parasympathetic nervous system, not to mention the increased understanding of the importance of the vagus nerve, our fascia tissue, & the transformative powers of breath work. All of these tools reside within us and are waiting for our memory to catch up with reality.
The parasympathetic nervous system, often associated with the "rest & digest" state, plays a pivotal role in our ability to tap into our intuition. Studies suggest that a calm and relaxed nervous system enhances our receptivity to subtle cues from within us and from our environment. This R&D state, akin to Flow for some, allows for clearer connection to our intuitive insights, unclouded by stress or external distractions. Finding time to slow and integrate is imperative within our current system. Fight or flight constantly being activated is literally exhausting.
One fascinating and integral part of our inner workings is the vagus nerve. Often referred to as the "wanderer," it extends throughout the body, influencing various bodily functions. It’s been linked in metaphysical understanding to the concept of the subtle body, a framework associated with the tantric Chakras and is thought by many today to be the residence of Kundalini & life force energy. Techniques such as breathwork and meditation, known to stimulate this nerve and helpful in moving cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal column and into the brain, can enhance our ability to access and trust our intuitive wisdom.
Beyond the nervous system, the fascia, a web-like structure connecting different parts of the body, has emerged as a new focus of study for body workers and scientists alike. Fascia has been likened to a sensory organ, transmitting information about our body's state and surroundings. It also acts like a high speed super-highway moving energy, health & disease around the body. Tension or release in the fascia may influence our perception and receptivity to intuitive insights, highlighting the interconnectedness of mind and body.
Touching again on breathwork, within this practice we can see an ancient knowing now supported by scientific research, a powerful tool for fostering intuition. Conscious and intentional breathing patterns can modulate the nervous system, calming the mind and creating a conducive environment for intuitive revelations. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and coherent breathing have gained popularity for their positive impact on intuitive processes. These are ancient knowings we are remembering and applying to our modern life.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, understanding & harnessing our intuition becomes a valuable skill. Embracing the scientific insights available empowers us to cultivate a heightened sense of awareness and trust in our intuitive guidance. We can embark on a journey of self-discovery, unlocking the profound wisdom that resides within each of us. Focusing on our wellbeing and understanding our body more deeply can have profound and positive impacts on our connection to self as well as help to increase our feelings of interrelatedness with the world around us.
