The initial question arose when someone remarked on my strong motherly instinct. As I reflected on what felt like a natural gut feeling, I realized it was more about experiences than an inborn intuition. Some moments in life taught me to anticipate certain things. So, I started paying attention to all the good instincts that have developed from my life experiences. Well, also realised that bad experiences can cause anxiety!

Intuition and Instincts

Instincts are immediate responses to stimuli, and they can be observed across various species, guiding actions without conscious thought. In contrast, intuition is a mode of understanding or insight that emerges without the need for explicit reasoning. It involves a deep, often unconscious, awareness or knowledge about a situation. It may arise from accumulated experiences, emotions, or a subconscious analysis of information.

Instincts are usually automatic and operate at a subconscious level, while intuition may involve a more conscious sense of awareness. Instincts often provide immediate responses to stimuli, whereas intuition can operate in a less time-sensitive manner, offering insights over a more extended period.

How Experience Influences Our Intuition

Whether we’re aware of it or not, our instincts and intuitions are continually shaped by the experiences we go through, whether positive or negative. Past events create a gut feeling that impacts our decision-making instincts in the present. So, when you sense a strong intuitive pull next time, reflect on the experiences that could drive it. You will be surprised and grateful when you realise how much your past experiences shape your current instincts!