In this episode, I sit down with David from Essence Scotland for an honest, searching conversation about what happens when you realise the world you’ve been living in no longer feels true and yet, you still have to learn how to stay in it. David reflects on growing up feeling out of place, questioning rules that never made sense, and moving through systems that promised help but felt empty at the core. From social work and deep frustration with institutional care, to coaching, breathwork, and embodied healing practices, he shares how his own crises became the doorway into listening, really listening, to himself and to others. We talk about the idea of living in a “non-truth world”, why so many people are drawn to breathwork, yoga and healing spaces, and the uncomfortable reality that waking up often hurts. David speaks openly about discipline over motivation, the daily battle of staying aligned in a system designed to distract, and the quiet compromises we all make around food, movement, work and self-care just to remain human. Together, we explore what it means to walk between worlds: the physical and the spiritual, comfort and truth, illusion and awareness. We touch on identity, emotional honesty, embodiment, and why choosing consciousness doesn’t mean escaping society — it means learning how to live inside it without losing yourself. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite belong here, sensed that something about “normal life” feels off, or are learning how to honour your truth while still paying the bills, this conversation is an invitation to stand your ground, soften where you can, and keep choosing yourself — even when it’s uncomfortable. Connect with David: Instagram: @essence.scotlandInstagram: @davidpalacioslopezWebsite: essencescotland.comEmail: smile@essencescotland.com Connect with Giada Gaslini: Website: www.schoolofshamanism.co.ukInstagram: @schoolofshamanismFacebook: School of ShamanismYoutube: School of ShamanismAbout the Host Originally hailing from the vibrant city of Milan, I’ve spent the past two decades traversing the globe in a quest for spiritual and personal growth and combined with 25 years of international corporate work experience. From navigating the vast landscapes of Australia in a campervan to finding tranquility living in a Buddhist monastery in Nepal, my journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Along the way, I’ve delved deep into Buddhist teachings, yoga, and shamanism, becoming Shamanic Teacher, Forest Therapy Guide, Esoteric Numerologist, Shamanic and Integral Yoga Teacher and Ikigai Coach. In 2013 I settled in Edinburgh, where I founded the Art and Spirituality Centre, a social enterprise and the School of Shamanism, where I passionately help others on their own transformative journeys. Listen and Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: Subscribe & Review Spotify: Follow & Rate Leave a review to help other spiritual explorers to enjoy the show Turn on notifications for the new episodes. ________________________________________________________ CHAPTERS: Welcome David Palacios López from Essence Scotland Choosing truth in a world built on lies Making peace with imperfection Where to find David ________________________________________________________
