I was told a story about John Williams the guitar player being asked by a fan what his tips were for bridging.  He had to pause for a while before answering that he couldn't remember any.  In other words it was so hard wired into the way he played the guitar that he was not conscious of how he actually did it (other than brilliantly)

I have to admit to Googling the various normal forms.  Normalising data structures and knowing why I am doing it is something I just do.
The descriptions on the internet answer, particularly of the higher normal forms, would not win an award for plain English.  I think there is huge scope for improvement in the way these basic concepts are explained.  The techniques and reasons behind the techniques remain relevant even if you are not using relational technology.