The reason for this blog arose from two strong feelings that have been following me lately: first, the sudden death of a dear friend, whose passing deeply resonated and made me reflect on lifeâs lessons; second, the current state of society, the harsh everyday events, a distorted value system, fake lives and alienation, while at the same time losing contact with our own soul, with the sincere needs of the heart and body. I feel that, as a society, we need more peace, slowing down, love, and mutual understanding.
In such a daily life, where the focus is mostly on the external, achievements, and a fast pace, we often neglect what we truly crave: deep connection with ourselves, with our nature, with others, and the peace that comes from within. This blog arises from the need to share an honest story about returning to myself, about the courage to face my own needs and dare to slow down in order to truly feel life.
Yes, this is yet another story about someone who woke up, quit a corporate job, and now wants to spread wisdom. However, I would say this is primarily a story about returning to oneself, discovering oneâs spiritual side, connecting with oneâs own body, and listening to its messages. The body is the temple of the soul, and the soul speaks through the body. Have you ever listened to what your body is telling you, what hurts it?
The last thirteen years of my life were like a stormy sea, waves of ups and downs, action, noise, laughter, tears, movement, speed, filling, emptyingâthe standard life.
I felt like a hamster that has to keep ârunningâ for the wheel to turn, because, heaven forbid, what if I stop, what if I slow downâdisaster. This is a story about what I have learned, and am still learning, on the journey through life, about the importance of slowing down, listening to my body (soul), and freeing myself from burdens that hold us back.
The death of three friends before I turned 40 left a deep mark on my soul. Words can hardly describe the sadness and emptiness I felt, but through that pain, I learned the most important lesson: life is fleeting, unpredictable, and precious. Every encounter, hug, and laugh became more valuable to me. Loss taught me to appreciate the present moment, to stop postponing words of love and forgiveness, and to be grateful for what I have, right now. At recent workshops, I noticed that a background image would âaccidentallyâ appear on my laptop and attract more interest than the entire training. Now I intentionally include it, opening the way to conscious presence in space and time. The image is on the cover of this blog, so take a look and see what you notice.
A demanding job brought new challenges every day. Responsibility, constant stress, juggling obligations and deadlines often stifled my creativity and distanced me from myself. Over time, I realized that people and work can serve as the best teachers, showing me where my limits are, but also where I need to find balance between what I do and who I am. Hence the slogan: KEEP THE BALANCE.
Every crisis, every loss, no matter how painful, brought me an opportunity for growth.
Over time, I realized that from every darkness, strength, wisdom, and compassion can grow, if I allow myself to feel and do not run from pain. Pain is what brings change, pain is what awakens, breaks the chains of the old, and reveals layers of the true self. Pain is what gives freedom. I learned that pain is not a punishment, but a call for change. Pain is inevitable and passes quickly, but suffering is a choice. To make oneself, oneâs soul, oneâs body suffer, consciously, is a choice. For that choice, we have full authority.
The noise of everyday life often covers what our heart and soul are trying to tell us. Only when I slowed down, allowed silence to speak, did I truly start listening to myself. In moments of silence, conscious breathing, I discover that I have a spiritual side I didnât even know existed. I realize that only in the balance of mind, body, and spirit can the wholeness of life exist.
We wear masks, try to meet othersâ expectations, be strong, hide weaknesses and insecurities. We are often torn between MUST and SHOULD. That tires us, masks are heavy, and over time they start to press on the soul. Facing oneself, removing those masks, and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable turns out to be the bravest act.
Accepting your darkness, forgiving yourself for âmistakes,â embracing imperfections and weaknesses means taking full responsibility for your own life and body. That process is not simple, but it leads to inner peace and true strength. We learn what it really means to âbe gentle with ourselves.â
Now, when I look back, how many subconscious choices were made just to learn a soul lesson. And now I know exactly that people came into my life for a reason, that I had to go through all that to become aware and learn the lessons of the soul. And each time, a new lesson, not about them, not about work, but about myself. Returning to myself, standing up for myself, taking responsibility for my lifeâhere, the saying applies: If I donât live my life, who will? But a big lesson was also recognizing what is truly in my control and about my own choice of where I can and should spend my energy.
Today, I consciously choose gratitudeâfor each new day, for the body that allows me to experience life, for the people on my path, for opportunities and challenges. Knowing that everything is temporary, but also precious, opens space for joy, peace, and love.
The journey through losses, challenges, and my own shadows taught me that life is a gift, and peace in the body is the greatest freedom. I learned to slow down, listen to my soul, be grateful for everything that is and isnât. Let go of control, donât resist, understand that itâs all for my highest good. Because we are part of life, we are life, and an integral part of the natural cycle of nature.
Dare to embrace yourself today, let go of what holds you back, and open your heart to the river of life. Because, in every breath, every moment, there is an opportunity for a new beginning.
My gift to you: a small practice for big changes
As my small gift to all who decide to slow down and embrace new practices, I want to leave a simple yet powerful piece of advice: Change begins with small steps.
To start, slow down. Set aside at least 15 minutes every morning after waking up just for yourself. Let that time be exclusively yoursâno phone, no rush, just you and your breath.
Below I share the technique that brought me the most peace and stability: conscious, deep breathing. Although available to all of us, we often breathe shallowly, unconsciously, as if we are sipping life âwith a teaspoon.â
Breathing is the oldest, most natural, and most accessible practice that brings the body and mind back into balance. Conscious breathing saved me from much tension, calmed my nervous system and body, and itâs a practice I easily maintain to this day. I recorded a 15-minute practice for youâenjoy breathing, some maybe for the first time consciously.
