“Happiness resides not in possessions, and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.” ~ Democritus
Reconnecting with your inner joy, your soul self, is essential to creating peace in your life and living a more soulful experience. It’s where we find our true happiness. You don’t need a 10-day vacation in the mountains to hear her voice. (Okay, I admit that would be really nice right now). You can start tuning into your soul’s voice by practicing simple steps, on a regular basis. No doubt you have heard some, or all, of this before. Here’s your nudge to pay attention to those prompts and begin.
The benefits of practicing anything that elevates us, even when we feel like we have mastered something, is ongoing, throughout life. For me, they have become a natural part of my everyday life. I am quite sure these tools have saved me from long term “darkness and despair”, over and over again.
- Breathe deep at least 3 times per day – Stop whatever you are doing and take 3 deep, slow purposeful breaths, in through your nose and out through your nose – filling your lungs with oxygen and your soul with renewed energetic life. This brings a sense of inner tranquility and can soothe away any tensions present.
- Take a 15-minute walk, preferably in nature – Simply walk at a pace that feels comfortable to you. Pay attention to the ebb and flow of the natural world. There is a sweet sensation that comes over us when we observe the synchronicity of life through animals and plants. The bonus if you’re in nature is that being in the sunlight activates your vitamin D, which is crucial for your overall good health. (I am in the sunlight for at least 20 minutes every day and it never ceases to amaze me at how good I feel afterwards.)
- Laugh, laughter feeds the soul – Watch your favorite comedy, hang out with the person you laugh the most with, write down and relive the funniest thing that ever happened to you or simply sit and laugh (Laughter Yoga is a real thing!) Laughter helps you take things light heartedly and is one of the best forms of medicine. Bonus…it’s FREE!
- Listen to music everyday – Turn on your favorite tunes and listen. Sing if it makes you feel good; out loud if you can; dance a little to incorporate movement. Focusing on music can reduce pain, decrease depression and create a sense of calm. Dancing with the music is energizing and uplifting.
- Sit in silence – I know, that sounds contradictory to #4. There are unlimited benefits to being still, just Google it. Simply sit in silence through a meditative or shamanic journey practice, witnessing what thoughts cross your mind, with compassion, then let them go with non-judgement. The more you practice, the easier this becomes. Sitting in silence provides you the opportunity to listen to the voice of your soul, your inner guidance and provides direct contact with creation.
- Practice gratitude – Look forward to every day and be grateful for each moment. In any given minute we can find something to be grateful for; sometimes we simply don’t see it. We can begin with being grateful for our breath. Start a gratitude journal, share with your friends what you are thankful for, including them, practice saying, “Thank you” more often. Studies show that a regular gratitude practice expands your overall sense of happiness and well-being.
- Of course, Smile! No explanation needed! Just do it!
Practicing these simple steps often, can make your life a little lighter by providing nourishment for the soul. Inspired by our inner guide, our source of connection to the cosmos, to the divine, we begin to live life with more grace and ease, even through the seemingly “dark” times. In fact, during those times is when we need to up our game and practice these simple tools a bit more regularly.
Create room to honor your connection with your divine self by practicing the Art of Impeccable Soul Care! You are worth it – we all are!
“Thank you” for being here. I offer a deep bow and smile for you!
