Intuition and the subconscious mind

Intuition and our subconscious mind
By Jimmy Henderson

Amongst other explanations, intuition could also be seen as a communication between our conscious and unconscious mind processes. Simply explained, intuition can be seen as our subconscious mind communicating with us using sensations, impressions, spontaneous thoughts and ideas and even symbolic images, such as occur during dreams.
Most of us know that our subconscious mind functions as a sort of ‘automatic pilot’ to regulate our bodily functions such as breathing and heartbeat, as well as some of our important mental activities. What is less known is that it also serves as our mind’s inner guardian and protector, filtering incoming information and regulating our inner experiences in accordance with our mental abilities and psychological or emotional readiness. Think of this in terms of the legend of the Sphinx which guarded the entrance to the Greek city of Thebes. Visitors to the city had to demonstrate commitment, courage and insight in order to be admitted. In this way, under the right conditions, which include a quiet, reflective and uncluttered state of mind, our subconscious can open us to moments of insight or intuition.
But where does the knowledge actually come from? Unlike our thinking mind, our subconscious is able to store huge amounts of information and is also not limited by our normal sense of perception. It is able to extend indefinitely and therefore able to recover and process information from outside of itself, having a subliminal contact with every other person and even with the higher levels of the Divine. It merely requires that the channels be open, uncluttered and clear in order for this information to reach our normal awareness. This creates the potential for a ‘knowing’ that extends way beyond our normal experience and translates into the intuitive moments and messages with which we are familiar.
The metaphor of the lover
These moments of intuition can be increased by strengthening our relationship with our subconscious mind. As it is able to communicate with us, it is useful to see and treat our subconscious in the same way as we would a different person or personality. In fact, we can see this whole idea of building of an intimate relationship of trust and cooperation metaphorically as taking a new lover, as the processes are similar.
In other words, in introducing ourselves, we would communicate our desire for a more intimate relationship with sincerity, sweet words and considerate actions, wooing our lover (subconscious mind) with great respect, as he/she is the inner guardian of ours hearts and minds as well as its protector. This communication can be through using affirmations, from which ‘he’ or ‘she’ will gauge our confidence and sincerity. Metaphorically speaking, we would not make much of a first impression if we came across as indecisive and lacking in confidence and self-worth. For this reason our affirmations should be positive and directed at reaching out to meet with our subconscious ‘lover’. For example, ‘I wish for a deeper relationship with my subconscious mind (over and over for a number of weeks).
However, our lover will only accept our advances (open the doors to improved intuition) once we have clearly and adequately communicated our intentions and demonstrated that we are trustworthy, willing and able to assume the responsibility for this new experience and level of functioning. And this can be established using intentions. An intention is similar to an affirmation, but more powerful. It is ‘set’ by formulating a single, simple and precise self-instruction or thought, absolutely without any doubt or hesitation, as to exactly what we desire or wish to achieve. This could be metaphorically represented as ‘banging on the door’ of our ‘lover’ in order to gain admittance to his/her room. Unlike an affirmation, which is usually repeated over and over, an intention is stated only once. And it is this single act of pure intent and absolute conviction that sets it apart from an affirmation and which assures our subconscious mind that we are ready and prepared for the experience. For example, ‘‘I now connect with my subconscious mind’.
Dreams
Other forms of establishing communication with our subconscious lover could include trying to interpret our dreams, in which we learn its ‘language’. For this we would require a ‘dream journal’ in which we record our memories of any dream quickly as soon as we awaken, before they fade away. Any images we see in the dream will be symbolic and relate to our past experiences and present framework of thinking.
Finally, if we are successful, after a period of ‘courtship’, he/she will open the doors to his or her innermost chamber. This new relationship will be seen in increased and more powerful moments of intuition, at which time we should embrace and shower him/her with appreciation.