Intuition – The inner compass between science and deep feeling
In a world dominated by reason, numbers, and evidence-based decisions, intuition remains a fascinating mystery—a silent voice that often seems to know more than we do. Many times, it leads us to inspired choices before our logical minds even get the chance to intervene. It’s a phenomenon many people experience, yet its biological basis is still an area of ongoing research and exploration. Using intuition is often described as responding to a “gut feeling” or “trusting your instinct.”
Raluca Matilda Dinica, psychotherapist trained in hypnosis and cognitive-behavioral therapies, trainer, author, and mentor, offers an in-depth explanation of what intuition really is, how we can recognize it, and—most importantly—how we can cultivate it.
What is intuition and how does it work?
Intuition is the ability to understand or sense something without apparent logical or rational justification. Psychology defines it as a fast and automatic cognitive process, based on past experiences, patterns, and subtle perceptions. Unlike analytical reasoning, intuition appears as a “sense of what we already know”—a clear but inexplicable knowing.
Neuroscience researchers suggest that intuition involves a subtle collaboration between the right hemisphere of the brain (responsible for processing images, emotions, and holistic connections) and the limbic system (the emotional center).
“A simple definition of intuition would be: the ability to gather information beyond space and time. It differs from emotional intelligence in that the latter is strictly tied to training through direct experience in stressful situations or through sensitivity to social emotional cues. Emotional intelligence is situational—it cannot tell you about someone’s emotional, financial, or relational state from three years ago on vacation in Greece. Intuition and clear-senses can. A study showed that intuitive decisions are often more effective in complex and fast-paced contexts, where over-analysis might block action,” the specialist explains.
Clear-Senses – Expanded forms of intuitive perception
Beyond scientific explanations, spiritual and therapeutic traditions speak of clear-senses—subtle extrasensory perception channels through which one can access information beyond the physical senses:
- Clairsentience – perceiving others’ emotions or energies.
- Claircognizance – a sense of “knowing” without rational explanation.
- Clairvoyance – mental images or symbolic visions.
- Clairaudience – hearing a thought, message, or word internally.
These clear-senses are often mistaken for imagination or mental projection, especially in the absence of internal training.
“Clear-senses are the ways through which intuition speaks. They are to intuition and energy what the physical senses are to understanding the environment. For every physical sense, there is a corresponding clear-sense: sight–clairvoyance, hearing–clairaudience, smell–clairalience, and so on. The difference between a true intuitive message and a mental projection lies in how it feels. Intuition comes gently and patiently—it doesn’t frighten you (even if it tells you things you don’t like) and it doesn’t stress you. Mental projections usually come from strong, raw emotions and can cause fear or extreme excitement.
Through clear-senses, intuition can give us access to the aura (the energetic field) and vital energetic structures like chakras (energy centers), which are relevant both physically and energetically. Intuition grants us access to ourselves—not through analysis and observation like reason, but directly, precisely where we need it. Even rational conclusions should be confirmed by your inner voice, with that ‘yes, this feels very real to me’. Intuition is, in itself, a path to self-awareness. Seeing reality as it truly is can be deeply healing.”
The difference between genuine intuition and a mental projection
One key question for any explorer of the inner world is:
“How do I know if I had a real intuitive insight or just a projection of my fear or desire?”
“A genuine intuition comes without mental agitation. It feels like a calm, almost neutral revelation, without intense emotional pressure. Projections, on the other hand, are often accompanied by anxiety or desire. If you feel urgency, fear, or euphoria, it’s likely your mind trying to control the outcome. We all have intuitive potential, we just don’t train it.
A good starting point is to pay close attention to what’s happening inside us—our thoughts, the emotions we feel (which aren’t always our own), mental images, etc. That’s where the voice of intuition resides. Then, begin asking small, emotionally neutral questions to avoid interference from mental programs. After asking, calmly observe images, bodily sensations, and inner impressions. Pay attention to your inner world,” explains Raluca Matilda Dinica.
Exercises and practices to reconnect with intuition
Intuition is not reserved only for the “gifted” or spiritually inclined—it is a natural ability that can be developed. Here are some helpful practices:
- Daily silence and introspection – Spend 5–10 minutes in quiet, without your phone or external stimuli. Conscious breathing helps clear mental noise.
- Intuitive journaling – Write down your daily impressions or “gut feelings” and review them over time to build trust in your subtle perceptions.
- Listening to the body – Intuition often manifests through physical sensations: a knot in the stomach, warmth in the chest, etc. Learn to read your body.
- The two-choices exercise – When faced with a decision, imagine choosing the first option. Observe how your body and emotions respond. Repeat with the second. Which option brings more inner peace?
- Guided meditation and visualization – Hypnosis or deep relaxation practices can bring intuitive senses to the surface, which are often drowned out by mental noise in daily life.
“Intuition is the language of the soul. The more we learn to stop, feel, and listen, the more we connect to our inner wisdom. It never fails. We just don’t always recognize it—or we lack the courage to follow it,” says Raluca Matilda Dinica.
What science says about intuition
Studies in cognitive psychology show that intuition is based on fast, unconscious processing of information. The so-called “System 1” of thinking is responsible for intuitive decisions and can be extremely effective in contexts where we have prior experience.
Neurologists at the University of Leeds have shown that intuition activates brain networks involved in subconscious processing, including the frontal lobes, which are responsible for decision-making. Moreover, the heart—through the cardiac nervous system—sends signals to the brain, supporting the idea that “feeling” is sometimes faster and more accurate than “thinking.”
“Beyond its therapeutic role, intuition reconnects us with our authentic self. In a society where we’re encouraged to seek answers outside of ourselves, the inner voice remains the most loyal and sincere guide. True wisdom doesn’t come from the outside but from the inner space where silence becomes the answer. Intuition is the key that unlocks the door to that voice. All we have to do is listen,” concludes the specialist.
Whether we rely on intuition or turn to rational analysis to make decisions, the outcome often depends heavily on our past experiences. Most cognitive science experts agree that intuitive and analytical thinking should not be viewed as opposites. Studies indicate that our decision-making process tends to be most effective when we combine both strategies.
About Raluca Matilda Dinica
Raluca Matilda Dinica is a psychotherapist with a deep and complex approach that authentically and harmoniously blends science and spirituality. With solid training in Hypnosis and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies, Raluca is also a Trainer, Author, and Mentor—a guide for those seeking balance in the chaos of everyday life.
In the material world, she offers concrete support based on scientifically validated methods, helping people understand their minds, emotions, and behaviors. In the spiritual realm, her inner journey has been shaped by practices such as Reiki, Theta Healing, Shamanism, and NLP—a transformative path that allowed her to connect to deeper layers of being and integrate life experiences, both joyful and painful.
Raluca has allowed herself to be shaped by life with openness and courage, becoming a channel of light and healing for others. She is a soul who bridges reason and intuition, science and energy, mind and heart—in a safe, authentic, and transformative space.
More details: https://ralucadinica.ro/citiri-energetice-intuitive/