Living a Soulful Life by Amy Scholten, MPH – We are happier when we’re living a life that’s in alignment with our soul. “Soul” is the gateway to spirit. It’s the part of us that connects our sense of inspiration with something greater than our basic needs. Here are 8 components to living a more soulful life:
Individuality – What makes a community special is its unique character. For example, Venice has a connection to the language, architecture and landscaping of our namesake in Italy. When big box stores and track housing take over, a community begins to lose its individuality. This is true for each of us. When we try to be like everyone else because we’re afraid of being different, our lives become less authentic.
Non-rationality – A soulful life isn’t always neat, orderly and rational. According to Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul, our soul can also be chaotic, intense and irrational. When something lights a fire in us like love, our lives become richer and more soulful.
Depth – The superficiality of daily life can leave us feeling empty. Social media connects us, but it fails to provide emotional depth. Many of us rush through our days and years focusing on surface issues without the pleasure of meaningful conversations with other people. Our lack of depth limits our emotional growth and potential as soulful beings?
Attachment – Forming healthy attachments to other people and places nurtures our soul and helps us feel more alive. Unfortunately, in the face of rapid change, high mobility, endless choices, and our insecurities, many of us avoid forming attachments beyond buying the latest gadget or pining for more attention on Facebook.
Creativity – Do you write, paint, dance, make pottery, or engage in another creative activity? All these activities are good food for the soul. It’s less about our level of talent, and more about our willingness to be free and open.
Beauty – There’s a reason we feel inspired watching the sunset or noticing a pretty flower – beauty inspires our soul. Beauty is everywhere when we open our eyes, our mind and especially our heart.
Connecting – Our need to belong to a family or other group is innate. It’s within groups that we experience many soulful moments. Feeling a greater sense of belonging fosters personal growth and a community-consciousness benefiting many others.
Nature – Communing with nature renews our spirit and sense of connection to the natural cycles of life. Each of us can relate deeply to the challenges of birth, life calamities and the death of our physical self. It’s all part of the rich tapestry of a soulful life.
Amy Scholten is a writer, editor and memoir-writing coach living in Venice. Please call 941-445-7144 and visit Amy’s website.
