As we mentioned last week, this week we are looking at what it means, and what we can do, to REFRESH our souls.
To start, we see the soul as our individual, essential, unique sense of Self, our true Self. Our sovereignty.
To REFRESH our souls, there are many things we can do.
Top of the list is to be with people who support you and who you feel happy around. It could be friends, family, a community you love… relationships are key.
Also high on the list is spending time in nature. Soaking in all the beauty, the many smells and the feeling of a breeze against your body. This connection to the earth provides a grounding for getting in touch with and nourishing your soul.
Meditate and breathe. These two things keep coming up as essential parts to taking care of your Self. This breathing goes beyond the everyday stay alive breathing to an intentional breathing. And, even better when it is included in a meditation practice.
There are plenty of guided meditations to get you started if you are a newbie. The sweet spot in length is 9 minutes. Just 9 minutes to reap the many physical, emotional and spiritual (soulful) benefits.
Some other things that enhance the nourishment of your soul include...
- Let go of things, emotions, etc., that no longer serve us.
- Journal - write down our gratitude, thoughts, worries, hopes.
- Eat real food - enough with all the processed stuff.
- Move your body - work up a sweat.
- Volunteer - focus on others.
- Slow down - we move too fast to see and enjoy life.
- Laugh and play - it’s not just for kids
- Learn something new - keeps our mind active too.
- Do something creative - even if we aren't any good at it.
All these practices and more can nourish and REFRESH the soul. The key to it all… take the time to do the things that feed our true essence and sense of Self!
At the Getaway last year, we had dedicated time to engage in most of these soul REFRESHing activities. Taking time to meditate daily, moving our bodies, laughing and playing with the gals and learning tons of new things. We ate real food at every meal and being out in nature at this property and in the area was spectacular.
The retreat itself has very limited commercial use and only a few groups are allowed. We are fortunate enough to be one of them.
