2023! What can you expect from the coming year?

Published by Alison Wem on

January brings a fresh start: simplify your life to allow more space for joy….

At the moment there is plenty in the world to worry about – inflation, energy crisis, war, mortgage and rent increases. Many of my friends have said they have stopped reading the news as much of it promotes fear or is depressing.

You are part of humanity and your behaviour has an impact whether you consciously recognise it or not. You are part of the collective consciousness of humanity and therefore contribute to steering our journey.

World calamities give us good reasons to change. Some call it the ‘burning ground’ and it’s a driver for doing things differently from the past.

What can I do that impacts national issues?

If you look at humanity globally and saw them as you see your family e.g., if someone is upset it upsets you; a more caring behaviour comes to the fore. It makes our differences of colour, gender, religion, country and many other things seem irrelevant.

How can I influence such a big family?

Your fears add to a general climate of fear and the behaviours it stimulates such as anger, territorialism, overstocking on goods. But

  • Calmness in the face of calamities creates a more positive response enabling you and others to take actions to mitigate the impact of the calamity.
  • Kindness: Help someone in your community. They will feel better and so will you.
  • Compassion: be kind to struggling family and friends.

If each of us practiced;

calmness – kindness – compassion

How different our world would be?

Forecasts for 2023

The theme of 2023 is one of challenges creating the need for change in how we behave and live. My forecast is we will;

  • Weather this winter and the next one, where shortages may be even greater, through collaboration, such as limiting the use of energy at peak times, sharing energy across national boundaries.
  • Experience extremes – of nature, war, shortages, economic challenges which will be overcome more easily with kindness and compassion either personally or nationally. You may need to simplify your life and experience pleasure without spending money, such as a walk in nature.
  • Hear differences of views; globally, nationally or locally. We will find the right path by tolerance of others so you can reflect on the storm of debate without being exhausted.

2023 is a year of change; be flexible, stay calm and seek the middle path in all you say and do to find harmony. Know that you personally, living to your highest life values, contribute greatly to a better world.

There will be three types of people each with different approaches to change.

  • Those in denial of the need to change the way they live. Most of humanity is in this category. Given the world’s population is about 7.75 billion. The size of this group is around 5.8 billion. This group will need assistance.
  • Those beginning to appreciate we need to behave and live our lives differently. This group is increasing but needs to reach 25% of the population, circa 1.95 billion, to make change happen. This is more than the population of the US and China combined. It gives you an idea of the scale of the change needed. If you are reading this article, you are likely in this group.
  • Those awakened to the need for change and living it now. This group is relatively small compared to the whole population of humanity. These souls have returned to Earth at this time to help humanity’s upliftment.

There are empowered people today holding the new state of consciousness.

They are the people of the future here today, and are holding a state of consciousness to allow an emergence of the next state of human’s consciousness.

It would be good to see if you agree with me or have a different view on the coming year. Add a comment to share your views for others to consider.

 

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Conscious Mind

Midlife Awakening: How to Rediscover Your Purpose and Thrive

Midlife is often portrayed as a period of crisis and decline. However, it can also be a time of renewal and rediscovery. Only by your mid-years have you had some time to experience life and discover what works and what doesn’t. In many traditions, you are not considered a potentially wise one until the second half of your life.

As you navigate the complexities of midlife, you can find a renewed sense of purpose that brings fulfilment and joy.

Here are some strategies to help you embrace this transformative mid-life phase and discover new meaning in your life.

Reflect on Your Life’s Journey
  1. Self-Assessment:

Take a moment to reflect on your experiences, achievements, and the lessons you’ve learned so far. Consider what has brought you joy and satisfaction in the past including the difficult challenges you have found a way through. Also, what you have found less rewarding. This self-assessment can provide valuable insights into what you value and what you might want to pursue moving forward.

Doing this exercise is a key one for bringing you insight on what you really want out of life and potentially, what is your soul’s purpose.

  1. Embrace Change:

Recognize that change is a natural part of life. In the 21st century, the rate of change is increasing in almost every facet of our lives. Instead of fearing it, view it as an opportunity for growth. Embracing change can open up new possibilities and help you break free from routines that no longer serve you.

Explore New Interests and Passions

Whatever and whoever pleased you twenty years ago, may no longer be right for you now. Try considering the following approaches.

  1. Lifelong Learning:

Engaging in new educational opportunities can ignite your curiosity and passion. Whether it’s taking a class, learning a new skill, or pursuing a hobby, lifelong learning can bring a renewed sense of purpose and excitement to your life.

  1. Creative Pursuits:

Exploring creative activities like painting, writing, or music can be incredibly fulfiling. These pursuits provide an outlet for self-expression and can help you discover hidden talents and passions you didn’t know you had.

  1. Volunteering:

Giving back to your community through volunteering can bring a deep sense of purpose. We saw lots of this during Covid with the help given to the frailer people in our neighbourhoods. Helping others not only makes a positive impact, but also provides a sense of connection and fulfillment.

Focus on Relationships
  1. Strengthen Connections:

Your life is very much about the relationships you have in it. Midlife is an ideal time to nurture and strengthen your relationships with family and friends. Deepening these connections can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.

