How do you know when you’re actually following your intuition?

The Rider & The Elephant: A Guide to Intuition

We’ve all had that moment: a quiet "no" in our chest when our head is screaming "yes." Or a sudden pull toward a path that makes zero logical sense on paper. In my recent Instagram post, we explored the question: How do you know when you’re actually following your intuition?

To understand this internal tug-of-war, we can look at a powerful analogy often used in behavior change: The Rider and the Elephant.

"Imagine a person (the Rider) perched atop a six-ton Elephant. The Rider represents your rational mind—the part that plans, analyzes, and thinks it’s in charge. The Elephant represents your emotional and intuitive side—powerful, instinctive, and driven by a deeper, often wordless, wisdom."

When the Rider and the Elephant Disagree Most of the time, we think we are the Rider. We make lists, we weigh pros and cons, and we try to "logic" our way into the right decision. But as I shared on Instagram, intuition doesn't come from a spreadsheet. It’s a calm certainty.

If your Rider is frantically tugging the reins, trying to force a decision because it "should" work, but the Elephant has its feet planted firmly in the mud... that’s usually your intuition speaking. The Elephant senses a "red flag" or an "off" vibe that the Rider hasn't noticed yet. When you ignore the Elephant, you experience friction, exhaustion, and that nagging feeling that you’re fighting against yourself.

How to Tell the Difference So, is the Elephant just scared, or is it being intuitive? Here is the secret: Intuition is a nudge; fear is a push.

Fear (the panicked Rider) is loud, repetitive, and anxious. It tells you what might go wrong. Intuition (the wise Elephant) is quiet and resolute. It doesn't need to argue. It simply "knows." When you follow the Elephant’s lead, the path starts to feel like "flow" rather than a "fight."

By learning to listen to the Elephant instead of just the Rider’s analysis, you stop wasting energy on paths that aren't meant for you. You start moving with the power of your whole self.

3 Signs you're following the 'Elephant' (Intuition):

1. It’s a Quiet "Know": It doesn't scream or panic like fear does. It’s just a settled feeling.

2. It doesn't need a Reason: Your logic (the Rider) might not have the words yet, but your body already feels the answer.

3. The Friction Disappears: When the Rider and Elephant align, life feels less like a struggle and more like a flow.

   
   

Next time you're stuck, stop the mental analysis. Be still, and ask: Which way is my Elephant leaning?

I hope this helps and give a little more clarity, I also have an instagram post that explains it further click the link below and it will take you to the post.

Wishing you lots of connection to the body and your intuition.

Thanks and Blessings, Lexi

Instagram Post about Intuition