How I Learned to Shut the Noise Out

The media headlines on the TV and in newspapers, social media, friendship circles, and imposter syndrome—no wonder our brains are exhausted. I hadn’t realised how drained I was until I left city life in Bristol and landed in the countryside in Dorset. I’d felt a calling to head to the countryside for years, but fear of what I would leave behind and uncertainty about my true desires held me back. Listening to your inner calling can be challenging when there is so much noise around us. How can you truly listen to yourself and trust in what is right?

I share tips and insights on how I was able to shut the noise out, rebuild trust, and strengthen my inner knowing.

The Struggle to Fit In

From a young age, we adhere to fit in with those around us as an act of survival. It is beautiful to be part of a tribe or community, but how can we also learn to listen and trust in ourselves?

As a sensitive child, I often preferred the company of cows or puppies. I found it easier to be with a trio of friends than in a larger group. I identify with children who stand on the sidelines and consider before joining in. Reflecting on how we formed connections in childhood can be a start at understanding our inner connection.

Sensory Overload

I often feel sensory overload in busy social environments and know I need quiet time to decompress post-socialising. This isn’t just an introverted thing but the wish to just go off on my own was a call to notice how it feels to be alone and settle into a relationship with yourself. We often plunge into relationships, looking to others for confirmation, love, and guidance, instead of getting to know ourselves first.

The Move to the Countryside

Choosing to leave city life for the countryside helped soothe my nervous system. Of course, you don’t need to move to reconnect, but I’d felt called to do so for years and chose to ignore it. There was a mistrust of my inner voice and fear of losing the choices and friendships available in the city. Consuming and digesting all the grim headlines and social media can leave us feeling full and I hadn’t realised how starved I was of my own thoughts.

Perhaps you have a calling to do something, we all have unique callings, but we can all benefit from harnessing and listening to our internal intelligence. Whether through yoga, meditation, walking your dog, dancing, cooking, or gardening, being and meeting yourself as you are is one of the kindest things you can do. It can feel vulnerable, but it’s part of seeing ourselves as we are, including the parts we don’t like.

Ways to Reconnect and Listen

Nature If green spaces nourish you, trust in that calling. As I settled into Dorset life, I discovered new interests like gardening—a humble way to connect with the earth. Nature meditations helped me connect with the land, appreciating the earth, sky, sun, and sounds around me.

Gratitude Focusing on the good already in my life helped me feel nourished rather than what I was lacking when stuck in the loop of measuring myself to others.

Faith It’s okay not to follow what everyone else is doing. Connecting to your rhythms and trusting them is crucial. Exploring spirituality—angels, spirit guides, meditations, and even God—helped me feel less alone.

I began simple prayers of gratitude, which then led to feeling guided on my path and hearing my sense of purpose, which strengthened my reconnection.

Inner Work Shadow work allowed me to see my irritations, jealousy, and comparisonitis clearly, owning them rather than projecting them onto others or letting them block my self-perception.

Therapeutics One of my favorite ways to connect with myself is through Mbit or Mbraining, tapping into our three intelligences—head, heart, and gut. This practice strengthens your internal connection and helps confirm aligned choices.

Reducing Social Media

I found myself less on social media and feeling happier and freer. When I occasionally dip into media land, I notice how easily I get sucked into the missing cat story and losing focus. Setting timers and checking in pre- and post-reading can help manage getting lost. Avoiding triggering accounts reduces turmoil and helps maintain quiet.

Physical Connection

Connecting with my local community and engaging in 1-2-1 interactions or small groups has been beneficial. It’s not about cutting people off but finding our own ways to connect that feel aligned. We are herd creatures, yes, but learning to listen and trust is vital for our nourishment.

To strengthen your body listening skills, I suggest a simple mind, body connection each day, as well as using the suggestions above that resonate to you. Whether through meditation, exercise, or guided therapy, finding what works for you is key.

If you would like to book a 1-2-1 session with Emily to explore strengthening your relationship with yourself, you can find the links below.

Support

Would you like to strengthen and harmonise the relationship with yourself, in a gentle and nurturing way. Feel clearer and calmer in being your authentic self. Receive treatments using Reiki and holistic coaching to soothe overwhelm, anxiety, and indecision. 

• Holistic Counselling Online: These sessions help you manage stress, anxiety, and indecision, providing a calming and clarifying experience.
• Hands-on Treatments in Dorset: I offer treatments for pain relief, hormone balancing, and relaxation from daily stresses. Reach out for support here.

Personal Practice

My passion for harmonising my own relationship with myself and reconnecting when I feel lost translates into my natural style of supporting others. I prioritise my health through movement, meditation, and holistic support. Being highly sensitive and emotional, receiving such loving support has been essential for my well-being. With over 20 years of passion and interest in complementary therapies, self-discovery, and meditation, I bring a wealth of experience to my practice.