Category: Alternative Therapy

When Life Feels Unsettled: Returning to What Matters Most

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, meditationLeave a comment

By Soul Essence, New Eltham, London, UK

There are times in life when everything seems to feel a little unsettled. Plans change, routines are disrupted, and things we once took for granted no longer feel certain. We may find ourselves worrying about the future, feeling emotionally drained, or struggling to find a sense of balance.

During these times, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We become caught up in daily demands, other people’s expectations, and the pressure to keep everything moving forward.

Yet, sometimes, what we need most is not to do more, but to pause, take a breath, and reconnect with the things that bring meaning and purpose to our lives.

Finding inner peace does not mean having a perfect life. It means learning to stay connected to ourselves, even when life feels uncertain.

When Everything Feels Out of Balance

Life rarely follows a straight path. Unexpected changes, personal challenges, and difficult decisions can leave us feeling unsettled. Even small disruptions can affect our mood, confidence, and sense of security.

When this happens, we may try to regain control by keeping busy, worrying about what might happen next, or trying to meet every expectation placed upon us.

However, constantly pushing ourselves can leave us feeling even more overwhelmed.

It is important to recognise when we need to slow down. Feeling unsettled does not mean we are failing. It simply means we are human, and sometimes we need time to adjust.

Giving ourselves permission to pause is an important part of protecting our emotional wellbeing.

Remembering What Truly Matters

When life becomes busy or uncertain, we can easily forget the things that bring genuine happiness and fulfilment.

Perhaps it is spending time with family, maintaining meaningful friendships, enjoying nature, practising gratitude, or making space for quiet moments.

These simple things may not solve every problem, but they remind us of what gives our lives meaning.

Take a moment to consider where your attention goes each day. Are you spending too much time worrying about things beyond your control? Are you making enough time for the people and activities that bring you joy?

Returning to what matters most often begins with small changes. A meaningful conversation, a peaceful walk, or an evening spent without distractions can help us feel more grounded.

Learning to Let Go of What You Cannot Control

One of the greatest challenges during uncertain times is accepting that we cannot control everything.

We cannot always change other people’s behaviour, prevent unexpected difficulties, or know exactly what the future holds.

Trying to manage every outcome can create unnecessary stress and make it difficult to enjoy the present moment.

Instead, focus on what is within your control. You can choose how you respond, where you direct your energy, and how kindly you treat yourself.

Letting go does not mean giving up. It means recognising where your energy is best used and allowing yourself to release unnecessary worry.

Sometimes, peace begins when we stop trying to hold everything together.

Creating Small Moments of Calm

Finding balance in everyday life does not require dramatic changes. Often, it is the small, consistent habits that make the greatest difference.

Try beginning your morning without immediately reaching for your phone. Take a few deep breaths, enjoy a quiet cup of tea, or spend a little time outdoors.

Make room for rest without feeling guilty. Set boundaries when you need to, and remember that you do not have to respond to every demand immediately.

Practising mindfulness and gratitude can also help you reconnect with the present moment.

These simple habits create opportunities to step away from the noise of everyday life and rediscover a sense of calm.

Reflection Prompt: What Matters Most to Me?

Take a few quiet moments to consider these questions:

  • What is currently making me feel unsettled?
  • What people, experiences, or activities bring genuine meaning to my life?
  • Am I giving too much energy to things I cannot control?
  • What could I change today to make more room for peace and happiness?
  • What is one small thing I can do this week to reconnect with what matters most?

You might find it helpful to write your thoughts in a journal. There is no right or wrong answer. The purpose is simply to understand yourself a little better.

A Gentle Reminder: Come Back to Yourself

Life will always bring changes, unexpected challenges, and moments when we feel unsure of our direction. We cannot prevent every disruption, but we can learn to meet these moments with greater patience and understanding.

When life feels unsettled, remember to return to the things that matter most. Make time for meaningful relationships, protect your wellbeing, appreciate the simple pleasures, and give yourself permission to slow down.

You do not have to fix everything today. You do not have to carry every responsibility alone.

Sometimes, finding your way forward begins by remembering what is important and allowing the rest to fall into perspective.

When the winds of life begin to shift, let what matters most become your anchor.

Receive one of my free e-books about Chakras, Meditation Tips, Inner Child or Skincare

If you want to join a meditation group, Soul Essence runs small groups. There are fortnightly online groups on Tuesday evenings and face-to-face groups on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings.

