Tag: present

June Conversations: Asking Better Questions, Listening Deeper

On By RosemaryIn Alternative Therapy, meditationLeave a comment

By Soul Essence, New Eltham, London, UK.

As summer begins, June offers a fresh chance to connect more deeply—with ourselves and with others. The longer days and lighter evenings naturally invite more time together, whether it’s over a meal, during a walk, or sitting in the garden.

But good conversation doesn’t always come from talking more. Often, it comes from asking better questions and listening with care.

This month, why not focus on having more meaningful conversations? A few simple changes can help you feel closer, more connected, and truly heard.

1. Ask Questions That Go Beyond “How Are You?”

It’s easy to fall into the habit of asking the same old questions. But asking something a little different can open the door to a more honest and thoughtful reply. Try:

  • “What’s been on your mind lately?”
  • “What’s brought you joy this week?”
  • “What’s something you’re looking forward to?”

These questions invite reflection and show that you care about more than just the surface.

2. Be Fully Present

The best gift you can give in a conversation is your full attention. That means putting your phone down, turning off the TV, and really focusing on the person in front of you. Make eye contact, nod, and show you’re listening with both your ears and your heart.

Being present helps the other person feel valued and helps you feel more connected.

3. Listen Without Rushing In

Sometimes, we’re so ready to reply that we don’t give people the space to finish their thoughts. Try pausing for a moment before you speak. Let them fully express what they want to say.

You don’t always need to fix, advise, or respond right away. Just listening can be more powerful than you think.

4. Share from the Heart

Meaningful conversation goes both ways. If you want deeper connection, be willing to share a little more of yourself too. You might say:

  • “I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately—have you ever felt the same?”
  • “I’ve been thinking about making a change—what would you do?”

When you open up, you make it safe for others to do the same.

5. Make Space for Quiet

Not every moment needs words.

Sitting quietly with someone, enjoying a shared view or a peaceful pause, can also be a form of connection.

It’s okay to let the silence speak sometimes.

Let June Be a Month of Meaningful Moments

This June, take time to talk—and to truly listen. Whether it’s with family, friends, or even yourself through journaling, make space for deeper, kinder, and more thoughtful conversations. You might be surprised by what you discover.

Receive one of my e-books free 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.

From September, the monthly Friday morning meditations will be back at 11 am.

Contact Rosemary for more information.

Meditate and Elevate Affirmation: I choose to focus on the present moment and enjoy it

On By RosemaryIn Healing, meditationLeave a comment

This is further information for the affirmation for day fifteen of the Meditate and Elevate: A 30-day Mental Health Boost.

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be all too easy to get caught up in worries and concerns about the future or regrets and nostalgia about the past. However, by choosing to focus on the present moment and enjoy it, we can find greater peace, contentment, and joy in our lives. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of living in the present moment and the steps we can take to cultivate greater mindfulness and enjoyment in our daily lives.

The first step in focusing on the present moment is to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and awareness. This involves paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment without judgment or distraction. By practising mindfulness, we can develop a greater sense of inner peace and contentment and a more profound connection to the world around us.

Next, it’s important to let go of our attachment to external outcomes and expectations and to focus on the process rather than the result. This means finding fulfilment and joy in the journey itself, rather than focusing solely on the destination. By letting go of our attachment to outcomes, we can find greater peace and contentment in the present moment and approach life’s challenges with greater ease and flexibility.

It’s also important to cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the present moment. This involves focusing on the positive aspects of our lives and appreciating the beauty and wonder of the world around us. By cultivating gratitude and appreciation, we can shift our perspective from one of lack or dissatisfaction to one of abundance and fulfilment.

Finally, it’s important to engage in activities that bring us joy and fulfilment in the present moment. This may involve pursuing hobbies or interests, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking time to enjoy the beauty of nature. By engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfilment, we can cultivate a greater sense of purpose and meaning in our lives and enjoy the present moment to its fullest.

In conclusion, focusing on the present moment and enjoying it is a powerful way to find greater peace, contentment, and joy in our lives. By cultivating mindfulness and awareness, letting go of our attachment to outcomes, cultivating gratitude and appreciation, and engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfilment, we can live more fully in the present moment and enjoy all that life has to offer. Remember, the present moment is all we have – let’s make the most of it!

