being at one with nature
deep meaningful relationships
nourishing the soul
nurturing the soul
soul food
sustenance of life
What Nourishes Your Soul?
By Darkwing
@Darkwing (21583)
October 13, 2007 9:27pm CST
A soul is the immaterial essence, animating principle or actuating cause of an individual; the spiritual principle embodied in human beings and all rational and spiritual beings of the universe… a person’s total self.
To nourish is to feed or sustain one’s self with substances necessary for life or growth.
To promote growth: to maintain or support: to nurture.
Some popular, prime sources of soul food are being at one with nature, music, deep, meaningful relationships, meditation or prayer, dancing, walking and many more. Mine are nature, my family, my friends and my Craft. Within nature, I like to walk in the country, sit under trees and gaze at cloud formations, sit quietly beside running water and listening to its spirits, or walking on the beach, hearing the drag of the tide on the pebbles and feeling the sand between my toes. I like to feed and watch the birds in my garden and around the local mill ponds, where geese and swans nest and kingfishers dive from the trees to the water, watch the grasses and leaves ripple in the breeze, gaze at the Moon and stars, and walk in the woods and fields, and over the hills where Saxons once drove their pigs. Nature and history are to my mind, the greatest gift we have after life itself.. Nature rejuvenates me and teaches me the ongoing cycle of life; birth, death and rebirth, the never ending turn of the Wheel of The Year. It makes me feel alive, and connected to the Universe. There is nothing more satisfying to me than spending a day in the countryside and being at one with nature, especially in Spring, when new growth is pushing up through the countryside’s floor, or Autumn, when the leaves are splashed with colour and laden with ripened fruits and nuts. Reading, writing, listening to music dancing in the rain, deep relationships and my Craft also make me whole, but most important of all these, are my family and friends, without whom, I would be lost. I love them all dearly, and they are the core of my soul’s nourishment.
So contemplate yours. If necessary, find a quiet spot; sit or stand alone and listen to the yearnings of your soul and to the voice deep down within it, and you will discover your soul food.
What do you regard as the nourishing food your soul requires?
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11 responses
@sophylline (1041)
• Philippines
14 Oct 07
I am sure I would get my soul nourished from being near nature also. How I long to get to a place which is far away from the city and get to a place where the air is fresh, trees all around, the sun shining, or there are hills. I would love to get there.
As I normally do, I would nourish my soul in the morning after I wake up and pray. I have a little book of inspirations scripted from the bible and a journal, so I can write my insights from what I have read and pray and discern.
I love to listen to music that inspire me. Listening to these music lifts up my spirit. I love to read and good reads that inspire make my soul soar. Dancing. I love to dance and I feel the graceful energy within me and that makes me feel inspired, get my spirit up.
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@Darkwing (21583)
•
18 Oct 07
Keep your energies and mind focused, my friend, and you'll soon find that it's not so difficult to get out to the countryside and be at one with nature. It might take that little bit of extra effort, but is so rewarding that you won't mind one little bit.
With reference to the Book of Treasured Words... yes, do it, because there's nothing more uplifting than special words others have uttered to you. It's good for the soul and self-esteem.
Music... I like a wide range of, especially Country and Soul music, as these tell stories about life, and hold so much feeling, whether it be good or bad feelings. I love it.
Brightest Blessings.
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@Darkwing (21583)
•
14 Oct 07
Sophylline, if being near nature is what your soul is yearning for, then you must do it sometime, and don't put it off too long. The practice of taking quiet time at one with nature, is a very rewarding one, and great soul food.
Your journal sounds a little like mine... I have my normal journal but also, a book of treasured words, in which I write special things that friends and loved ones say to me. This nourishes my soul when I read it back. If ever I'm in doubt as to how somebody feels about me, or I feel I'm not playing my part in my friends' lives, I sit and read from this book, and it comforts me and makes me feel whole again.
I think music and dancing are such an important part of people's lives too. As I said, I still love to dance in the rain, and in the moonlight. If I can do either of these with that someone special, then I enjoy it even more, feeling at one with their soul and connected with the energies and deities of our Planet. As for music, I think there are different types, for different moods. Some can be very soothing, and some can be invigorating. It depends how you're feeling at the time, I guess.
Brightest Blessings, my friend.
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@sophylline (1041)
• Philippines
15 Oct 07
Hi Darkwing. Thank you for reminding me and letting me know about the abundance it brings to get to and be at one with nature. I really would want that. And sometime soon I hope I will finally be able to get there.
Your journal, your book of treasured words is really a great idea. I suppose I will try to get and do something like that, thanks. That's a very lovely idea, actually.
One particular song that I like is Land of the Loving by Dianne Reeves. It does lift my spirit up. There are a lot more I like so much. And this one is just an example. I like a lot of kinds, soothing, jazz, upbeat, and so on.
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@Sharon38 (1912)
• Jamaica
16 Oct 07
The Wor of GOd, fellowshipping and wrshipping with Fellow believers, being active in the church, taking care of my young people (spending time iwth them and helping them with homework) just plain giving of my time to others so that I can make a difference in their lives and knowing that God is the centre of my life.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
15 Oct 07
Ever since I started exercising and walking and jogging along a bike trail not far from our home, I have felt at peace and happy within myself. I'm listening to music at the same time, some fast some slow, I'm walking to the beat, I'm listening to the words of some of the songs, and I start to feel happy, good about where my life is right now. Its hard to describe but I haven't felt this way before when exercising, or walking. When I see others doing the same thing, exercising, walking, riding their bikes, say hello or morning everytime I pass them, makes me feel good and happy :) motivated to keep on going - to enjoy the moment, you know? I've found that I am more happier and content with my surroundings at home, more at peace with my husband and son, not letting the little things bother me like they use to. My husband even complimented on the change he sees in me not only physically but emotionally (if thats the word).