The Friday morning meditations on the fourth week of the month start at 11 am.

Contact Rosemary for more information.

When Nothing Feels Certain: Learning to Rest in the Unknown

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, meditationLeave a comment

By Soul Essence, New Eltham, London, UK

Life does not always go according to plan. Sometimes, the future feels unclear, familiar routines change, and the answers we need seem just out of reach. During these moments, it is easy to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure about what comes next.

We naturally seek certainty because it helps us feel safe. We want to know that things will work out, that our choices are right, and that tomorrow will bring something we can understand. Yet life rarely offers all the answers at once.

Learning to rest in the unknown is not about giving up or pretending everything is fine. It is about finding inner peace during uncertain times and learning to trust ourselves, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Accepting That Uncertainty Is Part of Life

One of the hardest things about uncertainty is not knowing how a situation will unfold. We may spend hours thinking about possible outcomes, replaying conversations, or worrying about things that have not happened.

Although planning can be helpful, constantly trying to predict the future can leave us feeling emotionally exhausted.

The truth is that uncertainty is a natural part of life. Relationships change, plans shift, and unexpected challenges arise. We cannot control every situation, but we can learn to respond with greater patience and understanding.

Accepting uncertainty does not mean losing hope. It means making room for life to unfold without needing every answer today.

When we stop fighting what we cannot control, we create space for calm, clarity, and emotional resilience.

Finding Inner Peace in the Present Moment

When the future feels uncertain, our thoughts often carry us away from the present. We become so focused on what might happen that we forget to notice what is happening now.

Mindfulness can help us return to the present moment. It does not require hours of meditation or a perfectly quiet space. Sometimes, it begins with taking a slow breath, enjoying a warm cup of tea, or stepping outside for a short walk.

Notice the ground beneath your feet. Listen to the sounds around you. Give yourself permission to pause without needing to solve every problem.

These small moments of mindfulness can help settle a busy mind and remind us that we do not have to manage the whole future at once.

You only need to meet this moment, not every moment that lies ahead.

Letting Go of the Need to Control Everything

When life feels unsettled, we may try to regain control by planning every detail or searching for reassurance. While some things are within our control, many are not.

We can choose our actions, establish healthy boundaries, and decide where to direct our attention. However, we cannot always control other people’s decisions, unexpected events, or the timing of change.

Learning to let go of what we cannot control can support our emotional wellbeing and help us manage stress more gently.

Instead of asking, “What if everything goes wrong?” try asking, “What can I do today to support myself?”

Perhaps you can take one practical step, speak to someone you trust, or give yourself time to rest.

Small, thoughtful actions can help us feel more grounded, even when life remains uncertain.

Building Trust in Yourself

Finding peace during uncertainty also means learning to trust yourself. You may not know exactly what the future holds, but you have lived through difficult days before. You have adapted, learned, and found ways to keep going.

You do not need to feel confident every day to move forward. Sometimes, courage is simply taking the next small step without knowing where the entire journey will lead.

Be patient with yourself as you navigate change. Allow yourself to make mistakes, ask for help, and change direction when necessary.

Inner strength does not mean having all the answers. It means believing that you can meet life’s challenges one step at a time.

Reflection Prompt: Making Peace with the Unknown

Take a few quiet moments to reflect on these questions:

  • What feels uncertain in my life right now?
  • Am I trying to control something that is beyond my reach?
  • What small action could help me feel calmer or more grounded today?
  • What would it look like to treat myself with greater patience during this season?

You do not need to find perfect answers. Simply noticing your thoughts and feelings can be a meaningful first step towards greater self-awareness.

A Gentle Reminder for Uncertain Days

Life will not always give us the clarity we seek. There will be times when we must wait, adjust our expectations, and trust the process without knowing exactly where it will lead.

During these moments, remember that you are allowed to slow down. You are allowed to take things one day at a time. You are allowed to find peace even when everything is not settled.

Resting in the unknown is a gentle practice of acceptance, mindfulness, and self-trust. It reminds us that we do not need to have everything figured out to live meaningfully today.

You may not know what tomorrow will bring, but you can still choose calm in this moment.

Sometimes, that is enough.

At Soul Essence, we believe that even when the winds of life shift, a small ember of peace can help us find our way.