I have written Meditate and Elevate: A 30-Day Mental Health Boost with Affirmations and Meditations. The full course of 30 meditations will be available to buy in January 2024.

Interested in affirmations and the course of thirty meditations incorporating affirmations to boost your mental health. To receive more information on this course and when it is available to buy sign up here.

Meditate and Elevate Affirmation: I choose to let go of the past and live in the present.

On By RosemaryIn Healing, meditationLeave a comment

This is further information for the affirmation for day six of the Meditate and Elevate: A 30-day Mental Health Boost

Letting go of the past can be a difficult but important step in creating a fulfilling and meaningful life. We often carry past hurts, regrets, and disappointments with us, and these negative emotions can weigh us down and prevent us from experiencing the joys of the present. By choosing to let go of the past and live in the present, we can free ourselves from these negative emotions and embrace new opportunities for growth and happiness.

The first step in letting go of the past is to acknowledge and accept what has happened. This can be a difficult process, as it requires us to confront painful emotions and memories. However, by facing our past head-on, we can begin to release the negative emotions and gain a sense of closure.

Next, it’s important to practice forgiveness, both for ourselves and for others. Holding onto grudges and resentments only perpetuates the cycle of negativity and prevents us from moving forward. By forgiving ourselves and others, we can let go of the past and begin to cultivate a sense of compassion and kindness towards ourselves and others.

It’s also helpful to focus on the present moment and embrace the opportunities and joys that it offers. By being fully present and engaged in our lives, we can let go of the past and create new, positive memories and experiences. This may involve practicing mindfulness, engaging in self-care activities, or pursuing new hobbies or interests.

Finally, it’s important to seek support from others. Letting go of the past can be a difficult process, and it’s important to have a support network of friends, family, or professionals who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way.

In conclusion, letting go of the past and living in the present is a powerful step towards creating a fulfilling and joyful life. By acknowledging and accepting the past, practicing forgiveness, focusing on the present, and seeking support, we can release the negative emotions that hold us back and embrace new opportunities for growth and happiness. Remember, the present moment is where life is happening – let go of the past and embrace it with open arms.

I have written Meditate and Elevate: A 30-Day Mental Health Boost with Affirmations and Meditations. The full course of 30 meditations will be available to buy from January 2024.

Interested in affirmations and the course of thirty meditations incorporating affirmations to boost your mental health. To receive more information on this course and when it is available to buy sign up here.

5 Reasons to meditate and reduce your stress and anxiety.

On By RosemaryIn meditationLeave a comment

By Soul Essence New Eltham

Clears your mind.

Meditation helps clear all the jumbled thoughts we constantly have in our heads, possibly causing overload and stress. By meditating, we can relax and focus on the guided meditation or feel and acknowledge our worries, painful memories, thoughts, and emotions and help them dissipate. You can also find the underlying cause of your anxiety.

Relaxation.                                                                                               

Meditation helps you focus on your breathing; by slowing your breathing and using your belly to breathe, you start to relax. Once our bodies start to relax, we feel less stressed and anxious.

Helps you focus.

Firstly, most meditations focus on the breath or a person’s voice for part of the time. If your mind wanders or thoughts come, let them go and bring your focus back to the breath or voice each time. The more you do this the longer you are able to focus before thoughts enter your mind. The more regularly you meditate, the better your ability to focus will become. This will help you be more productive and less stressed.

Helps you sleep better.

Problems with sleep are often due to stress. Stress can cause tension, worry and anxiety, making it hard to fall asleep. By meditating before bed, you will feel more relaxed and calmer, making it easier to get to sleep and improving the quality of your sleep.

Being present in the now.

Living in the past can cause stress and anxiety. We need to remember the past cannot be changed; we can only learn from past experiences. The future has not happened, and we can only change the future by what we do NOW. Therefore, we often feel unhappy, stressed and anxious. We may not even realise it, however constantly living in the past and future can make you feel tired and out of touch with yourself. Meditation can help you stay present and focus on the present moment.

We have a course of meditations to help reduce stress and anxiety, starting Thursday 1st September 2022. The course will be fortnightly at 8 pm.  The cost is £45 for all six sessions or £10 on the night. To check dates click here

Book a session now!

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