  1. Mentorship:

Sharing your knowledge and experiences with others, particularly younger generations, can be incredibly rewarding. Mentorship allows you to leave a lasting legacy and positively influence others’ lives.

Set New Goals
  1. Re-evaluate Priorities:

Life is forever changing. As you reach midlife, it’s essential to reassess your priorities. Consider what truly matters to you and set new goals that align with your values and aspirations.

  1. Personal Development:

Focus on personal growth and self-improvement. Setting goals related to fitness, mental health, or spiritual growth can bring a renewed sense of purpose and vitality.

  1. Career Transformation:

Midlife can be an opportune time to explore new career paths or make significant changes in your professional life. Pursuing a passion-driven career or starting your own business can be incredibly fulfilling.

I can really recommend this. I gave up my corporate IT role at fifty-nine and became a professional psychic medium. My life could not be more different. But the change brought in lots of new energy and purpose. I have broadened out since then to include many other capabilities, but I have now found what I will do until the day I die, spiritual teaching.

 

Midlife is not the end but a new beginning. I feel, it is a pivotal point in your life where you make decisions which can re-shape the second half of your life. It offers a unique opportunity to;

Reassess, redefine, and rediscover your purpose

By embracing change, exploring new interests, focusing on relationships, setting new goals, and prioritizing well-being, you can find a renewed sense of purpose that brings joy and fulfilment to your life. With people living longer, it is in your interest to set-up the second half of your life to be what you want it to be.

Life Lessons

How Relationships Shape Your Health: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology and individualism often dominate, the importance of relationships in our lives can sometimes be overlooked. Yet, from a holistic perspective, relationships are not just a social necessity, they are a vital part of your overall health and well-being.

The connections you forge with others can have profound effects on your physical, emotional, and mental health, making it essential to understand and nurture them.

Are you giving enough attention to your relationships?

 The Interconnectedness of Body, Mind, and Spirit

Holistic health emphasises the connected nature of your body, mind, and spirit. It suggests that true well-being cannot be achieved by focusing on just one aspect of our health in isolation. Relationships, whether they are with family, friends, or romantic partners, play a crucial role in maintaining this balance.

Positive relationships provide emotional support, reduce stress, and even contribute to physical health,

Negative or toxic relationships can have the opposite effect.

Emotional Well-Being and Relationships

At the core of your emotional health lies the quality of your relationships. When you feel connected to others, you experience a sense of belonging and security that can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

Studies have shown that individuals with strong social ties are less likely to suffer from mental health issues. The reason for this is simple: having someone to talk to, share experiences with, and lean on during tough times acts as a buffer against the stresses of life.

On the flip side, poor relationships, characterised by conflict, lack of communication, or emotional abuse, can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Chronic stress from unhealthy relationships can trigger the body’s stress response, leading to a host of physical health problems over time.

Give thanks for your good relationships

For the challenging relationships, review just one.  Step back from the hassle of that relationship and examine what life lesson it may be trying to teach you. Once you understand what it is, you will step out of victim mode and more easily take action to remedy the situation. Once you can demonstrate to the Universe you have learnt that lesson, the relationship will improve.

Physical Health Benefits of Healthy Relationships

The impact of relationships extends beyond emotional health to our physical well-being. A strong support network can encourage healthier behaviours, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adherence to medical advice.

For instance, people who are married or in committed relationships often experience better health outcomes, including lower rates of heart disease, improved immune function, and longer life expectancy. This is partly because partners often motivate each other to adopt healthier lifestyles and provide care during illness. However,

You can motivate yourself to take actions towards better health.

Moreover, positive interactions with others can reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol which can lead to high blood pressure, weakened immunity, and other health issues.

You are in control of your relationship with yourself and looking after your body

The Spiritual Dimension of Relationships

From a holistic standpoint, the spiritual aspect of relationships is equally important. Many spiritual traditions emphasise the concept of interconnectedness, that we are all part of a larger whole. Building and nurturing relationships is a way to connect with this larger whole, fostering a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Spiritually fulfilling relationships can encourage personal growth and self-awareness. They challenge you to become better versions of yourselves, teaching you about love, compassion, forgiveness, and empathy. These qualities are not just beneficial on a spiritual level; they also contribute to a more harmonious and healthy life.

The Role of Community

Being part of a community also significantly impacts your health. Communities provide a sense of belonging and purpose, which are essential for mental and emotional well-being. Whether it’s a religious group, a social club, or a local neighbourhood, being involved in a community helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can be as harmful to health as smoking or obesity.

Nurturing Healthy Relationships

Given the profound impact of relationships on your health, it’s crucial to invest time and energy into building and maintaining them. This includes open communication, setting healthy boundaries, and showing appreciation and love for those around us. It’s also important to recognize when a relationship is harmful and take steps to address the issues, whether that means seeking counselling, having difficult conversations, or, in some cases, ending the relationship.

In a holistic approach to health, relationships are as important as diet, exercise, and sleep. The connections we maintain with others nourish not just our emotional and mental well-being but also our physical health and spiritual growth.

You can make conscious choices to nurture and cherish your relationships, leading to a healthier, happier, and more fulfiling life.