Receive one of my free e-books about Chakras, Meditation Tips, Inner Child or Skincare

If you want to join a meditation group, Soul Essence runs small groups. There are fortnightly online groups on Tuesday evenings and face-to-face groups on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings.

The Friday morning meditations on the fourth week of the month start at 11 am.

Contact Rosemary for more information.

Soul Essence Newsletter November 2026

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, meditation, Wellbeing NewsletterLeave a comment

By Soul Essence, New Eltham, London, UK.

Welcome to Soul Essence’s November 2026 newsletter!

“In every change, in every falling leaf, there is some pain, some beauty. And that’s the way new leaves grow.” – Amit Ray

Article for the month………..

Embers of Calm: Holding Steady in Shifting Winds

When the Winds Begin to Shift

Life rarely moves in a straight line. Just when we begin to feel settled, circumstances can change, bringing unexpected challenges, difficult decisions and uncertainty.

It is natural to seek reassurance by trying to control what happens next. Yet, sometimes, the more we resist change, the more exhausted we become.

Perhaps the invitation is not to stop the winds from blowing, but to learn how to stand steadily within them.

Calm does not require a life without difficulty. It grows when we recognise that although we cannot control everything, we can choose how we respond.

The Quiet Strength of an Ember

An ember may not have the brightness of a roaring fire, yet it still holds warmth and the potential to burn again.

Our inner strength can be much the same.

There are seasons when confidence comes easily and others when even familiar tasks feel overwhelming. During these quieter periods, we may mistake low energy for weakness or believe we have lost our way.

But not every season is meant for blazing brightly.

Sometimes, strength means resting when we are tired, pausing before reacting and taking one small step at a time. A little light is still light, and a small act of courage still matters.

We do not need every answer to keep moving forward. We simply need to tend to the light we already carry.

Finding Stillness in the Middle of Change

Stillness does not mean that life must become quiet or predictable. It can be found in a few conscious breaths, a thoughtful walk or a moment spent away from constant demands.

These small pauses create space between what happens and how we respond.

We can acknowledge fear without letting it dictate our choices, experience disappointment without losing hope, and face uncertainty without immediately assuming the worst.

We may not be able to change every situation, but we can often change how we meet it.

Releasing the Need to Control Everything

Much of our unrest comes from trying to manage every possible outcome. We rehearse conversations, worry about decisions not yet made, and carry tomorrow’s burdens into today.

Preparation is useful, but constant anticipation can leave us depleted.

It helps to recognise the difference between what we can influence and what lies beyond our control. Our choices, actions and boundaries are often within our reach. Other people’s opinions and the precise shape of the future are not entirely ours to determine.

Instead of asking, How can I make sure nothing goes wrong?, we might ask, What is the wisest thing I can do with what I know today?

Sometimes, we need only enough clarity to take the next step.

Resilience Means Allowing Yourself to Be Human

Resilience is not about remaining strong at all times. It does not mean hiding our struggles or pretending that life never feels difficult.

Sometimes, resilience means pressing forward. Sometimes, it means resting or asking for help.

Growth is rarely a straight line. There may be days when we feel hopeful, followed by days when old worries return. This does not mean our progress has disappeared.

Like an ember protected from the wind, our strength may be developing even when we cannot see it clearly.

Small Choices That Protect Your Peace

Calm is often cultivated through small, intentional choices. It may begin with getting enough rest, taking a few quiet minutes before a demanding task or completing one manageable job instead of worrying about everything at once.

We can also become more mindful of where we give our attention. Not every disagreement requires our involvement, not every demand needs an immediate response, and not every uncertainty must be resolved today.

Protecting our peace does not mean closing our hearts to the world. We can care deeply about others while recognising that we cannot solve every problem they face.

When tensions rise, we can pause, reconsider and choose a response that reflects our values.

Peace is not something we achieve once and keep forever. It is something we practise and return to, often many times throughout the day.

A Moment of Reflection: What Keeps Your Ember Glowing?

Take a few quiet minutes to consider what helps you feel grounded when life becomes overwhelming.

Perhaps it is time with loved ones, a walk outdoors, a spiritual practice or remembering how far you have already come.

