A Conversation with Hrund Gunnsteinsdottir: Insights on Intuition and Sustainability

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Hrund Gunnsteinsdottir, author of the remarkable book “Innsaei” and a global expert on intuition. Our conversation delved into her fascinating journey of self-discovery and her unique perspectives on intuition, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of life.

Hrund’s exploration of intuition began in her youth, growing up in Iceland where she spent time wandering lava fields and letting her imagination run wild. Her professional path initially led her to work for the United Nations, first in post-war Kosovo and later at the UN headquarters in Geneva. However, before turning 30, Hrund experienced what she now recognizes as burnout. This pivotal moment led her to resign from her dream job at the UN, a decision that puzzled many around her. It was during this challenging period that Hrund began to look inward, exploring various healing methods and engaging in creative work as a form of self-expression and processing.

Through her research and conversations with people worldwide, Hrund discovered diverse and often conflicting definitions of intuition. This led her back to the Icelandic word for intuition, “innsæi,” which beautifully encapsulates the concept:

1. The sea within — representing our ever-changing unconsciousness
2. To see within — the introspection of knowing oneself
3. To see from the inside out — navigating life and the world

Hrund emphasizes that intuition is fundamental to our intelligence, playing a crucial role in reason, analysis, creativity, and our ability to understand others and situations.

Our conversation touched on the importance of facing difficult periods head-on. Hrund advises:

1. Go through the pain and emotions
2. Keep your heart open
3. Find security within yourself

She believes that aligning with oneself is the strongest inner compass one can have.

Hrund’s experience leading a sustainability center in Iceland provided valuable insights into the intersection of spirituality and business. She notes that spirituality and intuition help us see the interconnectedness of everything, while traditional institutions often teach us to compartmentalize. Hrund highlighted the concept of the circular economy, expressing puzzlement at how we’ve organized our systems in ways that don’t sustain life. She suggests that sometimes, the solution to complex problems like creating a pro-circular economy approach might be as simple as reconnecting with nature and our bodies.

In conclusion, my conversation with Hrund Gunnsteinsdottir was truly enlightening. Her unique perspective on intuition, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of life offers valuable insights for both personal growth and professional development in our rapidly changing world.

Check out the podcast here — https://www.jenna-nicholas.com/podcasts/episode-2-hrund-gunnsteindottir