27/05/2026
Fresh faced, red haired and a whole head full of ideas for her future (as well as graduating 4 months pregnant with baby Theo)
Last night I had a dream I went back to University (I've recently been looking at the Witchcraft & Esoterism MA in Exeter, but of course can't move there for 2 years 🤣)
My dream has me reflecting this morning... What did this young girl learn, experience and how did it shape who I am and what I offer today?
So many reflections....
I've always been Philosophical, connected to Spirit, loved the paranormal, the Earth, Energy. It's just who I've been all my life.
At age 19 I moved to Chester to study Religious Studies with a plan to become a secondary school teacher. During these amazing 3 years I delved deeply into research, discussion and experiences in Philosophy, Theology, worldwide Religions & Spiritualities, 'Contemporary' Holistics, Ethics, History, Feminism and so on.
My fieldwork included observing & participating in Greek Orthodox Services, Meditations in Buddhist Temples, Ritual Prayers in Mosques, visiting Jewish Synagogues, Churches, Spiritual Temples, Shamanic Retreats and so much more.
At some point over the 3 years I had to question... Which one is right? They can't all be the ONE way, how do I choose?
Then I learnt the term 'Perennial'...meaning: 'There is a timeless, sacred reality or divine origin from which all enduring knowledge stems'.
Essentially, our beliefs, religions and spiritual practices are the human expression of our relationship with the Universe, with energy & spirits. There is no one way, there is no correct path. As humans we feel the need to organise our beliefs, to create rules to follow, order, hierarchy. But Perennials believe these are all simply our human desire to make logical sense of what is hard to express. The infinite energy of the Universe, the connection to 'source/spirit/God'.
Simultaneously my interest and passion for Mental Health & wellbeing grew, and I undertook 12 months of researching the relationship between Spiritual Religious beliefs and Mental Health (specifically Depression). I concluded 3 main points:
1.Our beliefs offer a form of positive 'coping mechanisms'. They can offer hope, comfort and the sense of belonging to something bigger than our lives.
2. I linked Prayer, Mantras, Meditations to a form of talking therapy, to be able to express ourselves, to communicate with whichever God/Goddess/Power we are aligned with.
3. Our beliefs bring a sense of connection to loved ones who have passed away which provides a form of support in deep grief and despair, whether we believe in souls, spirits or the scientific approach of our energy returning to the Universe in some form. This can help us to feel supported and not alone
Overall whatever our beliefs, ethics, spirituality or Religious path, they can have a positive impact upon our mental health & wellbeing, our sense of purpose and place in this world.
I could go on... But a whole career of Mental Health, wellbeing, physical Health etc has led me to where I am today.
Whatever your path, your belief (or none belief), you are not wrong. There is no one way, there is only our individual experiences to a vast universe made up of energy of which we cannot explain neatly.
Have you heard of Perennialism before?
Let me know! 🙏
www.wellnesswithin.love
