Our silent allies.

“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.” ~ Unknown

Imagine you’re at a bustling fish market. You approach a display of tuna and expect to be greeted by a fresh, briny scent—but something’s off. Do you trust your feelings, or defer to the fishmonger’s enthusiastic assurances? In moments like these, we often rely on intuition, that quiet, guiding intelligence that operates below the surface of conscious awareness.

This natural intelligence is our silent ally, always ready to guide us. While some intuitive feelings are innate, others are ingrained through experience. These conditioned responses may not always align with our intentions, aspirations, or core values. Yet intuition isn’t our only guide; our thinking mind, when properly trained, can be an indispensable partner in our dance with reality.

The key is awareness. We shouldn’t ignore our natural intelligence; it’s a vital part of who we are—shaped by evolution and experience—and it’s often surprisingly accurate. At the same time, we shouldn’t blindly follow it without question. Our thinking mind offers the ability to analyze, to consider consequences, and to draw on knowledge that our gut might not readily access.

In recent years, there’s been increased attention on mindfulness meditation, continuing a trend that began in the West in the 1960s. During this practice, thoughts are viewed as mental events to be observed without judgment. Despite this approach, persistent or intrusive thoughts are often viewed as irritants or distractions—the proverbial “monkey mind” that chatters incessantly and prevents us from being present.

While mindfulness meditation offers valuable benefits for managing stress, alleviating pain, and fostering self-awareness, it shouldn’t be misinterpreted. The goal isn’t to silence thoughts entirely, but to cultivate an understanding and intentional relationship with one’s thinking mind.

Consider this scenario: You’re in the kitchen, and suddenly, a grease fire erupts on your stovetop. Your instinct might scream, “Water! Pour water on it!” It’s a natural reaction—we’ve been taught since childhood that water puts out fires. But in this case, following that intuition could be disastrous.

This is where our thinking mind comes in—not as a pest to be silenced, but as a valuable partner in the situation. In the case of the grease fire, a moment of deliberate thought could remind you that smothering the flames with a fire blanket or baking soda is the safer choice.

Your ability to think critically, analyze a situation in a split second, and consider the implications of your actions is crucial. Again, this isn’t your mind being an irritant; it’s your cognitive processes working at lightning speed to advance understanding and adapt to novel situations.

It’s true that many people struggle with incessant mental chatter or anxiety-inducing thought patterns. But this isn’t the mind’s natural state—it’s a result of how it’s been conditioned and how we’ve cultivated (or failed to cultivate) it. The good news is that we can train our thinking mind to be a silent ally, much like our intuition.

When we achieve this harmonious mix, intuition remains our primary guide, while our thinking mind plays a supportive role. In this symbiotic state, our thinking mind doesn’t intrude on the natural flow of spontaneous action. Instead, it waits quietly, ready to offer assistance only when explicitly called upon. It steps forward briefly to provide analysis or insight, then gracefully retreats, allowing intuition to resume its lead.

By integrating both aspects of our intelligence—the spontaneous and the deliberate—we equip ourselves to navigate the complexities of life with greater wisdom and adaptability. Our intuition and our rational mind become two silent allies, always present when needed but never intrusive.

As you move through life, remember that these two powerful forces reside within you. Intuition can offer not only quick, authentic actions that resonate deeply with who you are but also flashes of brilliance and unexpected insights. At the same time, your thinking mind provides the ability to assess and explore various possibilities. When they work together seamlessly, they lead to a life that is both deeply fulfilling and profoundly wise, unlocking new realms of discovery and creativity.

Note: Here’s a well-known, fascinating example:

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Stay passionate!