Shaping Perception, Shaping Lives: A Personal Reflection on Ascension and Growth

At some point in our lives, events, circumstances, or even tragedies force us to question the deeper threads of life. What makes us who we are? Is it our upbringing, the places we go, the people we meet, or the passions we discover? Are we already who we’re meant to be when we arrive in this world, or is it a lifetime of growth, challenges, and choices that shape us?

In 2025, as we ascend collectively into new frequencies and embrace the transformative energy of Pluto’s long-awaited move into Aquarius, I feel this question resonates more profoundly than ever. How we perceive our journey—our joys, fears, and transformations—shapes our reality and, in turn, how we show up for ourselves.

The Power of Perception

Eckhart Tolle writes: “Internal and external are ultimately one. When you no longer perceive the world as hostile, there is no more fear, and when there is no more fear, you think, speak and act differently. Love and compassion arise, and they affect the world.”

And yet, this way of being doesn’t come easily to everyone. For some, love and compassion seem like natural states. For others, fear—our greatest teacher and polar opposite of love—stands guard, whispering stories of inadequacy, failure, or unworthiness.

I’ve seen this over and over in my practice. Fear whispers to the child told they’d never be enough, the wife feeling unseen, the man whose voice was silenced, the human afraid to dance to their own rhythm. Homeopathy, with its ability to work gently yet powerfully on our subconscious and emotional layers, brings these fears to the surface for healing. It allows us to rewrite the narrative and clear the blocks that keep us from stepping fully into our light.

Perception as an Ascension Tool

In this time of ascension, as we transition into the higher frequencies of Aquarius, we’re being called to shed outdated paradigms and step into alignment with our true selves. The misalignments we experience—be they emotional, physical, or spiritual—are opportunities for growth, reflections of what can no longer accompany us into this next chapter.

For me, determining where someone is on their journey—whether they’re stuck dreaming, hesitant to start, or close to finishing but losing steam—is crucial in finding the right remedy. Homeopathy mirrors our internal states and supports us in aligning with our soul’s purpose. It’s this work that fills my heart with gratitude, knowing I get to witness the transformation in others as they grow into their fullest selves.

The Three Questions

When I find myself stuck or needing clarity, I often turn to a practice inspired by Vishen Lakhiani's Three Most Important Questions. He asks us to reflect deeply on what we want to:

1. Experience

2. Grow into

3. Contribute

Take a moment to journal your answers to these questions. It’s a simple but profound practice that can shift your focus from fear to love and possibility.

You can view his YouTube video here

Showing Up for Yourself in 2025

As we move into 2025, the call to show up for yourself becomes louder. The energies of this ascension period aren’t just about external shifts—they’re deeply internal, asking us to clear out what no longer serves, honour our truth, and live in greater alignment.

But what does it actually mean to “show up for yourself”? And how do you know when it’s time?

For me, showing up for myself has looked like making space for what nourishes me, even when it feels inconvenient or unfamiliar. It’s saying yes to a morning journaling session, even when the dishes are calling my name. It’s prioritising moments in nature—even just standing barefoot on the grass for five minutes—to ground and reconnect. It is also ‘showing up’ for others when I don’t think I have the skills to or time to. It is surrendering to the day and trusting that where I am guided to be is exactly where I was meant to land.

There was a time when I was juggling so much that “showing up for myself” felt like an impossible luxury. But I remember one particularly challenging week when I felt completely overwhelmed. Instead of pushing through, I decided to pause. I sat down, closed my eyes, and focused on my breath. The quiet brought clarity. In those moments, I realised I wasn’t just neglecting myself; I was also neglecting the deeper connection to my purpose and what truly mattered.

That simple act of pausing shifted everything. I could show up for others better because I’d first shown up for myself.

Are You Ready to Show Up for Yourself?

Ask yourself:

• Do you feel stuck in cycles that don’t serve you?

• Are you holding onto beliefs, habits, or patterns that you know need to shift?

• Are you craving clarity but unsure where to start?

• Do you feel a quiet—or loud—nudge that something in your life is out of alignment?

  
  

If you’re nodding along to any of these, it might be time to explore what it means to truly show up for yourself.

What Showing Up Can Look Like

• Small daily practices: These don’t need to be grand gestures. A few minutes of deep breathing, a gratitude journal, or stepping outside to connect with nature can create profound shifts over time.

• Listening to your body: Your body holds so much wisdom. Whether it’s fatigue asking for rest, discomfort nudging you to release something, or joy calling you to lean into it—start listening.

• Setting boundaries: Saying no to what drains you and yes to what fills your cup is a powerful act of self-care.

• Spiritual reflection: This can be a personal practice or something shared with someone who holds space for you.

  
  

For me, showing up also means recognising when I need support. I’ve found that when I lean into spiritual healing, it’s like giving myself permission to be seen—not just by someone else but by myself, too. Those sessions often remind me of what I already know but have forgotten in the busyness of life.

A Gentle Starting Point

If you’re feeling the pull to step into this next chapter with intention, starting with something small yet meaningful can be transformative. A spiritual healing session, for instance, isn’t about being “fixed” by someone else—it’s about creating a space where you can reconnect with the essence of who you are. It’s a way to tune into what’s ready to shift and what’s waiting to bloom.

But you don’t need to leap into anything. Even just taking the time to sit with yourself, ask what you need, and act on it is a profound way to show up.

Prompts to Explore

• What’s one thing I can do today that nourishes me?

• Where am I feeling resistance, and what’s underneath it?

• What would life look like if I gave myself permission to thrive?

• What am I ready to release as I step into 2025?

The energy of this time isn’t just about external change—it’s about recognising that the external shifts we desire start within. When we show up for ourselves, we align with the flow of life, opening doors we didn’t even know were there.

Warmest,

Martine

This post is dedicated to the memory of Rod Hocker, a man who shaped not only surfboards but also lives. Rod passed away doing what he loved—surfing—on January 23, 2016. His funeral was a testament to a life well-lived, a reminder of the impact we leave behind.

Rod embodied generosity. As a new mum wanting to get back into surfing, I approached him about making me a board. Before he even got started, he dropped off one of his own for me to ride, saying I needed to get back in the water right away. That board has since become one of my most treasured possessions.

Thank you, Rod, for teaching me how to live fully and give freely. You were a shaper in every sense of the word, and your legacy inspires me to help others shape their perceptions and lives with purpose and joy.