The Healthy Soul
Deep down, we sense that something vital is missing. Franciscan, Richard Rohr, called it “the hole in the soul.”
We try to fill the emptiness in our soul with sound and image through TV, movies, video games, music and multiple other forms of entertainment. We try to find happiness by accumulating possessions: homes, cars, clothes and all the other “stuff” with which our lives are “stuffed.”
Sadly, when these things don’t satisfy, we sometimes turn to destructive and addictive relationships and substances to try to ease the pain of the wound in our inner being.
Without the wisdom to develop a healthy soul, to become whole inwardly, we fail to fulfill our purpose outwardly, for ourselves, our family or our community. Though the soul is intangible, there are some very real ways to nourish and heal our inner being.
A Healthy Soul is a Quiet Soul
Draw strength in quiet solitude as you concentrate on spiritual things. Times of quiet refresh and renew your inner being. Learning to be still is the first step to a healthy soul. Some "quiet time" practices:
- Read short selections from something that inspires you.
Jot your responses and feelings in a journal.
- Pray, for yourself and others. Remember that listening is also part of prayer. When you are completely still and open to hearing you will hear things you need to know.
- Play relaxing music or, if complete quiet is most restorative for you, find the most hushed place you can.
A Healthy Soul is Healed from the Past
Focus on getting healthy from addictions, abuse, or dysfunction.
A Healthy Soul is Part of A Community
of Family and Friends
We are refreshed and encouraged by spending time with people.
Reaching out to others may seem like more than we can do when our inner being feels empty. However nurturing relationships with friends and family is a way to receive joy as well as to give it. Call someone to ask how they are. Say things that matter. Express care and love.
These simple acts send powerful messages to others, combat fear and loneliness and make us feel good too. Spend face to face time with people that “pick you up.” Spend as little time as possible with those who bring you down.
A Healthy Soul is Always Learning
Learn about spiritual matters through books, music, movies, etc. Talking about them with others.
A Healthy Soul Serves Others
Help other people by opening your heart to them.
As a result of national and international disasters in recent years, we are more aware than ever of the millions of people who need help just to survive. It can be overwhelming to think in such numbers, but totally possible to think of sharing what we have with one other person or, if finances and time permit, one other family.
The possibilities are endless. Your place of worship or a respected charitable organization can offer some suggestions.
A Healthy Soul is Creative
Share your talents and abilities with others.
Express Yourself: Create a personal journal and begin to write your thoughts and memories. Write poetry or songs. Don't worry about the "proper" dynamics of writing. This is for you. Add photos or cut pictures from magazines that remind you of things that are meaningful to you.
If you play a musical instrument, give more time to it. If you have always wanted to play music it is never to late to begin.
Sort through those shoeboxes full of photos. Create some albums or a scrapbook. If, like so many others now, most of your photos are stored in your computer you can now do some amazing projects online.
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