I went for an easy run in the park during a clear fall day. At that time, the sun was almost setting causing some darkness along one side of the path.
While moving at my regular pace, I thought about what had happened during the day as well as the coming days.Out of nowhere, I felt uncomfortable inside me. It seemed like a part of my brain that is very basic and which I do not normally listen to was anticipating trouble.Then, I decided to be careful so I was slowing down. The people that were passing through included joggers, those who walk dogs and families out for evening fresh air just as it should be but still the same disturbing feeling continued to be there with me.
Without thinking, I turned away from the main road and choose a narrower path that went through thick trees.When I came out of the dark forest something strange happened to me. Having appeared several yards in front, hidden partially by a huddle of shrubs in darkness was seen one character.Anxiously, noticing this I could tell that it was a man who I saw and he is in a position where he seems to anticipate the arrival of someone or something; hence, I felt more disturbed.
I felt a strong urge to retreat from the stranger and escape. However, I was aware that it would be impossible for me to run faster than him if he pursued me. As a result. I took an action - hiding myself at the back of a very big oak tree and praying that its trunk could prevent people from seeing me clearly. Then, I held my breath while trying hard to hear where he was through any noise that could reveal his presence.
It took so long but finally I heard the loud sound of footsteps on dry leaves. I looked carefully from behind the tree and saw that there was nothing blocking my way in front. I went straight home, although for a moment, I ran while monitoring my beating heart for some few extra minutes.
My adrenaline did not calm down until after I secured myself in the house by locking the door.After thinking again about what had happened; I was surprised that my body reacted to an invisible danger even before I could think about it. Truly, the presentiment or the intuition signal itself was a savior as it helped rescue me from any probable harm throughout that occasion at the garden.
It was hard for me to forget what happened during the next few days. I began watching around too much, being scared by each surprise or quick movement. However, I still thought about one thing – how strong is this basic human instinct; and specifically it’s so sensitive that one can tell when there is a risk even if you don’t understand logically?
As I continued studying the subject, I became interested in the scientific basis of gut feelings. Learned individuals reasoned that although we can only sense what is consciously passing through, there is too much of such sensory information being analyzed by our subconscious mind which includes; data from all of our five senses i.e. seeing, hearing, smelling among others.Such a form or kind of awareness emerges as signals indicate possible harm, making one have butterflies at times and thus make it possible for us to react before time comes.
As I gained knowledge, I admired and relied on my intuitions. I discovered that intuition is not a sixth sense as it is commonly referred but an important instinctual behavior that separates survival from demise. Furthermore, the events of that evening at the garden served as a crucial reminder for me to follow my gut feeling even when it does not seem reasonable enough.
Afterwards, I began trying hard to hear what my inner voice tells me. I am surprised that many times they were right and helped me; for example, it has kept me away from danger, told me who not to trust and made me take some very important steps which have improved my life.
Certainly, intuition can be wrong. For instance, I sometimes doubt my inner feelings but afterwards acknowledge that I was right. However, I consider such errors important because they make me improve and develop my sixth sense.
Finally, I appreciate the unfortunate evening at the park. It made me understand the need to be attentive and also motivated me in investigating intuition which goes deep. Even though I pray that I will not have another experience where something very extreme is needed from me, I am aware that I can deal with it much effectively now than before. For this reason, because I follow my instincts, including the potentially life-saving ones.
Experiences are meant to develop us into a better version of ourselves. I'm glad you took advantage of your experience and learned more. Well done.