Study after study has shown the importance of intuitive decision-making while the likes of Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Carl Jung and Richard Branson insist that the value of our intuition far outweighs that of the rational mind.
Gerd Gigerenzer, a director at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, goes so far as to claim that intuition, or ‘gut feeling’, is the highest form of intelligence and that those who actively work on developing their intuition are capable of making better, faster, and more beneficial decisions.
He insists that there is a science to good decision-making, stating that the trick is not to amass information, but to discard it: to know intuitively what one doesn’t need to know.
Speaking to the New York Times, Gigerenzer gave the following definition of intuition or gut feeling, and how to develop it: “My research indicates that gut feelings are based on simple rules of thumb, what we psychologists term “heuristics.” These take advantage of certain capacities of the brain that have come down to us through time, experience and evolution. Gut instincts often rely on simple cues in the environment. In most situations, when people use their instincts, they are heeding these cues and ignoring other unnecessary information.”
Gigerenzer states that, in Western society, in particular, we have been conditioned to believe that intuitive thinking is somehow wrong and inferior to the accepted rational method of painstakingly gathering and weighing the evidence. While the latter method obviously has its place, intuitive thinking is absolutely vital in situations where quick decisions are needed. He conducted studies that showed that, when a person relies on their gut feelings and uses the instinctual rule of thumb “go with your first best feeling and ignore everything else,” it can permit them to outperform the most complex calculations.
But I’m not intuitive, what can I do?
Let’s accept then, the overwhelming evidence out there and agree that intuitive decision making is vital to success in many, if not all, fields of human endeavor. What can you do if you have a lack of intuition, or if decades of schooling in the rational methodology has left your intuition stunted and underdeveloped?
It seems help is at hand in the form of a product called Synctuition. It’s makers claim that they’ve spent 10 years developing it, working with leading psychologists, neurologists, meditation experts and musicians and sound engineers to combine four technologies into one groundbreaking product.
By using binaural beats, gamma waves, 3-dimensional soundscapes and the listener’s own personal vocal frequency, Synctuition’s 60 soundscapes induce a state of deep relaxation.
The power of sound
It is a well-established fact in neurological research that the stimulation and synchronization of the left and right hemispheres of the brain have significant effects on thought processes. During states of deep meditation the brain produces synchronized waves in the left and right hemispheres.
The effect of producing synchronized sound waves on higher cognitive function through manipulating brain waves results in improved intuitive thought process. A clarity in the pre-cognitive brain waves formed by combining left and right brain functions results in accessing the intuitive mind.
During meditation, for example, the corpus callosum (the bridge of nerve connections between left and right hemispheres) becomes simulated and synchronized. This effect can be turned on, and duplicated, the more practice you get. The overall effect of practice is like that of getting any form of regular exercise, you get better and stronger at it.
Binaural beats and neural entrainment
Neurons are constantly being created and formed in the parts of the brain that are used for new activity. A process called neuroplasticity both creates new neurons, and retrains existing neurons into behaviors that are exercised regularly.
A phenomenon called cortical oscillation can be measured with an Electroencephalograph (EEG). This has demonstrated that the activity of neurons generate electric currents; and the synchronous action of neural ensembles in the cerebral cortex, comprising large numbers of neurons, produce macroscopic oscillations, which can be monitored and graphically documented by an electroencephalogram (EEG).
Some researchers have published experimental results indicating that such listening precipitates auditory driving by which ensembles of cortical neurons entrain their frequencies to that of the binaural beat.”
In other words, we have been able to measure changes to brain waves brought about by binaural stimulation and have evidence that new behaviours can be learned at this fundamental level. Binaural training may be a gentle way of training the brain to have new and different thoughts.
Now we know, and have proof, that music and certain patterns of sound can synchronise brain patterns, and result in information or thoughts forming much faster. It will even form new connections that once formed, are never lost.
How does Synctuition enhance your intuition?
Synctuition claims to use the latest technology in sound recording to produce specific patterns of sound that stimulate the effortless flow of brainwaves between hemispheres of the brain. The program’s creators say it is designed to teach and exercise the brain to get better at this by practice and promotes particular brain waves resulting in a higher level of intuition. By sitting undisturbed and listening through stereo headphones, the brain can benefit from the regular stimulation, learning how to default to a more intuitive way of thinking with practice.
We’ve tried it for ourselves and it really is fantastic. Beyond the deep relaxation and meditative aspects, it’s simply an incredibly entertaining and fun experience. We’d liken it to giving your mind a full spa treatment.
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