When the mind knows ahead of us

We often say “I have a feeling” – without proof, without reason, but with an inner conviction that guides us to the right decision. This is intuition, a form of invisible intelligence that comes from experience, sensitivity and the way our brain processes information behind the scenes. Modern brain science is showing that intuition is not magic, but accelerated cognition – a process that happens before the logical mind intervenes.

How intuition works in the brain

Neuroscience has discovered that before every decision, the brain activates emotional and memory centers, which analyze the situation on an unconscious level. These microsignals – bodily sensations, muscle tension, heartbeat – are the biological language of our experience. When we have experienced something similar before, the brain recognizes the pattern and predicts the outcome without the need for long reasoning.
This is why we say “I felt it right away” – because in fact, the brain has made the decision seconds before consciousness.

When intuition wins over logic

In complex or fast-paced situations – such as negotiations, partner selection, road hazards, or professional intuition – logical analysis is often too slow. The intuitive brain (or “fast system,” according to Daniel Kahneman) uses patterns of experience and bodily sensations to find the most efficient path.

Experienced doctors, painters, pilots, or successful leaders often make the right decisions "without knowing why" - because their intuition has been nurtured by years of experience, observation, and sensitivity.

When intuition is wrong

However, intuition is not infallible. It is influenced by momentary emotions, prejudices, and fears. If we do not distinguish between our inner feeling and our emotional reaction, we risk confusing the voice of intuition with the impulse of fear or desire. This is why intuition requires quiet and attentiveness – it speaks softly and clearly only when the mind is calm.

How to develop intuition

Intuition can be cultivated, just like any other skill:

Listen to your body – physical signals are the language of the unconscious.

Take care of your mental peace – meditation and conscious breathing clear the "inner voice".

Trust experience – every mistake is information that builds intuitive wisdom.

Don't be deaf to the noise of logic – reasoning is necessary, but intuition often knows the way first.

Intuition is the most ancient form of human intelligence – a combination of emotion, memory, and tacit knowing that protects and guides us. In a world that demands analysis, reason, and proof, it remains the art of immediate feeling, the wisdom that needs no words.

Because sometimes, more than logic, what saves us is the feeling that we can't explain - but we know is true.

Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crystals-and-a-candle-on-a-table-6766514/