Soothing Your Soul
Getting Away Can Be Soothing for the Soul
As I sit here writing this Soul Inspiration from Maine, there’s a beautiful lake right outside my window that stretches for miles and a place where the loons visit all summer. I feel totally at peace, both inside and out as I let Mother Nature work on soothing my soul.
Before I left for Maine, many people asked me where I was going on my vacation. I found myself responding that this was not really a vacation but a “retreat for my soul.” I suppose that was my body telling me what it needed!
Vacations generally cater to our physical pleasure senses. Many people go on them for the purposes of sightseeing, dancing, drinking, sunbathing, swimming, shopping and packing as much as we can into a short period of time. How many times have you returned from a vacation and said, “I need a vacation from my vacation!” It’s so easy to get caught up in the material world, but occasionally it’s important to step back and give yourself a chance to pause, reflect, and heal. These are different types of vacation, ones very much more centered on the body, mind, and soul.
The Difference Between Retreats and Vacations
Retreats and vacations have such different purposes and outcomes. When I refer to a retreat, I think of a place where you can spend time stepping back from the pressures and distractions of everyday life. Retreats enable you to quieten the mind, unplug from daily routines, relish the solitude, and journal your thoughts. Most importantly, it gives you the chance to be in communion with yourself. By devoting time to strengthening the connection between your body, mind, and spirit, you’ll have a clearer perspective on how you live, as well as a more positive focus on the direction you should be taking in the future.
Soothing the Soul with Balance
Summer is here and as we all enjoy the barbecues and parties we attend, give yourself and your soul a few moments of your undivided attention. Stop and reflect on the individuals and situations in your life and how you feel about them. It’s a way of dealing with, releasing, and purging the things that have been consuming your vital soul energy and holding you back from living the life you want.
Many times you’ve heard me say: “We are spiritual beings as well as human, so one should always honor both.” Being here is my version of a Maine Soul Retreat for myself. It gives me balance, peace, and a way to find the real me. Think about it. Right now, just ask yourself: “are you in the place where you need a vacation or a retreat?” Both types of vacation are useful in their own way, but it’s a good idea to know beforehand what’s calling out to you more and act upon it. Listen to what your body and soul are asking for – and enjoy!
John’s Lesson
Even if you’re on vacation with the entire family, try to find a quiet, private place – somewhere you can start to strengthen your connection with your soul. Sit for a few minutes by yourself or take a walk on the beach or in the woods. Break away from the noise and confusion for as long as you’re able.
On your vacation or break, make an effort to also enjoy it as a mini-retreat. Give yourself a chance to be with your soul, with nature, and to be in the now. It’s a great way of releasing those stored up tensions and irritations that you’ve been holding onto. More and more, people are seeking answers and are looking for the tools to find their own inner-self. But with our busy lifestyles and schedules, rarely do we take the time to notice the outer beauty that surrounds us.
The Role of Catharsis in Soothing the Soul
When you stop for a moment without all the distractions, you’ll have time to reflect on the people and situations in your life, and how you feel about them. It’s also a chance to step back, see where you came from, where you are now and how you got here, and more importantly, it’s an opportunity to see where you want to go.
It can be quite cathartic, as you filter out what’s working and what’s not. It’s a way of dealing, releasing and purging the ones that have been consuming your vital soul energy and holding you back from living the life you want. Just as we clear our physical spaces of clutter, the energetic fields that are a vital part of our well-being must be cleansed of disruptive energies and emotions. It’s a way of restoring the connection with yourself and your divine inner-wisdom.
Live a Soul-filled life!