Reflect on these questions:

  • What can I release? Is there a worry or responsibility I am carrying that is not mine to hold?
  • What can I nurture? Which habit, relationship or practice helps me feel grounded?
  • What can I accept? Is there something I cannot change right now that I could meet with greater patience?
  • What is my next step? What is one thoughtful action I can take today?

There is no need to find perfect answers. Sometimes, clarity begins simply by asking a better question.

Let Your Light Remain

The winds will continue to shift. Plans will change, challenges will arise and there will be times when the way forward is difficult to see.

We cannot promise ourselves a life without uncertainty, but we can learn to meet it with greater steadiness.

When the winds grow stronger, return to what grounds you. When the path becomes unclear, focus on the next step. When your energy feels low, remember that even a small ember can keep warmth alive.

You do not need to have every answer today, carry every burden alone or shine at full brightness every moment.

Hold on to what brings you peace. Nurture what gives you strength. Trust yourself to meet each new day as it comes.

The winds may change, but your capacity to pause, adapt and begin again remains.

Meditation dates:

Tuesdays online via Zoom @ 7:30 pm on 10th and 24th November and 8th December 2026.

Wednesdays face-to-face @ 8 pm. on 4th and 18th November and 2nd December 2026

Wednesday meditations will always be on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Friday morning meditations are on the 4th Friday of the month at 11 am.

​Contact Rosemary for information or to book any therapy sessions.

More information on the therapies I do, can be found on my website.

If starting meditation is one of your goals for 2026, Soul Essence runs small groups. Contact Rosemary for dates and information. There are fortnightly online groups on Tuesday evenings and fortnightly face-to-face groups on Wednesday evenings.

Receive one of my e-books free about Chakras, Meditation Tips, Inner Child or Skincare

The Power of the Pause: How Stillness Strengthens Intuition

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, meditationLeave a comment

By Soul Essence, New Eltham, London, UK

Have you ever made a decision in a hurry, only to realise later that you had overlooked something important? When life moves quickly, it is easy to react before we have fully understood a situation. We answer messages immediately, agree to requests without thinking and make choices simply to get things done.

Taking a pause can change this pattern. By creating a little space between what happens and how we respond, we give ourselves time to notice details, recognise patterns and think more clearly. This is one way stillness can help strengthen intuition.

Intuition is not about predicting the future or always knowing the right answer. It can result from our brains recognising information and experiences before we consciously put them into words.

Why Pausing Can Change the Way You Think

When you are busy, your attention often focuses on the next task, problem, or responsibility. You may miss small details because your mind is already working on what to do next.

A pause interrupts this automatic process. Instead of reacting straight away, you allow yourself to take in more of what is happening.

For example, imagine you are offered a new responsibility at work. Your first reaction might be to say yes because you want to be helpful. Taking a moment to consider the offer could help you recognise that your workload is already too heavy.

That moment of reflection does not automatically tell you what to do. However, it gives you a better chance to notice your priorities before you commit.

Stillness Helps You Notice Patterns

One way intuition develops is through experience. Over time, we collect information about people, situations and our own behaviour. Some of this learning happens without conscious effort.

When you slow down, you may become more aware of patterns you have previously overlooked.

Perhaps you notice that you often feel overwhelmed after agreeing to plans without checking your schedule. Maybe you recognise that certain working conditions help you feel focused, while others leave you distracted.

These observations can guide future decisions.

Stillness gives you the opportunity to connect your experiences with what you are noticing now. Instead of treating every feeling as a mysterious message, you can explore what it might be telling you about your needs, habits, and surroundings.

How to Practise the Power of the Pause

You do not need to meditate for an hour or change your daily routine completely. Small, regular pauses can make a difference.

Try these simple practices:

  • Pause before replying: When someone asks you to make a commitment, give yourself time to consider whether you genuinely have the capacity.
  • Take a transition break: Spend two minutes quietly between tasks instead of moving straight from one demand to another.
  • Notice before interpreting: When something catches your attention, observe it without immediately deciding what it means.
  • Review important decisions: Before acting, consider what you know, what you are assuming and what information you may still need.

These habits encourage thoughtful decision-making while helping you become more familiar with your own responses.

When Stillness Becomes Avoidance

Although pausing can be helpful, it is important not to use reflection as a way to avoid difficult decisions.

Waiting for complete certainty can lead to endless overthinking. Similarly, a strong feeling during a quiet moment is not necessarily an accurate judgement.

