3 Tips for Working with Inner Vision Cognition
The cognition layer of Human Design is one of my favorites. Located in the substructure of the variables, cognition speaks to your “super sense.” I like to think of this aspect as the compass that guides you to understand just how wickedly intuitive you are. What do I mean by this? Well, cognition shows us that we are constantly taking in information from the world around us and interpreting it (right, right we know!). But the magic happens when we translate these subtle cues into actions, behaviors, feelings, and ultimately decisions. What we don’t often give credence to is the fact that multiple people could be observing or experiencing the same situation and be able to pick up vastly different information from an otherwise very mundane reality.
Take for example a messy room. If people with all six of the cognition types entered the room, what they observe and how they decide if that place is for them or not shifts. Someone with outer vision cognition might notice the wallpaper and instantly think of an unpleasant memory associated with the pattern and decide to leave. A person with feelings cognition might not mind the mess but notice the buzzing energy coming off the WiFi router and decide to leave. Someone with inner vision cognition might close their eyes and feel perfectly still in this space. Moreover, a person with touch cognition might find the blankets strewn across the floor to be the softest and most lovely texture they’ve ever felt and think this room is heaven.
From an outside perspective, we might think that these are all totally arbitrary choices because the reasons why people chose to stay or leave in the room appear to be random. Human Design tells us that it is not. One the most subtle level of our perceptive abilities, these clues and qualities act as signposts that can direct us to people, opportunities, and spaces that are meant for us. All it takes is our willingness to trust and validate that the clues we get are useful information. We might not logically be able to explain “why” but that is just fine. This goes deeper than our ability to logically make sense of things.
I’ve been digging into the different types of cognitions to provide practical tips on how to use and hone these skills. To read more about cognition and how to find yours, check out this post. If you are looking to go deeper into Inner Vision cognition, keep on reading because we’re going in.
What is Inner Vision Cognition
At its simplest level, inner vision cognition is about the beauty of the interior life. The fourth tone of the Environment variable, this cognition can be thought of as the opposite of outer vision. People who have inner vision cognition benefit from getting quiet and literally closing their eyes when they are making decisions because that sense of inner presence allows them to hear their authority with more clarity. While people with outer vision get information from the stimulation in their external reality, inner vision is all about crafting the imagined reality first. Think of it this way. You’re trying to get a raise but you’re not sure how to go about it. Someone with inner vision could close their eyes and imagine the scene. As an outside observer, they can view the scenario like a diorama. They can see themselves and the other person, noticing their body language, picking up on the decorations in the room, and visualize their actions. From there, they can walk themselves through understanding the best method of approaching the situation and act that out in reality. It’s a bit like athletes who picture themselves winning the race and then do it.
So you may be wondering, how can I maximize this ability to work in my favor? I am SO glad you asked.
1. Mind Your Environment
When we get to inner vision cognition, we’re dealing with an environment variable that is more receptive. It is less about the physical structure or attributes of space and more focused on the sensory experience of it. In contrast, outer vision gains information by the aesthetic presentation of items or aspects of their environment whereas inner vision explores what happens when you shut all of that out. People with inner vision require an environment that allows them to feel still and quiet, safe to go within. This doesn't mean it needs to be an empty room with zero stimulation, rather a place where they feel comfortable to tune the rest of the world out for a bit. Closing the eyes and getting curious about what comes up is key for this cognition. The more internally calm you are, the more you’ll be able to hear the subtle cues and insights from your authority.
2. Investigate Your Relationship to Distraction
Distractions happen. They just do. As a person with inner vision cognition, however, distractions can feel like a never-ending time suck – and you’re usually right about that. For inner vision cognition, distractions are like a form of conditioning, they pull you out of your inner process and attempt to overlay someone else’s ideas, strategy, opinions over yours. There’s a good chance you’ve been in a room with a few overzealous individuals who made you feel like you couldn’t even hear yourself think. When this happens, it is a good time to identify what is feeling most distracting so you can make a change. If it is noise coming in your window, try earplugs or headphones. If you’re feeling overstimulated visually, take a moment to close your eyes or watch a soothing video. Giving yourself permission to take the space you need to be able to gain clarity or find your center can be enormously helpful. Depending on your strategy, it may be a good idea to inform the people around you that this is your process so they can help. Set boundaries and create pockets of calm so you can go within and align with yourself.
3. Practice visualizations
Do not underestimate the power of going within. I really cannot emphasize this enough. With inner vision cognition, you’re striving to create an inner world that is alive as your outer reality. Think of your internal space like the blueprint for what you want to see manifest in the world around you. I have a wonderful friend with inner cognition who practices visualizing an inner temple for themselves and their business. They can completely control and craft their interior spaces through mediation and visualizations and project themselves there whenever they need. This can be a place to come up with ideas, connect with inspiration, or even access guides to assist you through the creative process. Being able to go within and explore the possibilities and potential that lies there opens the true magic of inner vision cognition. It’s all about getting to know yourself and your imagination on a deep level so you can translate that into the outside world. Manifesting reality starts with visualization. How cool is that!
IT’S ALL AN EXPERIMENT
Your cognition is meant to illustrate just how unique your experience and expression is, so these are not hard and fast rules. Use your strategy and authority to guide you and remember this is all about self-knoweldge and exploration. Take what works and feel free to leave anything that doesn’t – or at least doesn’t for right now.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Variables in Human Design, click here.