Life is such a challenge: need some help?

Published by Alison Wem on

Life and living standards have increased. You would think that this would make life easier, but I do not believe this is the case.

Life is very different from when I was young. With five adult children and many nieces and nephews, I see how the young run their lives.

Life is faster, more complicated plus there are greater physical distances between people as they travel or move for work.

I believe history will write up the 21st century as a revolution. The 19th and 20th centuries were an industrial revolution. The 21st century will be a technology and environmental revolution. Cleaner energy will become available, more effective health care and healthier life styles.

If we get this change right, both the planet and ourselves with have the opportunity to heal.

Understanding what is happening can help you with the challenges in your life. Be kind to yourself as changes in society take place. Change is not always easy.

Hope of a better life is important to enable the necessary changes to take place.

In the 20th century mobile phones arrived making communications via voice and text easier. Using smart phones there are now apps for most things, for example music, banking, games, TV, meditations. How we watch TV has changed with on-demand streaming through such services as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

The foundation for releasing people from time and location constraints has arrived.

In the 21st century many new services and ways of living will arrive. For example using the smart phone platform with Artificial Intelligence (AI), new services are becoming available for health problem diagnosis and on-line doctor surgeries at a time that suits you. AI helps to release doctors’ time for the important people facing conversations.

Good quality health care will start to become accessible for many more people.

However, we each need to play our part in this. We need to flex and change our lives so we can take advantage of the new technology and changes. Change is not always easy especially if you are older and remember a different way of living. Undoubtedly some of us will get left behind.

We need to recognise some people will need help to move into a new way of living.

Some people will not be able to afford the new technology needed for 21st century living. Or perhaps they are struggling to set it up if it is too complicated, or just not be able to keep up with all the change. We need to help one another in this change. We do not want groups of people to become excluded from things like good health care.

My observation is that the speed of change is rapid now and getting faster.

So we need to find a way of providing help to prevent anyone from being excluded. New technology brings both good and bad aspects. We need to harness the good things and mitigate the bad things, for example children experiencing too much screen time. It must be culturally alright to get children off their devices and out into nature.

With an ageing population, many people are experiencing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

This is increasingly being called ‘alone, together.’ As I a former widow, I will vouch that loneliness is the worst of human emotions. This is even more so when you feel lonely with lots of people around you, such as in a town or a city. So often these days you see people all around you on buses and trains with their heads in a mobile. Few seem to look around, smile and say ‘Good morning’. In this environment, how will children practise the art of face-to-face communication? How will families feel together? How will the old or those who live alone feel part of a community?

A good change is that physical distances are mitigated.

WhatsApp and Facetime enables families and friends to more easily stay in touch with one another. The video aspect makes it feel like a more personal conversation. Even if they live the other side of the world, take the time to talk to someone who is important to you, so they know you love them. These things do matter.

Occasionally a good old fashioned card is really appreciated. Your love goes with the card, whether you believe in such things or not. When I posted about my ‘Love corner’ in my kitchen which has cards from all of the people who are important to me, I had an amazing response.

Learn to blend the old ways with the new.

Part of adopting change is to not to throw the baby out with the bath water. Make sure you keep the good elements in your life.

If you relate to this article and need some more help and guidance in your life – get in touch with Alison. Here are her contact details.

Click to contact me Here

Tel: +44 7966 137568  Email: alison.wem@yoursoulfamily.com

Available face-to-face or via video conferencing depending on location.

Upcoming events with Alison Wem – look here

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Your Soul Family

Christmas is nearly here: feeling panicky?

Sadly preparation for Christmas can send many people into a panic. All those presents to find for the people most important to you in your life. How will you find something that brings joy, sends your love and shares some truths on life and living.

Don’t make it hard for yourself. Help is at hand. 

Here are a few inexpensive books that make great presents for those who are curious about life. Be the person to ignite your loved ones curiosity and help them to achieve a greater awareness of who they really are.

Alison Wem’s book reviews:

    

Of course I would love it if you tried one of my books. One of my favourites is Secrets of Your Soul. There are lots of lovely little stories of past lives. They are easy to read and come with an illustration. A good read with some spiritual messages. If you hurry, there is still time to order it and get it delivered before Christmas.

Click here for the UK and here for the US

If you relate to this article and need some more help and guidance in your life – get in touch with Alison. Here are her contact details.

Click to contact me Here

Tel: +44 7966 137568  Email: alison.wem@yoursoulfamily.com

Available face-to-face or via Zoom/WhatsApp depending on location.

 

Meditation

Clear Your Mind: A Practical Guide to Meditation for Men

Life can feel like a juggling act – work, relationships, responsibilities. It’s no wonder your mind might feel scattered or your focus lacking. Meditation is the tool you didn’t know you needed to cut through the noise and bring clarity to your day. And no, it’s not about sitting cross-legged in silence for hours. It’s practical, effective, and, best of all, easy to start.

Why Meditation?