Use stillness to become more informed, not to search for a guarantee. Combine your instincts with practical information, reasonable questions and advice when appropriate.

The aim is to find a balance between reflection and action.

Reflection Prompt: What Do I Notice When I Slow Down?

Set aside five quiet minutes and write about a recent situation in which you had to make a decision.

Ask yourself:

  • What was my first reaction?
  • Did I feel pressured to respond quickly?
  • What did I notice when I gave myself more time?
  • Was my response influenced by experience, worry or outside expectations?
  • What could I do differently next time?

Write without trying to produce perfect answers. You may discover a pattern that becomes useful in future situations.

Give Yourself Room to See Clearly

The power of the pause lies in what it allows you to notice. A little stillness can help you move beyond automatic reactions, learn from experience and make decisions that better reflect your circumstances.

You do not have to slow down every moment of your life. Start with the moments that matter.

Sometimes, the most useful step towards understanding a situation is not to think harder or act faster. It is to pause long enough to see what you might otherwise have missed.

Receive one of my free e-books about Chakras, Meditation Tips, Inner Child or Skincare

If you want to join a meditation group, Soul Essence runs small groups. There are fortnightly online groups on Tuesday evenings and face-to-face groups on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings.

The Friday morning meditations on the fourth week of the month start at 11 am.

Contact Rosemary for more information.

Your Quietest Voice May Have the Most to Say

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, meditationLeave a comment

By Soul Essence, New Eltham, London, UK

In a world filled with opinions, notifications and endless advice, it can be difficult to hear your own thoughts. We are often encouraged to think things through, seek answers from others and make decisions quickly. Yet sometimes, the most meaningful guidance comes from a quieter place within us.

This is where intuition comes in. Often described as an inner knowing or gut feeling, intuition can help us notice things that our conscious minds have not fully worked out. Learning to recognise this quiet voice may help you make more thoughtful choices, understand your feelings and feel more connected to yourself.

What Does Your Inner Voice Sound Like?

Intuition does not always arrive as a strong feeling or a sudden moment of clarity. It may appear as a gentle sense that something feels right, a small hesitation about a decision or a thought that keeps returning to you.

For example, you might meet someone who seems perfectly pleasant, yet feel that you need more time before trusting them. You may consider an opportunity that looks good on paper but notice that something about it does not feel right.

These experiences are worth exploring, but they are not always proof that something is wrong. Intuition can draw on past experiences and subtle patterns we have noticed without consciously recognising them. The important thing is to pay attention without immediately assuming that your first impression must be correct.

Why Is Intuition So Easy to Miss?

Many of us are used to looking outside ourselves for answers. We ask friends for advice, compare our choices with other people’s decisions and worry about what others might think.

Although outside perspectives can be valuable, constantly seeking approval can make it harder to recognise what matters to us personally.

Fear of making a mistake can also drown out our inner voice. We may keep analysing a decision long after we have gathered enough information, hoping to find complete certainty.

Creating a little space between your thoughts and your response can help. You do not need to silence your mind or find perfect stillness. Simply stepping away from distractions, taking a quiet walk or sitting without your phone for a few minutes may help you notice what you are thinking and feeling.

How to Listen to Your Intuition Without Overthinking

Developing intuition is not about following every feeling without question. It is about becoming more aware of your inner responses while remaining open to facts and alternative explanations.

When a feeling arises, pause and ask yourself what might be behind it. Does this situation remind you of something you have experienced before? Are you noticing a genuine concern, or are you worried about an unfamiliar outcome?

Try giving yourself time before making an important decision. Write down your first impression, gather relevant information and revisit the question when you feel calmer.

Over time, reflecting on your choices can help you understand when your instincts have been useful and when fear, stress or assumptions may have influenced them.

The aim is not to become someone who always knows the answer. It is to build a more trusting and balanced relationship with yourself.

Journalling Prompt: What Is My Quiet Voice Telling Me?

Journalling can help you explore your intuition without feeling pressured to reach an immediate conclusion.

Find a few quiet minutes and consider these questions:

  • Is there a decision or situation I keep thinking about?
  • What is my first impression, before I consider other people’s opinions?
  • What feelings arise when I imagine each possible choice?
  • Could past experiences, fear or assumptions be influencing my response?
  • What facts do I still need before deciding what to do?

