On Intuitive Decision-Making (Part I)
Intuitive decisions are not magical bullets. While analytically reaching a decision could take rounds of scrutiny and revisions, intuitive decisions are made with a simple recognition: “This is it. It is what I wanted. (Or: it is not.)” Seeing is intuition's unique capacity. Without sight, one makes decisions as if trapped in a convoluted maze, tumbling between the walls. With sight, an inner sense of stability is regained, and one can take the next step with more confidence.
Nonetheless, there is no Magic because Intuition would not be able to, by itself, create a path from point A to point B in reality. If Intuition were a dim lantern, it must be held by a caring hand, that is the analytical mind that plans and executes. Together they shine a path that leads to the desirable destination.
In quietness we traverse, through darkness and alone. We seek no light, except for that which shines directly above our step, and that which dances with a flame so thirsty and so eager, that each step becomes a radiance of its own.
— On Winter Solstice, 2022
With respect to the question: “When is intuition helpful?” The answer lives and breathes within the internal confusion. When all "what-ifs" are exhausted, and no more thoughts can reveal one's underlying true likings, an inquiry then must be made. For example: do I choose to go through a river to get to a place, or traverse through an unknown mountain? Such a question reveals not the general comparisons of the appeal of rivers versus mountains, but situational-specific, personal likings. It is through internal inquiry that one learns to decide, not to end up at a congested area that nobody wanted to be in, but to trace a path towards rejuvenation—like a sip by a fresh river, or freshness—like the breezy morning in a fall mountain.
That is to say: Intuitive decision-making protects one’s boundaries and against a "one-size-fit-all" approach to living. This is helpful especially in areas where crowd thinking, peer pressure, and traditions permeate.
(By Pian Shu in Summer 2023)