Every gut feeling is a form of intelligence Meaning Factcheck Usage

Context

Shepherd places this idea within a holistic framework of women’s health, connecting the literal health of the gut microbiome to the health of the brain and even vaginal biome. She’s making the case that a “gut feeling” isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a physiological reality rooted in this interconnected system. When you support your gut, you’re quite literally sharpening this form of intelligence.

Usage Examples

So how do you actually use this? Let me give you a couple of scenarios.

First, for a manager in a hiring process. The candidate’s resume is perfect, they aced the test, but something feels… off. Your gut is picking up on an inconsistency between their words and their body language. That’s intelligence. Pause and probe a little deeper.

Second, for anyone making a personal decision, like a new relationship or a big purchase. Everyone is telling you it’s a great idea, it looks good on paper, but you have a sinking feeling in your stomach. That’s your internal risk-assessment system flagging a potential problem. It’s worth listening to.

To whom it appeals?

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FAQ

Question: But isn’t a gut feeling just fear or anxiety?

Answer: Great question, and this is a crucial distinction. Anxiety is often a generalized, free-floating sense of dread about things that *might* happen. A true gut feeling is typically a specific, sharp, and clear signal about a *specific* person or situation in the present moment. Learning to tell the difference is a skill.

Question: How can I get better at listening to my gut?

Answer: Start small. Next time you get that tug, don’t immediately override it. Just pause and acknowledge it. Ask yourself, “What exactly am I feeling? And where in my body am I feeling it?” Journaling about these moments can help you see patterns and build trust in your own internal compass over time.

Question: Should I always follow my gut feeling blindly?

Answer: Absolutely not. Think of it as one crucial data point in your decision-making matrix. It’s not about replacing logic, but about *informing* it. Your gut feeling gives you a hypothesis—”This person might not be trustworthy”—and then you can use your logical mind to look for evidence that supports or disproves that hypothesis.