Write honestly, without judging your answers. You do not have to solve everything in one sitting. Sometimes, understanding your own thoughts is a useful first step.

Make Space for What Matters

Your quietest voice may not give you a clear answer straight away. Sometimes, it simply draws your attention to a feeling, a need or a question worth exploring.

By slowing down, reflecting on your experiences and listening with curiosity, you can become more aware of the signals that matter to you.

You do not need to ignore the world around you to hear yourself more clearly. You simply need to make enough space to recognise your own perspective.

And when you learn to give that quieter voice your attention, you may discover that it has more to say than you first realised.

Receive one of my free e-books about Chakras, Meditation Tips, Inner Child or Skincare

If you want to join a meditation group, Soul Essence runs small groups. There are fortnightly online groups on Tuesday evenings and face-to-face groups on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings.

The Friday morning meditations on the fourth week of the month start at 11 am.

Contact Rosemary for more information.

How to Strengthen Your Intuition in Everyday Life

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, meditationLeave a comment

By Soul Essence, New Eltham, London, UK

Have you ever changed your mind about something at the last minute, only to realise later that you had noticed something important? Perhaps a conversation left you feeling uneasy, or an unexpected idea stayed with you long after you had forgotten what first inspired it.

Experiences like these can make us curious about intuition and how it works.

Intuition is often described as an inner sense that helps us recognise possibilities, patterns or concerns before we can fully explain them. Although it can feel mysterious, it may draw on things we have learnt, experienced or noticed without consciously realising it.

The good news is that you can develop greater intuitive awareness through the choices you make every day.

Start Noticing What You Already Know

You do not need to wait for a powerful gut feeling to explore your intuition. Begin by noticing the small things you pick up throughout the day.

Perhaps you recognise that a colleague is unusually quiet, sense that a conversation needs more care, or realise that a particular commitment no longer suits your circumstances.

These observations may reflect experience, emotional awareness or unconscious pattern recognition.

Instead of brushing them aside, ask yourself what you have noticed and why it might matter.

The aim is to become more observant, not to search for hidden meanings in everything that happens.

Give Your First Impressions a Second Look

First impressions can sometimes provide useful information, but they can also be misleading.

When you meet someone new or enter an unfamiliar situation, notice your initial response. Then give yourself time to gather more information.

What did you actually observe? Was it someone’s behaviour, the way a conversation unfolded or an assumption you made?

This simple habit helps you develop intuitive awareness without confusing instinct with fact.

You can respect your first impressions while remaining open to discovering that you were mistaken.

Experiment with Small Decisions

Everyday life offers plenty of opportunities to practise listening to yourself.

When choosing how to spend your afternoon, deciding which task to tackle first or considering whether to accept an invitation, notice your immediate response.

Are you interested, reluctant, excited or uncertain?

Rather than automatically following the feeling, explore what might be behind it.

Perhaps you are drawn to an opportunity because it reflects something you genuinely value. Alternatively, you may be reluctant because you are tired or worried about trying something unfamiliar.

Understanding these differences can help you make choices that better reflect your needs and priorities.

Learn from Your Past Experiences

One of the most useful ways to develop trust in your intuition is to look back at previous decisions.

Think about times when you made a good judgement. What information influenced you? Did you recognise a familiar pattern or notice something others overlooked?

Now consider a decision that did not work out as expected.

Were you influenced by wishful thinking, pressure from others or an assumption you had not questioned?

These reflections can help you understand how your experiences shape your judgement. They also remind you that intuition is a skill to explore, not a guarantee of being right.

Make Room for Curiosity

Intuition can be harder to recognise when you feel under pressure to have all the answers.

Try approaching uncertain situations with curiosity instead.

Rather than asking, “What should I do?”, consider asking, “What haven’t I considered yet?”

This question allows you to explore your feelings, look for missing information and recognise possibilities you may have overlooked.

You can also seek advice, research your options and take time before making important decisions. Listening to yourself does not mean shutting out other perspectives.

Reflection Prompt: What Have My Experiences Taught Me?

Think of a recent decision that you feel good about, whether it was large or small.

In your journal, explore these questions:

  • What first caught my attention?
  • What influenced my decision?
  • Did I recognise a familiar pattern or respond to an assumption?
  • What did the outcome teach me about my judgement?
  • How could I use this understanding in the future?

