WHAT MAKES YOUR SOUL HAPPY?
In today's day and age we rarely talk about our souls. With spiritual
discussions kept to a minimum (for fear of causing offence) we tend to stick
to conversations about our more physical and temporal selves. We chat about
what we've been doing, or what we've been thinking.....but we rarely talk
about what that deep, inner self needs to feel truly at peace and
content.
So today I thought I'd change that and ask "what makes your soul
happy?"....
WHAT DO OUR SOULS NEED?
- Love - it doesn't need to be romantic love, but our souls dry out if they're not topped up with love from our family, or from friends, and from being kind to ourselves.
- Home - having a sanctuary or a haven nurtures our souls, having somewhere safe to return to after being out in the world is so important.
- Purpose - flitting through life is fun, but our souls thrive on finding meaning and purpose in what we do. Contributing to others is vital to our soul's growth.
- Peace - finding peace through faith, through mindfulness, through music, through connecting to a deeper and higher order enriches our souls.
- Simplicity - I think our souls breathe a sigh of relief when we simplify our lives and seek small joys. Being grateful for what we have, rather than always craving more.
- Creativity - seeing beauty in the world around us, appreciating nature, allowing our creative side to flex and develop. Taking time for our minds to dwell on the lovely.
- Value-Centric Choices - choosing goals and priorities that align with what feels intrinsically right will always make our souls flourish. It's about living authentically.
HOW DO WE PROVIDE FOR THOSE NEEDS?
- Spending time with people who support and value us - separating ourselves from those who don't have our best interests at heart, and drawing nearer to those who do.
- Giving back to others - volunteering, helping someone in need, giving your best in the work environment, complimenting others, listening when someone is speaking.
- Spending time in nature - taking time to ground ourselves - walk barefoot, go to the beach, stroll through a park, turn off your phone, take out your earbuds, and just "be".
- Gratitude - looking at our lives with gratitude, appreciating our blessings, choosing how we respond to others and to the ups and downs of life - focusing on the good.
- Faith - seeking deeper meaning in life, looking at the bigger picture, taking our eyes off our selfish needs and seeking what lies beneath those more shallow desires.
- Mindfulness - slowing down, choosing times of rest, meditating, journalling, allowing our souls to breathe. Remembering that there is more to life than the obvious.
WHAT CAN WE ADD INTO OUR LIFE FOR OUR SOUL?
When our souls feel dry, we need to pause and ask ourselves what's missing?
What do we need to add to (or subtract from) our lives to find the balance
we're lacking? How do we give equal value to our inner self (soul) while
still being part of a busy, changing world?
Do we need to change our self-talk, do we need to spend more time with good
people, do we need to take time out to sit and soak up the sun or the
breeze? What's missing that's making our soul feel unsettled? I think it's
different for all of us, but if we don't put as much emphasis on what's deep
inside us as we do on our surface needs, then we open ourselves to
disharmony and to an underlying sense of dissatisfaction. The more we ignore
our soul's needs, the bigger the disservice we do to ourselves.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
I've asked a lot of questions today - but here's a few more.... Do you
ever think about your soul? Do you feel a need to go deeper at times and
reconnect with who you are, and your inner needs? Any suggestions to add on how to find that deep contentment that we all so desperately need?
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Hi Leanne, Your title is intriguing and drew me right in. Where is Leanne going with this? As you know, I always respect your opinions and I always leave with gems. I agree with all of the terms you highlight in red and I am reluctant to pick a favourite. My body (goosebumps) did react to “simplicity.” Possibly why camping changes how I breathe, every fibre in my body. We just returned from another Long Beach, unplugged trip in our little 40 year old, eight foot camper, with lots of rain, yet lots of warmth, love, simplicity, which enhances my creativity. And, yes, aligning my choices where I continue to move in the ‘right’ direction.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent article on many levels. I am bookmarking and I will reread again. Leanne…you are awesome! Thank you for sharing you! xx
Hi Erica - you always have such kind and encouraging words for me. I think my soul thrives on genuine care from others. I don't lay it open very often, and I'm much more protective of myself after the 'toxic years', but I know how important genuine, warm friendships are for me. Simplicity, quiet, and the small things are becoming more important to me too - I just don't want what the Joneses have - I'm happy in my small world with the people I love. I feel like my soul unfurls a little when it has breathing room. Lovely to hear from you and I'm so glad you enjoyed your time away - you would have needed the quiet and the break away from things to recharge I'm sure. x
DeleteHi, Leanne - You have asked a lot of excellent questions today -- especially "How do we give equal value to our inner self (soul) while still being part of a busy, changing world?" This can be a very difficult balance. I agree with you about looking deep inside of ourselves and truly listening to our inner being. There is much wisdom there that we often don't slow down enough to hear. Wishing you a very happy Mother's Day.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna - happy Mother's Day to you too - and it's lovely having you back in the blogosphere again. I wrote this because I feel like we encouraged by everyone to be our best outer selves and also to watch our mental health, but our soul deep self often gets neglected in the hustle and bustle. I know that if I feel calm and centred within myself, and that I'm living authentically to my values - and I'm surrounded by people who have my best interests at heart - then I can take on the world with so much more in reserve (and end up a lot less drained in the process).
