Fear is in the air: What hope is there for us?

Published by Alison Wem on

When fear is all around you as it feels to be at the moment, it is easy to inadvertently absorb it.

What can you do?

You are not defined by others’ actions but rather by how you respond. You may not be able to control your circumstances, but you can control your reaction. I would like to think I chose hope over fear. No matter what is happening, I would always hope;

  • tomorrow will be a better day than today
  • compassion for others will prevail
  • good decisions triumph over bad ones

When I want to remind myself of the power of hope to our individual survival, I reread the book;

Man’s Search for Meaning: the classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust

by Viktor E. Frankl

Click here for a book review

Categories: Conscious MindEmotions
Tags:

Related Posts

Conscious Mind

Unlocking Inner Wisdom: Simple Steps to Awaken Your Intuition

In a world filled with distractions, many women long to reconnect with their intuition – their own inner compass. Intuition is that deep inner knowing, the voice within that senses things beyond logic. Strengthening this connection is a powerful way to navigate life’s challenges and decisions with confidence and clarity.

Here are some practical ways to tune into your intuition and cultivate a life guided by your inner wisdom.

1. Create Moments of Stillness

To hear your intuition, start by creating space for stillness in your life. Intuition often speaks softly, so slowing down is essential. This doesn’t have to be lengthy – even five minutes in the morning can make a difference. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. In this relaxed state, you’re more open to the subtle whispers of your intuition.

Personally, I find when I am doing a big pile of ironing, I can hear my intuition loud and clear. I am focused on the ironing but another part of me engages with my intuition. I get some great messages of love, guidance and inspiration while ironing.

2. Trust the “Gut Feeling”

We’ve all felt that “gut feeling”- a sense of knowing without fully understanding why. These intuitive nudges are valuable, often arising from deep awareness. Start paying attention to this feeling, especially in uncertain situations. You might notice a sense of ease or tension with different choices. Trusting this reaction, even in small decisions. It helps you build a stronger relationship with your intuition over time.

3. Try Journaling for Reflection

Journaling can be a powerful tool to uncover your inner voice. Take a few minutes each day to write down your thoughts, feelings, and any intuitive insights. If you’re wrestling with a decision, try free writing without overthinking. Letting your thoughts flow onto the page can reveal insights that deepen your self-understanding, helping you connect with the wisdom beneath the surface.

4. Practice Mindfulness Daily

Mindfulness keeps you connected to the present, making you fully aware of what’s happening within and around you. Practicing mindfulness – whether through breathing exercises, mindful walking, or focusing on a task – opens the doorway to greater intuitive awareness. By staying grounded in the now, you’re more likely to notice subtle signals that can guide you.

5. Embrace Your Dreams

Dreams are often rich with intuitive guidance. Keep a journal by your bed to record any dreams upon waking. Over time, you might notice recurring themes or symbols that resonate with you. Trust that dreams can be a gateway to deeper wisdom, helping you see aspects of yourself and life from a new perspective.

6. Let Go of Self-Doubt

Building intuition requires trust in yourself. Self-doubt is one of the biggest barriers to intuition, keeping you from embracing what you sense or feel. If you struggle with this, try affirmations like “I trust my inner voice” or “My intuition guides me wisely.” Releasing self-doubt is essential to building a clear, empowered connection to your intuition.

If all else fails, start listening and taking action on small things so you can build up your confidence over time. Don’t think it can only be used for lofty guidance. I use mine when I have lost my reading glasses!

 

By nurturing these practices, you’ll cultivate a powerful bond with your inner wisdom. Trust that you hold the answers you seek; all you need is the space and willingness to listen.

Your intuition is a gift – an inner guide ready to support you every step of the way.

Emotions

Resilience for Real Life: Practical Tools to Stay Strong and Grounded

When life throws challenges your way—whether it’s work stress, personal setbacks, or unexpected changes, building resilience can make all the difference. Resilience isn’t about forcing yourself through tough times; it’s about cultivating an inner strength that helps you bounce back and grow.

For men navigating high-pressure situations, spiritual practices like meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork can offer powerful tools to support that resilience and build lasting mental and emotional strength. Yet many men don’t take advantage of these tools. Stop for a moment and listen to the suggestions below.

Meditation: A Moment of Stillness to Recharge

Meditation might seem like a stretch if you’re new to it, but think of it as a practical reset for your mind. In the midst of a demanding day, even five or ten minutes of meditation can bring a sense of calm and clarity. This simple practice creates space where you can pause, let go of distractions, and refocus on what matters most.

