Soul Care

Soul care is a term as old as Plato and Socrates. Despite its longevity in our vernacular, the term has only recently popped up on my radar as worthy of further exploration. If you are a theologian or philosopher, my apologies as I am not going to wrestle with the nuances of the meaning of soul care. I am, however, going to share my application of the term, no deep thinking allowed.

I have declared this summer my Soul Care Summer. After a difficult school year filled with challenging students and a personal battle with chronic pain, I am in need of respite. Call me selfish or pagan, it matters not as I push forward with rest.

Here are a few ways I am underachieving this summer.

1) Meditate: My skeptical self usually classifies meditation as a voodoo, sprinkle dust business.That being said, I am currently following a program that encourages quieting the mind and relaxing with intent. I do not chant anything and I confess I think about the physics of air pressure as I breathe. I think I am safe from selling out to the nameste crowd but I am finding some of the techniques helpful.

2)  Set limits: I am still on my Facebook and Instagram cut back and I can honestly say I am refreshed with the renewal of experiencing life in real time. If I ask someone if they have been traveling lately, it is because I sincerely want to know and not because I saw a dozen or more dazzling posts on FB and I long to relive it again. I want to hear first hand the good and the challenging aspects of the lives of others. Not surprisingly, there is an expectation that I should know about life happenings because I have a FB account. Forgive me when I ask about your well being and I ask you to fill in a few blanks. That is what shared cups of coffee are all about.

3) Make Music: My piano has remained rather silent of late. Changes in life circumstances resulted in less demand for my volunteer services and less desire to rifle through my cache of music. A few weeks ago, I pulled out my stack of prelude/postlude music and started playing my way through memory lane. A quick call to the piano tuner improved my experience and needless to say, my soul is singing with the feel of black and white keys beneath my fingers once again. Beware, neighbors.

4) Give: This may seem antithetical to soul care but soul care is not only about taking in. It is also about the nurturing that happens when we exercise our giving muscles. The giving that takes care of us involves the opportunity to use our personal gifts for others. I like to cook and bake. Sharing a batch of cookies with someone gives me great joy and nourishes my spirit.

I am still cleaning my house (sort of), doing the laundry, showing up for appointments and schlepping in bags of groceries. That's life. But, life should also include a little kindness to the soul.

Cheers.