When we consistently suppress and distrust our intuitive
When we consistently suppress and distrust our intuitive knowingness, looking instead for authority, validation, and approval from others, we give our personal power away.
Shakti Gawain, mystic of the inner path, declares: “When we consistently suppress and distrust our intuitive knowingness, looking instead for authority, validation, and approval from others, we give our personal power away.” In these words lies both a warning and a call to arms. She reminds us that the flame of intuition—that inner compass granted to every soul—is the source of true personal power. When we smother it beneath the weight of others’ judgments, we become exiles from ourselves, chained not by iron but by the need for approval.
The ancients spoke of this same truth in different tongues. The Greeks revered the daimon, the inner voice that guided Socrates, which he trusted even unto death. To ignore this voice, to silence it, would have been to betray the self. So too does Gawain teach that when we forsake our intuitive knowingness for the commands of authority or the applause of the crowd, we step away from our destiny and lose the sovereignty of the soul.
History bears witness in the life of Joan of Arc. A young peasant girl, she trusted the voices and visions within her, though bishops, generals, and kings doubted her. By heeding her intuition rather than the approval of others, she led armies to victories that astonished nations. Though condemned in her own time, she triumphed in eternity, for she remained faithful to the inner truth that no external authority could silence.
The danger of ignoring this wisdom is seen in those who bent their will to others’ opinions, surrendering their power. Countless rulers, thinkers, and artists have been diminished, not by lack of talent, but by their willingness to suppress their own vision to satisfy the crowd. Validation may bring temporary comfort, but it cannot replace the strength that comes from living by one’s own inner truth.
Let the generations remember: personal power is not granted by kings, teachers, or masses—it flows from the union of the heart with its own intuitive wisdom. To trust that inner knowing is to walk the path of freedom; to forsake it is to become a prisoner of other men’s voices. Therefore, cultivate the courage to listen within, and you will never be without guidance, for the truest authority resides not in the world outside, but in the eternal spark of the soul.
VTDinh Nguyen Viet Thang
This statement prompts reflection on empowerment and autonomy. If suppressing intuition leads to diminished personal power, what strategies help individuals reconnect with their inner knowing? I’m curious about the balance between intuition and logic: is intuitive knowing always reliable, or does it require cultivation through reflection, meditation, or experience? Additionally, how can one create environments—personal, professional, or social—that support listening to oneself without fear of judgment or external coercion?
TNThi Thuy Nguyen
Reading this, I’m intrigued by the psychological dimensions of intuition. How do fear, doubt, and past experiences interfere with trusting one’s inner knowing? I also wonder about the connection between intuition and ethics: does ignoring one’s inner guidance lead not only to loss of power but also to choices that conflict with personal values? This raises broader questions about self-awareness, mindfulness, and developing confidence in personal judgment while engaging responsibly with the perspectives of others.
TPDuong Thi Phuong
I find this perspective thought-provoking because it highlights the cost of relying too heavily on authority. Does seeking validation from others inherently diminish personal power, or is it about the frequency and intensity of dependence? I also question whether cultural or societal pressures make intuitive decision-making more difficult, and how individuals can navigate these pressures while maintaining authenticity. How can someone discern between healthy consultation and giving away their power?
TANguyen Tuan Anh
This quote makes me reflect on the tension between external validation and inner guidance. How often do people ignore their instincts in favor of social approval, and what are the long-term consequences for personal growth and self-confidence? I also wonder how one can cultivate trust in their intuition without becoming overconfident or dismissive of valuable feedback. Are there practices or frameworks that help balance intuitive knowing with reasoned advice from others?