Finish by writing one thing you would like to pay closer attention to this week.

Let Intuition Grow Through Experience

Developing intuition is not about becoming someone who always knows what to do. It is about understanding how you notice information, interpret your experiences and make decisions.

The more thoughtfully you reflect on your choices, the more you can learn about your own patterns of judgement.

You may discover that your strongest insights come from experience, careful observation or recognising when something deserves a closer look.

Strengthening your intuition begins with paying attention, asking better questions and allowing yourself to learn from what happens next.

Receive one of my free e-books about Chakras, Meditation Tips, Inner Child or Skincare

If you want to join a meditation group, Soul Essence runs small groups. There are fortnightly online groups on Tuesday evenings and face-to-face groups on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings.

The Friday morning meditations on the fourth week of the month start at 11 am.

Contact Rosemary for more information.

Learning to Listen: A Beginner’s Guide to Intuition

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, meditationLeave a comment

By Soul Essence, New Eltham, London, UK

Learning to Listen: A Beginner’s Guide to Intuition

Have you ever had a feeling about something that you could not quite explain? Perhaps you felt drawn towards a particular opportunity, sensed that something was not right, or experienced a quiet moment of knowing without understanding why.

This is often described as intuition.

Learning to listen to your intuition can help you become more self-aware, understand your feelings and approach decisions with greater confidence. You do not need special abilities or years of experience to begin. You simply need a little curiosity, patience and a willingness to pay attention to yourself.

What Is Intuition?

Intuition is the ability to understand or recognise something without consciously working through every detail. It can appear as a gut feeling, a sudden insight, a physical sensation or a quiet inner voice.

Our brains constantly process information, recognise patterns and draw on previous experiences. Sometimes, this information reaches our awareness as a feeling before we can explain the reason behind it.

For some people, intuition also has a spiritual meaning. It may feel like inner guidance or a deeper connection with their own wisdom.

Whatever intuition means to you, learning to recognise it begins with noticing what is happening within you.

How Does Intuition Feel?

Intuition does not feel the same for everyone. You might experience it as:

  • A quiet sense that something deserves your attention.
  • A sudden moment of clarity about a situation.
  • A feeling of ease when considering a particular choice.
  • A gentle nudge to pause before making a decision.
  • A recurring thought that encourages further exploration.

These experiences are not proof that your intuition is correct. Stress, fear and past experiences can also influence your feelings.

The important thing is to notice what you experience without immediately deciding what it means.

Create Space to Listen Within

One of the simplest ways to develop intuitive awareness is to make room for quiet.

When your day is filled with notifications, conversations and endless information, it can be difficult to notice your own thoughts and feelings.

Try spending five minutes each day without distractions. Sit comfortably, breathe naturally and notice what is happening in your mind and body.

You do not need to force an answer or wait for a special feeling to appear.

Simply practise being present.

Over time, these quiet moments may help you recognise your thoughts, emotions and intuitive responses more clearly.

Learn to Trust Yourself

Developing self-trust does not mean believing every feeling or following every impulse.

Sometimes, what feels like intuition is actually anxiety, an old fear or a familiar habit. Learning the difference takes time.

When you experience a strong feeling, pause and ask yourself what might be influencing it.

Consider the facts, explore other explanations and give yourself permission to wait before deciding what to do.

Intuition works best alongside reflection, evidence and thoughtful decision-making.

You are not trying to become someone who always knows the answer. You are learning to listen to yourself without automatically dismissing what you notice.

Start an Intuition Journal

Keeping an intuition journal is a simple way to explore your inner world.

Write down moments when you experience a gut feeling, sudden insight or sense of knowing. Record what was happening, how you felt and what you decided to do.

Later, revisit your notes and consider what you have learnt.

This practice can help you recognise patterns, understand your emotional responses and become more aware of when your instincts are helpful or misleading.

Journalling Prompt: What Am I Hearing Within?

Find a quiet place and spend a few minutes reflecting on this question:

“What have I been noticing within myself that I haven’t yet taken the time to understand?”

Write freely without worrying about grammar or finding the perfect words.

Then consider:

  • What feelings or thoughts keep returning?
  • Is there something I need to pay closer attention to?
  • Am I listening to myself, or am I allowing outside opinions to drown out my own thoughts?
  • What would help me feel clearer about my next step?

You do not need to find an immediate answer.

