KANISA GEORGE
Do you believe in signs? That everything is crafted and expertly created with you in mind? For centuries astrologers have been using signs to predict famine, a good harvest and compatibility. Even modern-day astrology takes the guessing out of relationships and tells us quite frankly which signs are best suited for each other.
But even if you don't believe in the mumbo jumbo of the sun, moon and the stars, we all have had at least one experience that felt a little bit more than a coincidence.
Most of us experience that nagging feeling telling us that something isn't quite right, and even if we won't admit it, a woman's intuition would give any astrologer a run for deh money. Not only is it more than a silly myth, but there is also scientific proof that adds value to this superpower.
The British Journal of Psychology defines intuition as what happens when the brain draws on past experiences and external cues to make a decision. This lightning-speed process usually occurs at an unconscious level, making us often unaware that it's even taking place. Essentially, intuition relies on our brain's ability to instantaneously evaluate a situation and make decisions based on gut instincts.
Science suggests that a woman's intuition is a product of evolution. Traditionally, it was felt that women with a solid ability to understand and predict the needs of their offspring and mates thrived over others with inferior senses. Intuition is shared between the sexes, but according to Dr Daniel Amen, women tend to exhibit more intuition, empathy, collaboration, self-control, and appropriate concern because of increased blood flow in our brains.
A University of Cambridge study found that when it came to non-verbal communication skills, women were better at reading facial expressions and emotions and were more likely to pick up on the subconscious cues of others.
Though widely touted as a female trait, men can also be powerfully intuitive. However, researchers believe that because women are encouraged to be more receptive to their inner thoughts, we hone our skills while men lose touch of their feelings.
In summary, women are far better at reading the room than men, so why do we often lose the plot? Why do we resign our powers to the back of the class and hold out for a sign that may never come?
It's one thing to have a super power, but it's another to master it, and the reality is our intuition has to go up against a few heavy hitters.
"I knew he wasn't faithful, inno. I just had a feeling."
Even when the signs are right before us, we continue to persevere, hoping our gut feelings are simply our number one critic, Mr Poor Self-Esteem. Unfortunately, it's sometimes tricky to separate intuition from self-doubt, and when you add lust, love and the desire to hold on to the list, our powers becomes nothing more than a feeling.
If there's one thing experience will teach you, is that ignoring your instincts could come at a very steep and painful cost. And the simple truth is that we avo