DeleteHi Leanne. What's really bothering me right now, is the lack of connection between my daughter, and me. To be honest, she has said some really hurtful things to us, and though we still call her, she has distanced herself from us, since her marriage to our son-in -law. When we talk it's just not the same. I don't feel like it's on us to fix this. In the past I might have apologized for things I didn't do, just to appease her. Sorry I didn't mean for this comment to come out as seeking your advice. Every other aspect of my life is going fine. When I feel restless, I know that it's because I haven't made time for being creative. Also, I need to remember to practice gratefulness. take Care, Leanne. Sharing to FB. xx Christina Daggett
ReplyDeleteHi Christina - I know what it's like to feel set aside when a beloved daughter gets married and totally commits to her husband. I've become a lot better at being happy with whatever scraps of her time she squeezes me into - and I see how happy she is with him, and that makes my heart happy. It took several years of adjustment (and heartache) to reach this point, and you have the added distance to contend with. I think Mothers Day also rubs salt into the wounds. Look after yourself - and know that you're not alone. xx
DeleteGreat blog Leanne, it made me think of the poem Leisure by WH Davies. I spent quite a portion of my life on ‘automatic’ as so many people do. Life can be so hectic and we have so many demands on us that we can end up sputtering along on empty if we don’t take stock of what really gives life meaning. Maria
ReplyDeleteHi Maria - I just went and read "Leisure" and it was beautiful - and very eloquently said what we all know - that we spend so much time rushing through our days that we miss the small beauties and the truly lovely things that enrich our souls. Slowing down and living simply are the keys to a much more content soul for me.
DeleteLeanne, I speak about balance a lot on my blog, and that is mostly the way I live life. When we pay attention to the things that matter (you stated them beautifully here) our soul receives the nourishment it needs to feel at peace. Shifts in our well-being can usually be traced to an imbalance, which is why it is important to take stock often. From your list, mindfulness and gratitude serve me best. We all have a different 'footprint' of what life looks like on the outside, but it's the condition of our inside that sustains longterm happiness and contentment. As always, thank you for your wise words and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne - you're absolutely right about the importance of balance. I think our world tilts the scales too much towards outward appearance and productivity and we need to continually come back to being beautiful on the inside, and slowing down enough to savour life and be grateful for what we have.
DeleteMy husband and I were discussing the toxicity of 'entitlement' and he believes it comes back to a lack of gratitude - and the more I think about it, the more I think he's right. If we appreciate what we already have, our souls don't need to keep yearning for more.
Hi Leanne - A good post with a lot of points to ponder over.
ReplyDeleteAt some point in time, we all end up thinking about these aspects of our lives. Though I haven't thought specifically about the soul, I have thought about "our role in this world", "why am I here", etc.
It's always beneficial to focus on ourselves and our immediate surroundings; be in the present, do our best, and leave unto the Lord the rest.
Hi Pradeep - I think it's so valuable to look beyond the surface. We get so busy and so caught up in trying to be all that we think we should be. In the process we miss out on nurturing what's really important - our hearts and souls - and when we put time into our inner self we discover why we're really here.
DeleteThis title and today's topic immediately made me think of a fellow blogger Carrie (from https://agracefull-life.com/) because she has been talking about her "soul homework" for years and all that she does to get in touch with and work on her soul. I think in reading her posts she often has me thinking about many of the points you mention here!
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne - I popped over to her blog and she writes a LOT about soul stuff. I don't think I'm that specific in my focus, but I do like the idea of giving some concious thought to what's going on inside us - and also on how the world around impacts our feelings and who we are. I want my soul to shine, to feel light, and to be happy - I can't get there if I'm swamped by the world - I need to keep in touch with my soul too.
DeleteI don't think you can underestimate the impact on your soul that purpose and creativity has. The others are super duper important, but without purpose - any purpose...
ReplyDeleteYou're so right Jo - I'm in the process of making another life change, and I'm wondering how that will affect my 'purpose'. I like the idea of being here for a reason and allowing that to grow me and centre me more. I just don't think I want my purpose to be about productivity - I'm done with defining myself by how much I accomplish - I think I want my purpose to be more about simplicity and serenity these days.
