QUESTION:

What about that pesky sixth sense huh?

Is it real? They say it is. But then they also say it isn't. They say women might have it more than men. (Women's intuition?)  But men are just as prevalent in 'near misses'.

Is it in the gut? Why is it called a "gut feeling" or "gut reaction"?

I have it. No doubt about it. I don't know what it is or where it comes from or even where/when it might surface. But I know when it does. There's a strong pull in one direction, a definitive lean towards one side of any dilemma and, often, that afterthought in my case of "Why the hell didn't I listen?"

Something 'feels' off; or not quite right or... something demands a certain action/lack of action. Or you just know something is doomed to fail- even in the midst of riding its success.

Take the stories of near-death: Switching flights only to miss being part of the wreckage; arriving late and missing the train- later derailed; ducking just at the right moment - instinctively - as a projectile whizzes past (which would have otherwise made contact and taken your head with it).

I can only think of it as the mind processing what it sees/hears and projecting a probable outcome. Pure stats: Things add up in that brain of yours- things not necessarily making sense to you- since you are not 'aware' of the processing going on in the background.

But how does it then manipulate circumstances to keep you safe? That's the part does my head in. Why late that particular time when you've not been late before? Why the need to change that flight- when there's never been a need before? Can't be simply coincidence- too many documented instances refute it.

Can the brain or wherever this sixth sense resides- can it forewarn without clear motive and more-so, can it alter circumstances to ensure the better outcome- if it is heeded?

How's it been working for you? Any near-misses... avoided by your gut?