Nature

The Wisdom of Herbal Remedies: Embracing Nature’s Healing Traditions

Herbal remedies have been integral to human health and well-being for thousands of years. Across ancient civilizations—from the Egyptians and Greeks to the Chinese and Indigenous peoples—wise women and healers were the custodians of botanical knowledge. These women, often referred to as “wise women” or “herb women,” used their understanding of plants to treat ailments, support childbirth, and maintain community health. This tradition of herbalism, rooted in observation and experience, was passed down through generations, blending into the fabric of cultural and spiritual life.

You might ask;

Herbal Remedies vs. Pharmaceutical Drugs: What’s the Difference?

The key difference between herbal remedies and pharmaceutical drugs lies in their composition and approach to healing. Herbal remedies are derived from whole plants or plant parts, such as leaves, roots, bark, and flowers. They contain a complex mix of natural compounds that work synergistically to promote healing. In contrast, pharmaceutical drugs are often synthesized in laboratories, isolating specific active ingredients to target particular symptoms or conditions.

Herbal Remedies vs. Pharmaceutical Drugs: Do they give the same result?

While drugs can offer fast and targeted relief, they often come with side effects due to their concentrated nature. Herbal remedies, on the other hand, tend to work more gently, supporting the body’s natural processes. However, their effectiveness may vary based on the quality of the herbs, the individual’s constitution, and the condition being treated.

Is it ethical and sustainable to keep gathering natural ingredients?

For wise women and modern herbalists alike, ethical and sustainable practices are paramount when gathering natural ingredients. Overharvesting and environmental degradation can lead to the depletion of valuable plant species and disrupt local ecosystems.

To look after nature herbal ingredient gatherers need to:

  • Only gather herbs in areas where they are abundant, and take no more than what is needed. This ensures that the plant populations remain healthy and can continue to thrive.
  • Grow herbs at home or in community gardens to reduce the impact on wild populations and provides a reliable source of fresh, potent ingredients.
  • Respect Indigenous Knowledge. It is crucial to honour and respect these cultural heritages, seeking permission and giving credit when using traditional methods.

Do I need to be able to connection with nature?

Herbalism is deeply intertwined with a connection to nature. Wise women view plants not just as resources but as living entities with their own energies and spirits. This bond with the natural world fosters a holistic approach to healing, where the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health are considered. By cultivating a relationship with nature, herbalists learn to listen to the land, observe the cycles of growth, and harvest plants at their peak potency.

This connection is also therapeutic in itself, providing a sense of peace and grounding that enhances the healing process. Spending time in nature, whether gardening, foraging, or simply walking in the woods, can reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a deeper sense of well-being.

Is it safe to use herbal remedies?

While herbal remedies are generally safe when used correctly, it’s important to approach them with respect and caution. The safety of herbal remedies depends on several factors, including the herb used, the dosage, the method of preparation, and the individual’s health condition.

Some herbs may interact with medications, cause allergic reactions, or not be suitable with other conditions such as pregnancy.

When working with herbal remedies, safety should always be a priority. Here are some essential precautions:

Identify Plants Accurately: Misidentifying plants can lead to harmful or ineffective remedies. Use reliable resources or consult with an experienced herbalist.

Avoid Toxic Herbs:  Some plants can be toxic or harmful if not used properly. Make sure you understand the properties of the herbs you are using.

Consider Allergies: Be aware of potential allergic reactions, especially if you are prone to allergies or asthma.

Store Herbs Properly: Keep dried herbs in a cool, dry place to maintain their potency and prevent mould or spoilage.

To ensure safety:

  • Seek guidance from a qualified herbalist, naturopath, or healthcare provider, especially if you are new to herbalism or have existing health issues.
  • Start Slowly – begin with small doses to see how your body responds, and always follow recommended guidelines for use.
  • Research the herbs you plan to use, including their potential benefits, risks, and interactions with other substances.

How do you include herbal remedies in spiritual practices?

Herbal remedies can be seamlessly integrated into spiritual practices, enhancing rituals and deepening connections with the natural world. Wise women have long used herbs in ceremonies, prayers, and meditations. Here are a few ways to incorporate herbs into your spiritual practice:

  • Smudging – burn sacred herbs like sage or cedar to cleanse spaces and purify energy.
  • Herbal Infusions – prepare herbal teas or infusions with intention, focusing on the spiritual properties of the plants to support meditation, healing, or manifestation.
  • Bath Rituals – add herbs to bathwater for a soothing, spiritually cleansing experience. Lavender, rosemary, and rose petals are popular choices for their calming and protective energies.
  • Herbal Talismans – create amulets or sachets filled with herbs that align with your spiritual goals, such as protection, love, or abundance.

Wise women and their herbal remedies offer a rich tradition of healing that is deeply connected to nature and the cycles of life. By understanding the history, ethics, and safety of herbalism, you can honour this ancient practice and integrate it into our modern lives.

Whether you’re seeking physical relief, spiritual growth, or a deeper connection with the natural world, herbal remedies can be a powerful ally on your journey to well-being. Always approach them with respect, mindfulness, and a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that these ancient practices continue to thrive for generations to come.