FEEDING THE SOUL
Fulfillment is that which we all desire but may not know we do. This comes from deep within your soul in. In order to create a life of genuine happiness we need to realize that beyond our skin, beyond our egos, beyond our accomplishments, job titles and relationships is our true self. It is multi-dimensional and pure.
It then become essential to sort out what fulfillment is between our ego and soul. The soul is pure and the ego is tainted which makes it easy to be misled. Here is an example:
Ego's idea of fulfillment: I measure myself by accomplishments
or
Soul's voice of fulfillment: I don't measure myself by any external standard
Do you see the difference? The soul is not about "me" or "I", unlike the ego.
I first read about this from Deepak Chopra and quickly identified the ego voice a lot in myself. What I also understood is that ego relies solely on the external which I can't control. It's about who likes me, what the people and things around me dictate. This is precisely why a person may attain success but continue to long for more. Doing it my way is totally related to ego.
My soul, on the other hand marches to the beat of inner awareness. Living from my soul automatically brings me to fulfillment. I am then living for the purpose of completing my soul which is derived from God. Can't go wrong with being in harmony with your soul. Your soul is your inner voice from which all good comes. It is all knowing, faithful and true.
As I talk to more and more people, I have come to realize how many people are disconnected from their souls. I know you have seen them...blank faces, going through the motions in almost a trance each day. They don't seem to have any real purpose in life. It's almost as if they are just existing. Well, it's because they are UNFULFILLED!!!
For me, I know based on my behavior whether I am being directed by my soul or ego. When I am in communication with my soul, I am led exactly where I need to be. I am patient, kind and loving. Now, when ego is the voice I follow, I am misled into a disconnected way. This causes me to be fearful, anxious, controlling and needy.
I don't want you to think I am some sort of yogi because I am not. I am someone who is strong in my faith so prayer is what connects me to my soul. What I want to share is how you can connect to your soul.
1. the most important way to connect with your soul- BE QUIET!!
No, seriously this is how you do it!! At first, you can start with 5 minutes of being unplugged from all of your technology. Technology's curse is that it has robbed us of the ability to just "be". In the beginning it is going to take a concentrated effort to be silent. For me, as soon as I am ready for work, I sit and enjoy silence. From my e-book, Digging Deeper, you can read about what I was like before I became organized on the inside. I was a mess! I was always moving just like a busy body to the moment I went to sleep. Nothing of quality came of this behavior. My ego was telling me I was super woman and could do it all. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!As you sit for 5 minutes think of a word that will help keep you focused on being quiet. Guess what word I use?
As you get better at this because you are going to practice it every day you can add a bible verse or other inspirational reading. Joyce Meyer has some wonderful daily devotionals to use. You could also keep a journal where you write down what comes to mind. It's in these quiet moments that you are in communion with what is really important, God's message. This is a mission that will actually leave you fulfilled rather than drained. For the "control freak", I am speaking to you. Your busyness and manipulation are blocking the voice of the soul, being quiet and still awakens the connection. There are many websites that offer FREE meditations. Quiet, soothing music can be used too.
You must remember, the soul fuels the body.
2. Spend time with nature.
I don't know about you but when I am outside in my garden I feel completely connected to my soul. Taking a walk in nature helps bring you back to a simpler pace. This creates a bare bones, stripped down version of life in an uncomplicated sense. Being outside with all of God's creation reminds you that you are not infinite. The lifecycle in all that you see goes on whether you are present or not, it is truly humbling.
3. Breathe
Seems basic and elementary but it does a lot to de stress, focus and relax you. The best part is that it's FREE and the effects will be felt immediately.
4. Praying for others
When the focus is not on yourself, you are quickly calmed. Being aligned with the loving presence of God offers you peace within.
5. Be grateful
Gratitude is always rewarded. The benefits of being thankful for the good and bad in your life are innumerable. As you practice being grateful you become more in tune to finding the meaning in events going on around you which allows you to create meaning in your life.
Your soul fuels your body, not the other way around. You can't afford not to feed your soul. In living a fulfilled life, it is imperative to keep feeding your soul.
"There are certain things that are fundamental to human fulfillment. The essence of these needs is captured in the phrase "to love, to learn, to leave a legacy." The need to leave a legacy is our spiritual need to have a sense of meaning, purpose, personal congruence, and contribution."
Steven R. Covey
