Cover Gabrielle Bernstein (Image courtesy of Gabrielle Bernstein)
Gabrielle Bernstein (Image courtesy of Gabrielle Bernstein)
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Gabrielle Bernstein, bestselling author and host of the podcast ‘Dear Gabby’, discusses tuning in to your inner compass in the AI era, becoming a more conscious digital consumer, and the need to unplug—as well as sharing her best everyday grounding rituals
When you feel a moment of unease, boredom or anxiety, what do you do? More often than not, we reach for a device on which to scroll and swipe.
“We’re addicted to the dopamine hit of a notification, the distraction of a headline, the validation of a ‘like’. It’s an endless cycle of seeking outside of ourselves for a feeling of safety and worth. The result is the same: burnout, disconnection and a deep, pervasive anxiety,” says Gabrielle Bernstein.
These are feelings that the bestselling author and spiritual leader is familiar with. Her own personal struggles have included confronting addiction and burnout, as well as dealing with the discovery of a buried memory of childhood sexual abuse. Yet, she sees parallels between her own journey and the struggles many are experiencing today in our always-on digital world.
“At the root of my addiction and anxiety was a desperate attempt to numb out, to escape a deep inner pain and a feeling of not being enough. I was running from myself, using external things to try to fix an internal problem,” says Bernstein. “Today’s “always-on” digital culture offers us a socially acceptable, even celebrated, way to do the exact same thing. We are collectively running from ourselves.”
Pairing human intuition with AI
Through her teachings and work—Bernstein hosts the podcast Dear Gabby, runs the Gabby Coaching App, which offers guided meditations, daily rituals, affirmations and workshops that make “personal growth easy and accessible to all”; and is a sought-after motivational speaker who will be speaking at the upcoming Dragonfly Summit 2025 on September 27-28 in Bangkok, Thailand—Bernstein wants to encourage people to tune in, not out, particularly at a time when our inner voice has the potential to be our greatest asset. Amid the noise of automation, algorithms and AI—and a growing conversation around digital wellness, as individuals as well as companies grapple with the psychological effects of constant connectivity and the ethical questions posed by AI—Bernstein believes we need intuition most of all.
“I see intuition and AI not as adversaries, but as the ultimate power couple,” she says, giving the example that while AI might tell you the three most profitable business strategies, it is human intuition that will tell us which is truly aligned with our own purpose and will bring us joy.”
See also: Responsible AI pioneer Dr Rumman Chowdhury on what she wants everyone to know about AI
The most effective and fulfilled leaders of the future will be those who master both. They will use AI to gather the facts and then “tune in” to their inner compass for the final decision
She continues: “The most effective and fulfilled leaders of the future will be those who master both. They will use AI to gather the facts and then “tune in” to their inner compass for the final decision.”
But that inner compass is a muscle you have to train. When making those small day-to-day decisions, Bernstein encourages taking a breath and asking which option makes you feel heavy or tight, and which makes you feel light and open. “Follow the feeling of lightness. The more you practice listening for the small things, the louder and clearer that voice will become for the big life decisions,” she advises.
Become a conscious digital consumer
As well as honing that inner compass, Bernstein encourages choosing faith and love over fear as a guiding force, which she cites as “perhaps the most important spiritual practice of our time”, particularly where the online world and algorithms that run it are designed to trigger fear. “Choosing love is a radical conscious act,” she says.
So, where do we start? Awareness, she says. “Recognise that the algorithm is feeding you what you engage with. If you click on fearful headlines and get into angry debates, it will serve you more of the same. You are not a passive victim of your feed; you are a co-creator of it.”
You are not a passive victim of your feed; you are a co-creator of it
She suggests becoming a more conscious consumer and choosing to follow only those who inspire and uplift you. “As you scroll, be a witness to how your body feels. Does this post make my shoulders tighten [or] stomach clench? That physical feedback is your inner guidance system telling you that you’ve veered into fear. When you feel it, make a different choice.”
Her advice doesn’t solely apply to the online world. “Your focused attention on love is a powerful force for change, both in your personal energy and in the digital world you inhabit.”
The power of unplugging
In this hyperconnected digital world, unplugging matters more than ever—and it doesn’t mean being left behind.
“Your brain’s greatest innovations and most brilliant solutions do not happen when you are staring at a screen for the twelfth consecutive hour. They happen when you give your mind space—on a walk, in the shower, while meditating, or simply by unplugging for an evening. That "downtime" is when your subconscious mind gets to work, connecting dots and delivering a-ha moments,” she says.
Slowing down isn't about falling behind; it’s about refuelling so you can sprint ahead with clarity and creativity
It can be challenging to embrace the offline world. Bernstein suggests starting small, whether that’s simply turning off your phone and noticing the quality of your thoughts, or taking an hour out of your evening to disconnect. “A short, intentional pause is an investment in your longevity and your legacy,” says Bernstein. “Slowing down isn't about falling behind; it's about refuelling so you can sprint ahead with clarity and creativity.”
Your intuitive advantage
So, the next time you catch yourself scrolling to escape, pause. Take a breath. How does this choice make you feel? That simple practice of listening to your inner voice will help to cultivate that intuition that Bernstein believes will be our most valuable human asset in the future—“the great differentiator”.
“The leaders, innovators and creators who will thrive will be those who have cultivated a deep connection to their inner guidance system. They will use AI as a powerful co-pilot to handle the logistics, but they will rely on their intuition to navigate the journey,” says Bernstein. “In a world saturated with data, our inner knowing will be the ultimate compass. Cultivating it now is not just a path to inner peace; it’s the most important career preparation we can do for the future that is already here. Your intuition will be your superpower.”
Gabrielle Bernstein’s best practices
These are some of Gabrielle Bernstein’s go-to anywhere practices—simple, fast, discreet rituals that can be done on a commute, between calls, or in a high-pressure environment, to bring your focus back, calm down and realign:
- The one-minute breath: Wherever you are—in a taxi, at your desk, in a bathroom stall before a big meeting—simply close your eyes (or soften your gaze) and focus on your breath for 60 seconds. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly out your mouth. This is a direct message to your nervous system to calm down.
- Hand on heart: Place your hand on your heart and feel your own heartbeat. Silently say a simple mantra like, “I am safe,” or “I choose peace.” This physical touch is incredibly grounding and brings you back into your body when your mind is racing.
- The silent mantra: When you’re walking down the street or on a crowded train, you can repeat a silent mantra in your mind. My go-to is “I choose love.” Repeating this simple phrase helps to redirect your thoughts from a place of fear, judgement or anxiety back to a place of love.
- The "one-moment" reframe: When you feel triggered or overwhelmed, mentally hit the pause button. Ask yourself: “What is the most loving thought I can have right now?” This one simple question can stop a downward spiral in its tracks and instantly shift your perspective.
Gabrielle Bernstein will be speaking at the Dragonfly Summit 2025, which takes place on September 27-28, 2025. As the official media partner, we have secured a discount for Tatler readers. Register here and use the code DFFLOWTAT.
About
Rachel Duffell is regional content director for Power & Purpose, including Front & Female, and former regional content director for Tatler Dining. She is a journalist and editor who has been covering people, gender, impact, leadership, culture and lifestyle for more than 15 years.
