How do I lead a soulful life?

Published by Alison Wem on

There are always those things you feel you should get done but know in your heart you never will. Perhaps you agreed to arrange to meet someone you are not very keen on or its to clean out those dreaded items at the back of the wardrobe.

But what about those things that you know are important but can’t seem to get done?

How many times have you made a definite decision to do something?

There is no doubt – you are determined. Yet nothing happens. Why not?

Is your heart in agreement with your head?

You receive the promptings from your soul in your heart. Your soul encourages you to steer your life in the direction of your soul’s purpose. Time and energy spent on more mundane things in your life are of less interest to your soul.

Of course, you have the free will to listen to the promptings from your heart or to do the logical things which you want and need to do. We are all human, so there are basic things you need to do to live, such as provide a home and put food on the table. The Universe understands this, but is perhaps less excited by them.

Like many things, it is a case of balance.

You need time to be human, but you also need time to be with your soul and follow your soul’s purpose.

When you and your soul are aligned, you are at your most productive. Things just happen. What seemed impossible becomes possible. Doors seem to open and you are in the flow of life.

My experience is to be discerning on how you distribute your time and energy to tasks. Try giving a balanced amount to the human things you need to do and those that bring you joy, excitement and fun or help you along your spiritual path. If you become totally immersed in the former, there is no time left for the latter. It really is about you choosing your own priorities and consciously living your life as you want to. So many people are allowing themselves to be pulled in different directions by other people. The goal is to learn to;

Integrate soulful activities into your everyday life.

This is not as arduous as it sounds. Promptings from the heart are often about human behaviour. It may be as simple as saying thankful or helping someone who needs it.

When you feel in your heart something is right – this is the thing to do.

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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.

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Mindfulness Made Easy: Quick Practices for Busy Women to Stay Grounded and Centred

Let’s face it: life can be a whirlwind. With so much on our plates, finding calm can feel like just another thing on the to-do list. But here’s the good news—mindfulness doesn’t need to take hours of your day. With a few simple practices, you can find little moments of peace, even in the busiest times. Let’s explore a few ways to stay grounded that fit right into a busy schedule.

  1. Start Your Day with a Gentle Intention

Take a few deep breaths when you wake up. Ask yourself, “What do I need most today?” Whether it’s calm, focus, or energy, setting a gentle intention only takes a moment but can really set the tone for your day. Being positive about your day when you wake up and directing what you want to have in it, has a powerful effect. It’s a small but strong way to remind yourself that you matter, too.

  1. Try “Pause Breaths” During Stressful Moments

When you feel the stress creeping in, pause. Close your eyes if you can, take a deep breath in, hold it, and then slowly release. Repeat this at least three times. Even just a minute of mindful breathing can reset your nerves and help you feel more present. These little “pause breaths” are always there for you when you need them.

  1. Single-Task When You Can

With so much going on, it’s easy to fall into multitasking, but try to focus on one thing at a time when possible. Multitasking can be stressful and studies show you can be less effective operating like this as it takes time to switch intellectually from one task to another. Notice the sensations of whatever you’re doing—washing dishes, folding laundry, anything. It brings you into the moment and helps keep your mind from running all over the place. Personally, I get my best spiritual messages when I am doing a big pile of ironing!

  1. Find “Mindful Minutes”

Those tiny pauses in your day—waiting in line, sitting with your morning coffee—are golden opportunities to bring in mindfulness. Feel the warmth of your coffee mug or the air around you. Even just a moment of awareness can bring a sense of calm to your day. You may feel your energy relaxing and your body being more comfortable.

  1. Be Gentle with Yourself

Most importantly, give yourself a bit of grace. Be kind to yourself as you would your best friend. Mindfulness isn’t about getting it right every time; it’s about bringing a little more kindness into your day. When you’re feeling stressed, remind yourself, “I’m doing my best.” Because you are, and that’s more than enough.

 

Remember, mindfulness doesn’t require perfection; it’s just about finding little ways to feel more present and grounded in your life right now.

Try these tips, and remember, you’re doing a wonderful job.

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Justice and Compassion: A Spiritual Guide to Equality

Social justice issues, such as racial equality, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights, are critical aspects of modern UK society. Although these issues are more commonly seen through political and legal lenses, they also have strong spiritual underpinnings. Spiritual traditions worldwide emphasise values like justice, compassion, and love, which can guide efforts toward a more equal and just society.

Let’s look at some important social justice and equality aspects and see how they are treated spiritually.

The Spiritual Roots of Justice

At the heart of many spiritual teachings is the belief in the inherent dignity of all individuals. Christianity, for example, advocates for loving one’s neighbour and standing with the marginalised. Islam similarly promotes justice and fairness, emphasising that all people are equal in the eyes of God. These values call for systemic justice, urging believers to act compassionately and fairly toward others.

Buddhism and Hinduism also provide a spiritual framework for social justice. The concept of karma suggests that compassionate actions lead to positive responses from others. These teachings advocate for moral responsibility and fairness, principles that resonate with modern understandings of social justice.

Racial and Gender Equality

The fight for racial equality, exemplified by movements like Black Lives Matter, finds resonance in various spiritual traditions. The Baha’i Faith explicitly condemns racism, promoting the unity of humanity. Similarly, many Christian communities are increasingly embracing diversity and rejecting racial prejudice.

Some spiritual traditions have been progressive when it comes to gender equality, while others are evolving. Sikhism, for example, has long upheld the equal worth of men and women, while Christianity and Islam are witnessing internal movements pushing for greater gender equity.

LGBTQ+ Rights and Spirituality

LGBTQ+ rights are a more contentious issue within many spiritual communities. While traditional views may oppose LGBTQ+ identities, progressive interpretations are emerging. Certain Christian denominations now fully embrace LGBTQ+ individuals, advocating for their rights within spiritual spaces. Similarly, Buddhism’s principle of ahimsa (non-harming) encourages a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Compassion, Love, and Justice

Ultimately, spiritual principles like compassion and love offer powerful guidance in the quest for social justice. These teachings call us to see the humanity in everyone and to advocate for systems that protect human dignity. In this sense, spirituality can be a unifying force, reminding us of our shared responsibility to uplift and support one another.

By integrating these spiritual values into social justice movements, we can work towards a society that addresses legal inequalities and fosters deeper compassion and understanding among people of all backgrounds.