Learning to listen to your intuition is a journey of awareness rather than certainty.

Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can do is slow down, become curious and give yourself permission to hear what has been quietly waiting for your attention.

Receive one of my free e-books about Chakras, Meditation Tips, Inner Child or Skincare

If you want to join a meditation group, Soul Essence runs small groups. There are fortnightly online groups on Tuesday evenings and face-to-face groups on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings.

The Friday morning meditations on the fourth week of the month start at 11 am.

Contact Rosemary for more information.

Intuition vs Anxiety: How to Tell What Your Inner Voice Is Saying

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, meditationLeave a comment

By Soul Essence, New Eltham, London, UK

Have you ever had a strong feeling about something but could not work out where it came from? Perhaps you felt that a situation was not quite right, or you suddenly knew that you needed to take a particular path.

It is easy to wonder whether this is intuition speaking or anxiety taking over.

Learning to recognise the difference between intuition and anxiety can help you understand your emotions, become more self-aware and make space for clearer decision-making.

What Is Intuition?

Intuition is often described as a quiet form of inner knowing. It is a feeling or understanding that appears without conscious reasoning.

Your brain constantly notices information, patterns and details, including things you may not consciously recognise. Previous experiences can also influence how you respond to a situation.

This may appear as a gut feeling, a sudden insight or a gentle sense that something needs your attention.

Intuition does not always tell you exactly what to do. Sometimes it simply encourages you to pause and look more closely.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to perceived threat or uncertainty. It can help us prepare for challenges, but it can also become overwhelming or appear when there is no immediate danger.

Anxiety may involve:

  • Repetitive worrying
  • Racing thoughts
  • Physical tension
  • A strong need for certainty
  • Imagining negative outcomes
  • Feeling unable to switch off
  • An urgent desire to avoid something

When anxiety becomes loud, it can be difficult to hear quieter thoughts and feelings.

Intuition vs Anxiety: What Is the Difference?

There is no perfect way to distinguish intuition from anxiety, because everyone’s experience is different. However, noticing the quality of your thoughts and feelings can provide useful clues.

Anxiety often creates a cycle of questions:

“What if something goes wrong?”

“What if I make the wrong choice?”

“What if something terrible happens?”

Intuition may feel less repetitive. It might simply bring your attention to something:

“Pause.”

“Look again.”

“Something needs more attention.”

This is not a rule that every quiet feeling is intuition. Our experiences, expectations and past events can all influence our reactions.

Listen Before You Act

When a strong feeling appears, you do not have to act immediately.

Instead, pause.

Take a few slow breaths and notice what is happening in your body. Are you tense? Is your heart racing? Do you feel calm? Is your mind creating lots of possible scenarios?

Then ask:

“What am I actually responding to?”

Giving yourself time can help you separate the original situation from the thoughts and fears that may have developed around it.

Use Intuition Alongside Reason

Developing self-trust does not mean following every feeling without question.

For important decisions, consider the facts, gather information and think about the possible consequences. Talk to someone you trust if you need another perspective.

Your intuition can be one source of information rather than the only source.

The goal is not to silence anxiety or automatically obey your inner voice. It is to become more aware of what you are experiencing.

How to Strengthen Intuitive Awareness

Creating regular moments of quiet can help you notice your inner world.

Try taking a mindful walk, spending a few minutes without your phone or keeping an intuition journal.

Record situations where you experience a strong feeling. Write down what you noticed, what thoughts appeared and what happened afterwards.

Over time, you may begin to recognise your own patterns.

Reflection Prompt

Find a quiet moment and reflect on this question:

“When I experience a strong inner feeling, how do I know whether I am responding to intuition, anxiety or both?”

Write about a recent experience.

What did you notice in your body? What thoughts appeared? Was there a sense of urgency? What happened when you gave yourself time to pause?

Remember, the aim is not to find a perfect answer.

It is to become a more attentive listener to yourself — noticing the difference between a fearful mind seeking certainty and a quiet inner feeling asking you to pay attention.

Receive one of my free e-books about Chakras, Meditation Tips, Inner Child or Skincare

If you want to join a meditation group, Soul Essence runs small groups. There are fortnightly online groups on Tuesday evenings and face-to-face groups on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings.

The Friday morning meditations on the fourth week of the month start at 11 am.

Contact Rosemary for more information.