DeleteHi Leanne, this post sums things up perfectly - simplicity, creativity, purpose and love are all standouts for me. You do ask a lot of questions but to me that shows you don't feel you have all the answers either, but the who of us does have all the answers?? The comments also indicate you hit a nerve with fellow bloggers. Lovely words of wisdom.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much - and I definitely don't have all the answers. :) I do know that I want a flourishing soul - a deep and abidingly peaceful inner world - one where I'm content with who I am and with where I am in the world. I want to be able to "be in the world - but not of it" - to paraphrase a bible verse. Still a long way to go though!
DeleteHi Leanne - I found myself nodding along while I was reading your post. I am happiest when I am able to live a simple, creative and peaceful life so these are stand outs for me. There is something magical about an early morning walk, before the noise of the day has started, when I can be at one with nature and it never fails to put a smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth - I think (besides losing the pain) the absolute best thing about getting my new hip was that I could resume my morning walks. Like you, I love getting out into the fresh air and nature and just enjoying the peace and movement. I often think it makes my heart happy - and if my heart's happy, then my soul is too. :)
DeleteLeanne, I do think about the soul aspect. Sometimes I refer to it as spirit... I go back and forth on which term really speaks to me! But it is part of how I think about my life - it is about mind, body, heart, and soul. The soul aspect for me is passion and creativity, the place you find flow, and the part of you that is authentically you.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, right now, I've been encouraged to spend more time just being...not doing. Which I do think speaks to the soul! And is something I struggle with. I loved your comment about sitting and soaking up the sun & feeling the breeze. I might need to do that this week...and call it soul-work.
Hi Pat - yes we all need to focus on a little more soul-work don't we. I think our world is so busy and we're bombarded with so much stuff, taking a little time out to re-balance is essential. And yes, it's definitely about "being" and not "doing" - or at least doing what we love, rather than just to meet our obligations.
DeleteHi Leanne I refer to the soul as spirit but either way I try to balance giving time for my mind, body and spirit/soul and doing things that will nourish all of these areas. Great post! x
ReplyDeleteHi Sue - yes, I think the two can be used interchangeably. It's our deep, inner true self that we need to remember to nurture and give space to. I think we're constantly reminded to be be healthy physically and mentally - but that spirit/soul side is just as important and really grounds and balances us. I love how you always include it in your self-care posts.
DeleteI think we do talk about our souls a lot, but perhaps refer to it as different names - our core, our inner peace, our sense of self. More so than my Mum age, where you just did stuff and never expected any 'me time' or work life balance. I think a lot of people get distracted by money. They think money is how to get happiness and peqace (and in some ways it obviously does) but all the money in the world won't make you happy if you don't understand yourself enough to know what makes you happy.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that you and I were on different areas of the same conversation this week - I think we've done this before too. Collective thinking? Ha!
I know what makes me happy, but what I really work on is noticing when I am. Noticing it enough to appreciate that moment. Photography is a good way for me to do that.The act of taking the photo of the thing that makes me happy anchors me into that moment and feeling. As Vonneguts Uncle Alex would say "If this isn't nice, I don't know what is...."
Hi Lydia - I always enjoy your point of view - it's often comes from a slightly different angle and adds more insight into what I'm trying to work my way through. I think I'm caught somewhere between your mum's generation and yours (maybe I'm a bit more oldfashioned?) I certainly struggled with the concept of "me time" and "self care" and not feeling selfish in the process.
DeleteAppreciating that there is a whole inner part of me that needs to be balanced with all the outer stuff has been quite a journey - and I feel a lot more balanced and centred than I used to (also a lot less "put upon" than I used to feel). I do envy 'visual' people who take lots of photos - it's something I've never gotten a hold of - but maybe there's still time for me to embrace that more?
I wonder if it's a female thing more than a generational thing (tho we were raised by adults who didn't have any expectation of it, so it drips onto us (or into our wiring). My dad always went off to lodge and golf my whole life. My mum never did anything that I recall. Even go out with friends without Dad. She would go over to the neighbours for a cup of tea, so I guess that was the equivilant (but it really meant being good friends with the people that live in your street). It's funny, I've never really thought about this stuff much before...
