Intuition or Emotion?

(Author’s Note: I have written on this topic before, but I’m curious to know if my original thoughts hold true. I’m interested in my reader’s experiences in regards to emotion and intuition.)

Have you ever been uncertain about the distinction between emotion and intuition?

Intuition and emotion are different things, yet emotions can be mistaken for intuitive insights.

Intuition is defined as:

– “the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.

• a thing that one knows or considers likely from instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning.”

Emotion is defines as:

• “a mental state that arises spontaneously rather than through conscious effort and is often accompanied by physiological changes: a feeling such as the emotions of joy, sorrow, reverence, hate, and love.” 

Although both concepts relate to feelings, their definitions are markedly different.

Intuition

Intuition can manifest in various ways, which become clearer when we learn to recognize them. 

While it may be conveyed through feelings, not all feelings are intuitive.

Feelings serve as just one source of intuitive information.

For instance, we may feel that something is off, a vague feeling or instinctual awareness  that can’t quite be put into words.

Or, we may actually feel a physical feeling of tightness in the chest or stomach.

My belief is that the voice of intuition is typically still, quiet, clear, and matter-of-fact, guiding us to take certain actions, or refrain from others.

Occasionally, intuition may arise with a sense of urgency, especially in moments of impending danger prompting clear and direct communication. 

Emotions

Emotions, on the other hand, may lead us to make decisions based on impulse, on feelings only.

Feelings that are intense or demanding are not likely to be intuition. 

We may feel unsettled, anxious, uncertain, confused.

Emotions that create a feeling that “this is the way it has to be” are coming from an emotional place of fear or desire, not intuition.

Succumbing to emotions without discernment can interfere with our relationships and well-being.

In cognitive behavioral therapy, emotional reasoning is a cognitive distortion that allows inaccurate thoughts to reinforce negative thinking. 

Emotional reasoning is the belief that what we feel must automatically be true.

Hence the confusion and inaccurate belief that the emotions we feel must be intuition.

This leads to making decisions that may not be in our best interest.

To make sound decisions and lead a peaceful life, it is crucial to recognize and distinguish between intuition and emotions. 

While emotions should not be feared, it is essential to interpret them accurately and avoid confusing them with true intuition. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What would you add?

Much love,