The Kinesiology of Intuitive Listening

June 28th, 2006 Fred McVittie Posted in Hearing, Intuition, Johnson, Mark, Lakoff, George, Metaphor, Petitmengin-Peugeot, C., Proprioception, Schema |

Acts of organised intuition, such as are routinely attributed to such practices as psychotherapy and counselling, as well as creative practice and problem solving, routinely contain a phase referred to as ‘listening’ (1). This use of an embodied metaphor to describe an abstract concept, in this case the physical sense of listening standing in for the mental state of intuitive ’sensing’, is in line with the conceptual metaphor theories of Lakoff, Johnson and others. The cognitive concept of listening provides the image schema which structures the concept.

The close relationship between the physical schemata of the body and the image schemata which structure cognition suggests that the functioning of these metaphorical organs can be enhanced by engaging the body in specific behaviours. Intuitive listening, for example, can be enhanced by paying attention to the kinesiological or proprioceptive accompaniments to the act of normal auditory listening. Typically, active auditory listening is accompanied by specific postural and somatic realignments; eye gaze direction, head tilt, breath control, etc. Adopting these postures, either physically or imaginatively with the metaphorical body, can enhance or facilitate intuitive listening.

Petitmengin-Peugeot, C. (1999). “The Intuitive Experience.” Journal of Consciousness Studies 6(2-3): 43-77.