One thing you may not know about me is that I am actually a scientist. At least, I have a piece of paper that says so – that’s what I studied at university a long time ago. I suspect some of that early training is why, in the past, I’ve had such a hard time embracing the idea of intuition.
Despite those remarkable stories about people who’ve narrowly avoided disaster thanks to some gut instinct or instant connections between two people who became lifelong soulmates, it’s always seemed like metaphysical woo-woo to me. But after one too many ‘I knew I should have done this!’ moments, I decided to give intuition a (sceptical) closer look.
IS INTUITION REAL?
As it happens, there’s some seriously hard science behind this slippery ‘sixth sense’. What’s been characterised as a kind of mystical clairvoyance may well be rooted firmly in our physiology. Studies of phenomena like subliminal priming (methods for increasing our suggestivity – in other words, the basis of a million marketing ploys), heuristics (efficient mental rules and shortcuts), instant emotional responses and non-verbal communication, account for different ways to subconsciously process the information around us, and be aware without being aware we’re aware.
Esta historia es de la edición Woman&Home; February 2024 de woman & home South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición Woman&Home; February 2024 de woman & home South Africa.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Till death do us part
It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages, said Nietzsche. He may be on to something, says Lorraine Kearney
Hit the ROAD
Ensure your vehicle is as ready as you are for your long-awaited summer road trip
Make a meal of it
There are two basic rules when it comes to wine and food pairing: acidic wine with acidic food, and low acid wine with savoury food, Lorraine Kearney learns
Update your GARDEN
Now's the time to refresh your outdoor space
the art of INTERIORS
Colour and texture are the stars of this apartment, writes MARGARET RAFFERTY
FALLING OFF THE DIET WAGON isn't a disaster
Changing your mindset is key when it comes to smashing your health and fitness goals, says Annie Deadman. Already let things slip? It's not over yet
LIFE after BETRAYAL
Broken trust can take on many forms, but there's always one common denominator - a feeling of hurt that can last for decades
The Ties That Bind
We're all humans, which means we all need relationships to survive. stands to reason that good relationships are the best kind to have. There are ways to get there, says Lorraine Kearney
A beauty REVELATION
The self-care sanctuary Nylde Hoffman and Riëtte Lategan introduced to Stellenbosch has become a sought-after location. We spoke to them about how clients and staff are equally important in their success
Love me, LOVE MY MONEY
Married people are generally wealthier than their single counterparts. But finding peace with your partner when it comes to finances can be a tall order