Alison Wem

Who’s in your kitchen?

By Jeremy Turner-Welch

Thoughts and beliefs are blueprints your mind and body seeks to fulfil. So, it’s always good to consider the reality you are currently creating.

Imagine yourself about to make a delicious soup. The cooking pot is on the stove and you turn to get the ingredients when, suddenly, a group of people from your life appear. Some are well known to you: family, friends, colleagues, past teachers; others you encountered more briefly. Each person leaves something for your soup before disappearing as quickly as they came. 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

How are we coping with so many people dying of Covid-19?

Grieving for a loss or trying to support someone who has lost a loved one?

All of us experience grief at some point in our lives.  When we experience it for the first time it can come as quite a shock.  It is often not talked about so it is hard to know how to deal with it.

In the UK over 100,000 people have passed as a direct result of catching Covid-19. On average for each person who passes, 8 – 10 people feel the loss of them in their lives.

The population of the UK is approximately 68m people and up to 1m of them are currently grieving. Many of them are young adults who did not expect to loose a parent so soon. 1m people is nearly 1.5% of the population, so probably all of us know someone who has lost a loved one and is grieving. The UK is not the only country in this situation. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Small experiences can bring great joy….

Snow has arrived in London! Well a sprinkling of snow has, but its enough to make a snowman….

I am like a child when the snow comes. I have never lost that sense of excitement and wonder of it. A walk in the park showed that I was not alone. On a dreary January day in lockdown London, it was great to see the children making snowmen and having snow ball fights. Their laughter was like a wonderful tonic.

I believe simple experiences can bring great joy. The way to happiness is en-joying experiences rather than ‘things’. They are available to all, as I saw today. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Covid-19: is it providing us with an opportunity to permanently change our lives?

Is Covid-19 creating a burning platform for change?

While it may not go away totally and we will have to learn to live with it, Covid-19 has forced us to change the way we are living and to consider what is important to us.

Loved ones are at the top of our prioritises – not unsurprisingly. Leading a simpler life has been a new experience for some and has made people question whether they need all of their ‘things’. Nature is valued more. Relationships and happy experiences enrich our lives. 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