When Was the Last Time You Fed Your Soul

When was the last time you fed your soul?

When was the last time you scheduled a soul care day in your planner? Something that brings you joy and brings relaxation to your body and your mind?

I am, by nature, a stop-and-smell-the-roses kind of girl, so this may come a little easier for me to do. I know that if I don’t, I will start feeling frustrated and a bit depressed. However, in my life I am surrounded by highly productive, over achievers and it’s difficult to justify setting aside time for soul care. Even though that is the case, I have come to terms with it. I have discovered what I need and I have also discovered I need to educate people that scheduling fun times is a necessity for everyone, whether they are willing to admit it or not. My quiet perspective brings balance to the loud voices of society that scream productivity is the only valued thing.

One weekend my husband and I had the chance to do a few things that really refreshed us. We went to a wildlife preserve to see the migrating snow geese and then the next day we went to Longwood Gardens. We spent quality time with friends and got to enjoy nature and beauty. It was not only relaxing for our bodies but it was invigorating for our souls. Everyone is different though, and you will need to find what speaks to you. Find something that makes you take a deep breath and say ”ahhh…”.

We have all heard that we are beings made up of body, soul and spirit, and they are all very interconnected. We may sometimes feel dry spiritually and struggle to understand why. I feel what we need to do to get our spirits engaged, and feeling alive is to feed our souls. How do we do that you may ask? I have just the ticket. We need to schedule a soul care day once a month or take a few minutes each day to do something that rejuvenates us.

Some suggestions for daily rejuvenation:

• Enjoy your morning coffee on the front porch.
• Go for a short motorcycle ride on a beautiful day.
• Read a book by a warm crackling fire.
• Have a deep conversation with a close friend over coffee.
• Go fishing.
• Absorb the majestic sunset at the end of the day.
• Take a contemplative walk by a stream.
• Wiggle your toes in the sand or just stand barefoot in the grass.
• Go for a ride in your car with the windows down and crank up your favorite oldies hits.
• Sit outside every day for a few minutes to unwind.

Even exercise can be a soul refresher. Going for a walk or bike ride etc. is not just exercising your body, it is refreshing for your psyche as well. You may find that putting your body in motion with a perspective of fun instead of accomplishing a speed or distance is invigorating for your mind. In addition, combining movement with prayer, meditation or affirmations brings peace and contentment in your soul.

Take some time to feed your soul today, savor the beauty of life, and stop and smell the roses.

He leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul. Psalm 23:2 

A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul. Proverbs 13:19

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul? Matthew 16:26