inner peace

Silence: does it help calm our brains and give well-being?

Many people do not value silence. I have found it to be comforting, nourishing and cosy.

The noisy world is drowning out our creativity and our inner connection. Noise effects our brains causing elevated levels of stress hormones even when we are sleeping. When I was a busy, working Mum most of my day was with other people and their noise. Being on my own in silence was refreshing.

In 2011, the World Health Organisation (WHO) concluded that the 340 million residents of Western Europe (about the population of the United States), were losing a million years of healthy life every year, due to noise. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Send love to someone you cannot meet

I am learning from giving virtual reiki sessions over WhatsApp in lockdown London, that distance is absolutely no problem for energy. My friends and customers are amazed that it feels the same as when I am in the same room as them.

Love is intelligent energy and has no bounds.

So with this post of the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, London I am sending my love to my friend Hitomi in Tokyo. Normally she visits us every other year but she has not been able to come due to the virus. Hitomi, we are missing you and hope we can meet again sometime soon. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

City dwellers: Do you need to find some peace?

I live in the city of London. I would describe myself as a country girl wilting in the city.

In a city we have smaller homes which are often close together. Each day I take myself for a walk to find peace and to re-connect with my soul. Getting closer to Nature definitely makes it easier. Here are some of the things I do. They may give you some ideas:

  • walk alone, this is time for you and your soul.
  • look up at the sky and enjoy the panorama of clouds, sky and if you are lucky the sun.
  • Feel the sun on your face, close your eyes and enjoy it.
  • If its raining, use a hat or a hood and let the rain splash on your face – it’s cold and invigorating.
  • Find the times of day the park is quieter and try to walk at these times.
  • Observe the trees and plants around you, most cities have some. Notice the change of the seasons, especially the promise of the spring after a long winter.
  • Walk and talk to your soul.

Ask questions of your soul about how you may improve your life. Wait for the inspiration or suggestions to arrive.

Be creative on getting closer to nature. Today it’s pouring in London. I stood by a storm drain and listened to the water running down the side of the road and drop down into the drain. I felt it was my temporary ‘happy stream’ come to join my walk. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Rumi’s Reflection Journal: join Alison Wem on her journey as she experiences the Covid pandemic

Many of us feel constrained by the attempts of our governments to control the virus – lockdowns, curfews, isolation from our loved ones.

We are never really alone. Going within and reflecting opens up a whole new world. While meditation calms us, I have found having something to reflect on and to sense my own feelings, is a constructive practice that helps me to re-connect with the wisdom of my soul.

To help me with my reflections on Rumi’s poetry, I have chosen to use Paper Trail’s book – Rumi’s Reflection Journal. It gives me individual Rumi quotes to consider. Thank you Paper Trail. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Soul Map: 7 steps to understanding you and your life

Examples of student soul maps

Need a soul map?

For Alison Wem, that realisation came in the early hours as, newly widowed with children and a demanding job, she confronted her anguish – and found a space of calmness and route to strength, love and guidance.

Follow 7 easy-to-do steps to create your soul map, a route to your ‘inner you’– your sub-conscious mind, higher self or soul, depending on your beliefs.  Gain insight into who you are and where your life is going. Identify who is on this journey with you and how you are helping each other with learning life lessons. read more

By Alison Wem, ago