I had an introverted manager who had to give weekly stand-up chats to his team of 40+ people. We worked in an open plan office, but just before the presentation he would turn his back on us and look at a picture on the wall behind his chair. This gave him the calmness to give the standup with clear and effective communication. His stand-ups became well loved and his team looked forward to them.

To get started, find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Let your mind settle, noticing thoughts as they arise without getting pulled into them. With each breath, you’re becoming calmer and more focused. As you breath out you let go of whatever no longer serves you, helping you handle life’s demands with a little more ease and resilience. This short exercise is also good for your blood pressure.

Mindfulness: Staying in the Present

Mindfulness is about fully engaging in what you’re doing right now – no multitasking, no mental to-do lists. When work and life get busy, it’s easy to get caught up in distractions or future worries. Your mind is jumping from one thing to another. Practicing mindfulness can help you break that cycle, grounding you in the present moment and giving your mind a much-needed break.

Mindfulness doesn’t have to take a lot of time. You can practice it anytime, anywhere – whether you’re working, exercising, or even just enjoying a meal. Focus on the experience itself, noticing the details and sensations. Staying present like this builds a steady, grounded mindset that can help you navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.

Breathwork: Taking Control of Stress

Your breath is a powerful tool for managing stress, and specific breathwork techniques can quickly bring calm and balance into any stressful situation. When pressure mounts, it’s easy to fall into shallow, fast breathing, which only adds to the tension. By practicing deep, controlled breathing, you can stay grounded, even when things get tough.

Try the “4-7-8” breathing technique: inhale for a count of four, hold for seven, and exhale for eight. It only takes a few rounds to feel a shift in your stress levels, helping you regain focus and stay in control. Just three deep breaths can make you feel very different.

Building a Routine That Fits

Building resilience doesn’t mean you need a complicated routine. It’s about finding simple practices that resonate with you and fit into your life. Try different approaches to see what works best – a short meditation in the morning, a mindful break during the day, or breathwork to settle your nerves when stress spikes. Over time, you’ll have a tool kit to support you through any challenge, helping you build a deeper sense of resilience and inner strength.

When life gets challenging, these practices are here to help you stay grounded, resilient, and ready for whatever comes next.

Emotions

Awakening to Purpose: A Midlife Spiritual Guide for Men

As men reach their 40s and 50s, many seek deeper meaning and purpose in life. This stage, often called “midlife,” can be a time of transformation, offering the opportunity to reflect and grow spiritually.

Questions arise about purpose, impact, and alignment with their soul, signalling the beginning of a powerful shift from external achievements to inner fulfilment.

Many spiritual articles focus on a female audience with little guidance or encouragement for men. Their perspective on life can be different from women. This article aims to guide men, but it can equally address the needs of women to understand how spirituality affects men in their lives.

Embracing the Midlife Transition

Midlife is often a time when old identities and roles no longer satisfy you. The drive for career success or external validation fades, making space for a deeper connection with the inner self. Rather than focusing on what’s being left behind, midlife can be seen as a time of transformation. It’s a chance to shed old patterns and step into a more authentic, purposeful life.

Spirituality can offer a guiding light through this process. Like the moon’s cycles, this phase of life invites men to embrace new opportunities for growth by letting go of outdated expectations and exploring new spiritual practices.

The Call for Inner Reflection

Midlife is the perfect time to slow down and engage in inner reflection. Practices like meditation, journaling, or time in nature help quiet the mind, allowing deeper desires and purpose to emerge. These spiritual practices support the shift from external focus to internal exploration, opening the door to self-discovery.

For some, this spiritual journey may involve reading about spirituality or engaging in meaningful conversations. Others may find structure in mindfulness, yoga, or reconnecting with religious traditions. The key is to explore what feels aligned with your inner self.

Finding Purpose through Service

One of the most profound ways to rediscover purpose during midlife is through acts of service. Spiritual growth often comes through helping others, whether it’s mentoring younger men, volunteering, or supporting family members. Giving back helps cultivate a sense of connection and meaning, enriching your life and those around you.

Letting Go of Old Definitions of Success

Midlife brings a need to redefine success. Success has long been tied to career accomplishments, financial security, or status for many men. But as these external markers lose their appeal, it’s essential to shift toward a more personal definition of success, one focused on being present, living authentically, and pursuing deeper meaning.

Stepping into Your New Chapter

Finding purpose in midlife is about embracing a journey, not reaching a final destination. Spiritual growth during this stage invites you to reconnect with your inner self, let go of old expectations, and discover what truly brings meaning to your life. You can step into this new chapter with a renewed sense of purpose through spiritual practices, reflection, and service to others.

Midlife is not an end, but a beginning – a profound opportunity to discover peace and purpose in your life’s journey.