A question I am asked frequently is, 'how do I know it’s my soul actually nudging me or whether I just think it is?'.
Especially when reading your cards, discerning whether you sense a soul nudge or it’s your imagination firing up, can be quite perplexing at times. Everyone has those ‘hold on was that a nudge or was I imagining it?’ moments. Second guessing and self-doubt can take hold if we allow it too.
A simple way to start becoming more discerning and recognising which is which, is to think of your nudges and imagination as two intriguing characters in a novel. They both reside within you, but they play different roles.
Let’s call your soul nudge character, The Spidey Senses Whisperer. This character has the following traits:
A quiet, unassuming voice which nudges you toward a decision or a path. It’s like your internal GPS, guiding you even when the road signs are cryptic.
Gives you that tingling, goosebump sensation when you meet someone new and instantly feel a connection—or a subtle alarm bell when something doesn’t quite add up.
A sense you just know something, in your gut. That’s your soul tapping you on the shoulder, nudging you and saying, “Hey, pay attention!”
It’s like your brain doing a lightning-fast search through its vast library of memories and feelings, drawing from your life experiences, emotions, and even the collective unconscious.
And playing alongside is your imagination character. Let’s call them Dream Weaving Wonderer. This character:
Is the artist and conjurer of worlds, painting vivid landscapes, inventing fantastical creatures, and whispering, “What if?”
Allows you to explore scenarios that haven’t happened (and might never happen) through epic sagas, sci-fi novels, and whimsical daydreams.
Fuels your creativity, gifting you the raw material for art, music, and innovation. Without it, we’d be stuck in a monochrome reality.
Reminds you of a time when you were quizzical and curious and built castles out of cardboard boxes.
Neither of these characters are good nor bad – they are just different. Both are to be nurtured and balanced for us to be at peace and in flow. And every now and then, expect a plot twist.
Sometimes nudges and imagination dance so closely that they trip over each other. You might mistake an imaginative idea for a nudge, or vice versa. And this is more than ok. Perfection is a mythical character in this novel! It’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Developing your ability to sense nudges is a personal journey, and everyone’s experience is unique. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of discovering and enhancing your how you hear your nudges.
A simple distinction I make, to tell them apart is:
Soul nudges feel grounded, like a solid hunch. It often aligns with my deeper values, instincts and my soul purpose.
Imagination, on the other hand, feels more whimsical, like a flight of fancy. It’s less concerned with practicality.
Differentiating between soul nudges and imagination can be challenging. With practice, you can learn to distinguish between the two. Some tips to start with are...
Practice. Practice. Practice. Consider journalling – whichever version works for you – both your soul nudge insights and imaginative thoughts.
Reflect on your insights and see which ones turn out to be accurate or helpful.
Recognise the patterns and differences between nudges and imagination.
Mindfulness and meditation can help to better distinguish between nudges and imagination.
Taking the time to meditate and be mindful will develop a deeper awareness of your thoughts and feelings.
Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of discovering and enhancing your gifts.
So when you are doing your next reading using your Re-ignite your Elegant Rebel® Oracle Cards, take the time to notice how it feels to follow your soul nudges. This is the key to being the youest you, you can be.
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