DeleteMy parents certainly fitted that mold for my entire childhood and into adulthood. My mum blossomed later in life (and made up for lost time!) But I know it also came from being the oldest child and having an overdeveloped sense of responsibility and trying to keep everyone happy - it was just how I thought I should behave. I'm learning (better late than never) that doing what I want, when I want is an absolute joy - and that I can have a really good life when I do it on my terms - my soul feels much happier these days :)
DeleteI guess I think of the soul as my inner spirit and perhaps even guide..but I am not quibbling. It's a great way to open up a conversation about what really matters to us. I know that the past 8 years have helped me narrow that down ...but in physically and emotionally tough ways. I am grateful every day and top & tail my day writing about that...I feel and notice awe and wonder in nature too. I notice now that even though financial security is important to me, what is "enough" money is probably fluid. As long as we have a roof of a comfy place to shelter, comfortable living conditions and enough money for rent, food etc and any health needs, there is a level of satisfaction I can now live with. Thank you for sharing a post from your blog on Wednesday’s Words and Pics Link Up. I hope you continue to do so! Take care, Denyse.
ReplyDeleteHi Denyse - there's a lot to be said for contentment bringing peace to our inner selves (our souls). I think when we let go of striving and trying to be all that we think we should, we allow ourselves to settle and to be more authentic and real. I love that I don't feel the need to keep up anymore - I've stepped away from all of that - and if my life looks boring or "less" than what others want, that's okay with me. I'm feeling so much more settled these days - and when that gets out of balance, it usually means I'm pushing too hard and I need to take a step back and breathe for a while. And yes, health plays a big part in feeling settled too.
DeleteWhat a great post, Leanne. I can't say I've specifically thought in terms of what my soul needs so much I consider what I need to feel happy and whole (which we could argue is me considering my soul's happiness). This list you provided nicely covers it off.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great weekend.
Hi Shari - "happy and whole" definitely fits the bill - it's taking into consideration more than just physical health - and comes down to looking more deeply into ourselves to see what we need to feel 'complete'. I see so many people chasing the physical stuff - when it's often their inner selves that need nurturing.
DeleteAnother thought-provoking post, Leanne. I've also enjoyed the conversation in the comments about what soul means to different people. I grew up thinking of the soul in strictly religious terms. Now I think of it in the broader sense of our inner selves, which has a spiritual feel to me, but not necessarily one tied to religion.
ReplyDeleteHi Christie - I see soul and spirit as the part of me that's truly "me" - the part that relates to relationships - with others, with God, with myself. I know that I neglected that part of me for a long time, it felt selfish to cater to my own needs, but now I understand the whole "pouring from an empty cup" analogy - and I want my cup to be full to overflowing - then everyone gets blessed!
DeleteYour topic generated deep conversations. Well done. I don't think many people can talk about their souls in a creative and non-judgmental way as you have done. It's hard to put a label on our soul, but I think we all know that our soul is important. There is always hope as long as our soul lives. Once it's gone, so are we! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Marsha - I think our souls are very underrated and undervalued. Our society focuses so much on the outward, and seems to neglect the soul deep inner needs that we all have. Without looking after our inner soul/spirti/self/centre, we lose balance, we chase after material fulfilment, and we never get truly honest with ourselves. Give me simplicity, peace, harmony, faith, and authenticity any day.
DeleteSo lovely to come across this post today while I had a few extra minutes to listen to the rain and think on what my spirit's joy. I *think* about this often and wonder where the feelings/emotions + analytical mind end and where my spirit begins. When assessing true happiness, I think the answer lies in those liminal moments when spirit *sings* and washes us over. I recently had a moment like this when I was walking up the hill to our home and was flooded in gratitude and joy at nothing in particular and *everything* in the same moment. Pure joy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post.
Hi Melissa - you said it beautifully. I wrote a post a while back on 'glimmers' of joy - and I think our souls smile when we take the time to notice those little pieces of beauty. Appreciating our blessings, being grateful rather than greedy, slowing down, savouring the moment, thinking a little less and feeling a little more. It all comes into play - I'd add prayer and peace into the mix too because they help me pause and give thanks for all I've been blessed with. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Have a great day. x
DeleteThis is very thouht provoking Leanne with much to think about. UI think of it as feeding my soul. I do this by spending time outdoors, doing what I love, mixing with people who lift me up. These are just a few thing that feed my soul. There are many more.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer - I love how everyone's soul is different and we all have different things that nurture it, but at the same time there are commonalities - nature, good people, simplicity, peace, joy, gratitude - the list goes on. :)
DeleteI'm frequently asking my soul this. Thanks for your post! -Pamela
ReplyDeleteHi Pamela - I think it's important that we all ask ourselves this question regularly - it's about the internal - not the external when we think about eternity.
DeleteHi Leanne, Thank you for your weekend coffee share. Lots of good questions to ponder. I try to take steps to live a healthy and enriched life (my blog tagline) and I feel content with where I am. Gratitude, mindfulness, spending time in nature and with people who support and value me are my daily mode of operation.
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie - you seem to have a very confident and well balanced approach to life - something I'm sure we could all learn from. Thanks for sharing what works best for you :)
Delete