Intuitive Mind; Logical Mind (Healthy Living DIY)

Have you ever been stuck ... really stuck ... for the solution to a problem? Someplace in your life where creativity and originality would really make a difference? Like these:

What to get that special someone for Christmas.
The best title for your new book.
The best subject for your new book.
How to dramatically increase your income.
How to keep your tomatoes from freezing overnight when it gets cold.
Inventing the lightbulb. (Wait ... someone did that already. And it might just help with your tomato problem.)
What's in the way of healing your back pain.
What's in the way of healing any other symptom that bothers you.
And so on...

When you're stuck for a solution, and I think it happens to each of us occasionally, then you'll want to tap into your intuitive mind. You may not have thought about this before, but your mind provides ready access to both intuitive and logical thinking. Logical thinking is great when you're trying to balance your checkbook or remember how to defrag your C: drive.

But it's a terrible hindrance when it comes to problem-solving!

The logical mind is prized, even revered, in our culture. It helps you remember important facts, conduct practical reasoning exercises, and work everyday math problems.

Let's say you want to figure out whether that investment you're considering is really such a great deal. Logical mind.

Or to work out the sequence of activities that will be required to bring your new website to life. Logical mind.

Or to determine which of the delightful kindergardeners in your morning class is responsible for the latest round of mischief. Logical mind.

But when it comes to finding a creative solution, your logical mind will more often than not attempt to talk you out of the very solution you're racking your brain to find! How frustrating is that?

Here's the kind of logical-mind chatter that keeps you stuck:

It would be too expensive.

It sounds like too much work.

I'm not comfortable taking that step.

If I fail, I'll look foolish.

I'm too old to start that now.

I've never heard of anyone doing that before.

It's just not reasonable!

In fact, once the best course of action does become clear to you, I'll be willing to bet it falls into one of the following two categories:

Something your logical mind has already rejected.

Something you previously were not aware of, perhaps because it had never been done.

Now I'm not suggesting that you should accept a solution just because it sounds odd. That would be altogether foolish!

What I suggest is this. As you begin to assemble a list of possible solutions for one of the really perplexing problems that we each inevitably face from time to time in life, temporarily let go of logical thinking and give your intuitive mind the freedom to take over. Hold any idea that enters your mind during this phase as worth consideration. Refrain from rejecting the gold that your creative mind delivers!

Once you do have a nice list of possible ideas, don't be too quick to invite your logical mind back. Give it a break. Sleep on it. Let yourself move on to other things for a while.

Then, and only then, gingerly let logic take a peek. Your logical, rational side does have its purpose. One thing it does really well is protect you from taking impulsive actions that could harm you or compromise your goals. Give logic and reason their day. Listen when they talk. But don't let them talk you out of the very solution you're looking for!

Click here to learn more about enhancing creative intuition for solving life's most perplexing problems.

Elizabeth Eckert can help you explore how simple everyday choices create health — or undermine even the best of intentions. With a background that ranges from energy medicine to structural bodywork to developmental psychology, this "Stick-To-It Coach" has the experience to support you in creating the healthiest possible expression of — you!

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