What is Intuitive Intelligence?

Let’s begin with intuitive intelligence. Like other intelligences, it is a variety of skills which range from the ability to feel a friend’s low mood or energy to the heightened intuitive who displays psychic skills like clairvoyance. A child who takes art lessons and has a good eye for painting is far different from a Picasso; yet, both exhibit artistic intelligence. A smart teenager, who glances at a biology study guide and retains the information almost immediately, can be said to have scientific intelligence, same as a fifteen-year-old who ponders quantum physics as a freshman at MIT. They exist on the same intelligence continuum, but show different aptitudes.

Intuition is also a valid intelligence, but there has been confusion in the way it’s been interpreted by different groups who use words like intuition, psychic and spiritual gifts synonymously. Not all intuitive people are psychic and not all psychic people use their intuitive gifts. How we develop our intuition depends on how we are nurtured and guided to trust our “inner knowing.”

You are the only one who knows how to interpret yours or your child’s experiences. As a parent, do you believe your child is a deep feeler, sees angels or deceased loved ones, or uses gut level reactions to make sense of his or her world? If so, then here are some questions for your consideration:

1. Are you able to hear what your child says without judgment and accept the experience as your child shares it?
2. Can you be a present, responsive listener?
3. If you need more information, will you educate yourself through books or other avenues of information?
4. If you need help, will you ask for it without embarrassment?
5. If medical doctors suggest medications, will you seek alternative explanations?
6. Will you accept intuitive intelligence as a normal way to learn, develop skills and interpret life’s opportunities and challenges?

Who can decide if the psychic ability of a school aged child is a developmental issue or a great gift of connection to God or something greater? Or is psychic manifestation our human ability to create our deepest heart’s desire? Is an intuitive scientist like Einstein a creative genius, or a mystic, or an intuitive with great insight?

Those you ask will have different opinions about intuition or psychic abilities. Some opinions are supportive; others will consider intuition as evil.

©2009 by Tara Paterson and Caron Goode, All Rights Reserved