Gut Feeling, Instinct, and Intuition

Man is not a rational animal; He is a rationalizing animal. - Robert A. Heinlein

Beyond reason, there are three sources of personal truth available to us: gut feelings, instincts, and intuition.

Discerning between them may develop our self-awareness, emotional regulation, and guide us toward decisions that reflect our authentic and aspirational selves.

With profound humility, I offer the following observations as a starting point:

I. Gut Feeling

A physical sensation in response to circumstances.

Examples:

• Pressure or tightness located in your body;

• Unsettling, uncomfortable, even slowing you down, awaiting your response; and

• May surface when you perceive risk or danger, even if you are unsure when or how it may appear.

Qualities:

• Present in your body;

• A response, rather than reaction; and

• Unanticipated.

II. Instinct

A primal, reflexive physical reaction.

Examples:

• How a flash of light or movement draws your eyes;

• How a loud scream turns your head; and

• How pain moves you.

Qualities:

• A reaction, rather than response;

• Thoughtless, impulsive, even emotionless (ie. knee jerk); and

• Predictable, easy to explain, “wired by design” (ie. animalistic, fight or flight).

III. Intuition

Certain knowledge, from an unknown source, that is unique and true for you.

Examples:

• A feeling of illumination and clarity;

• An unshakeable, undeniable personal revelation; and

• A sense of certainty and decisiveness, even peace.

Qualities:

• Purely internal, without regard for the external;

• May defy reason, explanation, even the “acceptable;” and

• Liberating, without rush, pressure, or discomfort.

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See On Intuition and Desire and Intuition.