Think of your mind like a muscle. If it’s constantly overworked without rest, it’s bound to lose strength. Meditation trains your mind to focus, helping you cut through distractions and approach tasks with clarity. It’s not about emptying your mind – it’s about learning to guide it where you want it to go.

Step 1: Keep It Simple

You don’t need incense or chants to meditate (unless you want to). Start small. Here’s a straightforward practice you can try:

  1. Find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted.
  2. Sit comfortably – on a chair, a couch, or the floor.
  3. Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose. Hold it for a moment, then slowly exhale out through your mouth.
  4. Focus on your breath. Feel the air entering and leaving your body.

That’s it. Set a timer for 5 minutes to start. Gradually increase the time as it feels right.

As you increase your time, after five deep breaths return to normal breathing. Feel how the energy goes from your lungs down through your body and up to the crown of your head. Explore how your mind and body feels.

Even a few extra minutes can make a big difference.

Step 2: Handle Distractions Like a Pro

Your mind will wander – it’s natural. You’ll think about work deadlines, dinner plans, or that random thing you forgot to do last week. Please don’t beat yourself up over it. When you notice your mind drifting, gently bring it back to your breath. Over time, this “mental reset” becomes easier and spills over into your day-to-day life, helping you refocus on tasks more effectively.

Step 3: Add Purpose

If focusing on your breath feels too simple, try a mantra or visualisation. A mantra is a short repeated phrase, like “I am focused” or “I am calm.” Visualisation involves picturing a scene that brings you clarity, like standing on a mountain with a clear view.

Both practices can keep your mind engaged while reinforcing positive thoughts.

Step 4: Make It a Habit

The key to success? Consistency. Start by meditating at the same time every day – maybe first thing in the morning or during your lunch break. Think of it as part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth. Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer can help guide you if you’re unsure where to start.

The Payoff
Meditation doesn’t take long to show results. After a few days, you might notice your mind feels sharper, tasks feel less overwhelming, and stress starts to fade. Over weeks and months, you’ll likely find you’re more present, productive, and at peace.

So why not give it a try? Just a few minutes a day can transform how you approach life’s challenges. Meditation isn’t just about sitting still—it’s about stepping into the world with focus, clarity, and confidence.

Start today. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

Your Soul Family

Your Peaceful Place: Designing a Sacred Space at Home

Constant noise and distractions seem to be the norm of the 21st century. I really notice the difference when I return to London after being in the rural countryside. This has led me to believe creating a sacred space at home is essential for nurturing your spiritual well-being. Many women value a peaceful environment; a personal sanctuary can bring balance and inner calm. Whether you have an entire room or just a small corner, a sacred space is where you can retreat and recharge.

Here’s how to create your own sacred space to support your spiritual journey and promote inner peace.

Choose Your Space Wisely

You don’t need a large area, but the space should be somewhere you feel comfortable and undisturbed. A quiet corner in your bedroom, a nook by the window, or even a section of your garden can work perfectly. Focus on an area that feels safe, calm, and inviting.

Natural light can enhance the atmosphere, so choose a spot with soft lighting if possible. If not, use gentle artificial lighting to create a warm, peaceful ambiance.

Clear and Cleanse the Space

Start by decluttering your chosen area. An uncluttered space invites a clear, calm mind. Once the physical space is cleared, cleanse it energetically. You can use sage, palo santo, or incense to purify the air and set the tone for peace and healing. If you are unable to do this, you can clear a space energetically by clapping your hands.

While cleansing, set an intention for the space. Whether for inner peace, healing, or spiritual growth, your space will hold the energy you infuse into it.

Bring in Elements of Nature

Incorporating nature helps ground your space. You can add plants, crystals, seashells, or stones, anything that connects you to the earth. Each of these elements brings its own energy. Plants purify the air, while crystals can offer specific healing properties, depending on your needs.

Select items that resonate with you and create a sense of peace and harmony. I like to change these items with the seasons. The autumn has arrived in the UK. As the leaves on the trees change to wonderful colours, I will definitely be making use of them in my sacred space.

Create Comfort and Warmth

Comfort is vital in your sacred space. Add cushions, soft blankets, or a meditation pillow to create a cozy environment. Choose seating that fits how you intend to use the space, whether it’s for meditation, journaling, or quiet reflection.

Candles can also enhance the sense of warmth. Beeswax or essential oil-infused candles are ideal, and lighting one can mark the start of your sacred time.

Personalise Your Space

This is your sanctuary, so personalise it with items that are meaningful to you. Add spiritual symbols, personal mementos, or artwork that inspires and uplifts you. You might include a small altar with objects representing what you wish to invite into your life – peace, love, or clarity.

Use Your Space with Intention

The power of your sacred space comes from using it regularly. Whether for meditation, yoga, or simple moments of silence, make it a habit to retreat there daily. Set an intention each time you enter, aligning the space’s energy with your spiritual goals.

Creating a sacred space at home is a simple yet powerful way to nurture your inner peace. You’ll create a sanctuary that supports your spiritual well-being by choosing a space, cleansing it, adding natural elements, and using it intentionally.