I think I have found what nourishes my soul, my daily walk - opens my mind, changes my negatives to positives (self talk), feel free, energized, motivated, feel of accomplishment especially when I see the pounds come off LOL
@Darkwing (21583)
•
18 Oct 07
Yes, emotionally is the word. I think I might have used the word exhilarating there somewhere, too. :)
Again, when jogging, this is being at one with nature and your outdoor surroundings. You're blowing the mundane, routine cobwebs out of your hair and enjoying the elements. Keep it up and congrats on the weight loss. You're doing a great job!
Brightest Blessings, my friend. x
@raydene (9871)
• United States
14 Oct 07
Hi Sweets,
I read the prayers in my Ba`hai prayer book. It soothes me when I am upset and hurt.
I also like being outdoors. I love my hammock. I love to lay swaying looking at the clouds, watching the birds fly by, and the insects buzz around in the pear tree above me.
Sometimes I just watch the horses, they run and play, they chase each other, then the seem to race each other across the fields.
I listen to music.
There are more things...
xoxoxo
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@Darkwing (21583)
•
14 Oct 07
Wow, reading that about swaying in the hammock and watching nature unfold around you, gave me a feeling of complete peace. The horses too, I think we learn a lot from... their spirits are so free and I think we can connect with them. Try it sometime... see if I'm right! :) If nothing else, they bring you a message of freedom and joy.
Music too, I find, can be very soothing, or uplifting and invigorating. It depends on the type of music you listen to, as to how it affects your mood, but affect it, it does.
I agree, there are many more things, that we tend to take for granted, but this is where I feel my "time out" in solitude comes in. I sit and watch things unfold, the busy tasks of people and animals around me, and can discover what I take for granted, and change my habits. I regard my times of solitude as very valuable, and take them as often as I need, and can afford the time for.
Brightest Blessings, my friend. xx
@aissha (2036)
• India
15 Oct 07
what a discusion ma'am ,i applaud u for that .u always come up with very original ones.
i think my soulfood will be me being with me ,is contemplation will be right word for that. i imbibe from so many things from this world but i really feel enriched when i talk to myself without words and i realise that when i do this i become a better person ,thats me and ma'am thnx for the suggestion for my child.i also hope she starts talking soon for the meanwhile i enjoy her singing which is also good.
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@Darkwing (21583)
•
18 Oct 07
Awww... thank you Aissha, for your kind words. That's really sweet of you.
I guess it's a mixture between contemplation, meditation and soul searching, my friend, being with yourself and talking without words is probably reaching for your soul. All three of these activities are good nourishment for your soul.
You're quite welcome to the suggestions I gave regarding your daughter. Children tend to be a little different in the time they take to learn and to do things, just like we adults. She'll get there, if not soon, definitely when she mixes with other kids... I wouldn't think it was a worry at all, just now.
Brightest Bles
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
15 Oct 07
I think many of the things that nourish and feed your soul are mine too..simple, everyday things that people walk by and don't take notice or take for granted: a beautiful sunset, flowers, seeing a butterfly, petting my cats, listening to music, seeing the full moon, accomplishing some task that maybe I thought I couldn't do, painting, drawing, fixing and enjoying a good meal, being aware of the four seasons, birds, reading,writing, signing, just plain feeling good about myself, buying some silly thing for myself, doesn't have to be expensive, but might have meaning for me..actually just about anything to be honest
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@Darkwing (21583)
•
18 Oct 07
That's about right my friend. We need to take time and ponder what we have... the valuable gifts we've been given. We don't need to be rich in money when we're rich in nature. Nature conquers all... and as one person so rightly said, "Take time to smell the roses". Those six words are a good lesson, and guide. If only everybody would understand and take note, the World would be a better place, for everybody.
Brightest Blessings, my dear friend. x
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
14 Oct 07
nature most of all ,familyand friens. I love to hike to the highset point of a moiuntain and look over the land below way below where cars look like ants.
. To set and listen to oldie but goodies on the radio and go back in time and remember and get up and dance if I feel like it. Settihe sun when not to hot gives me alot of oiece so think that is soul building also. watching the moon when it is up I dont chart it but I like to watch it .
@Darkwing (21583)
•
14 Oct 07
You sound a lot like me, my friend. There are no mountains here as such, but I have the South Downs, where I love to go and look right across the Sussex and Surrey Weald to the North Downs. As you say, cars, people, trains and planes landing at the airport are so small, and you can't hear them at all. All you can hear is the wind blowing in your hair, the bleat of the sheep and lambs and the twittering of skylarks. Oh, what peace. Also, when I go to North Devon & Somerset, I like to go sit on one of the high hills at the edge of Exmoor and just watch the sea, and boats below me, as well as animals and birds. That's my idea of perfect solitude... a place where you can assess your life without any influences from other people, alone with your deities.
Brightest Blessings, my friend. xx
@carolscash (9491)
• United States
14 Oct 07
Reading my Bible and listening to a southern gospel group that I was raised listening to and that I am good friends with is the best way that I know of to nourish my soul. I think that hearing a good sermon can too but the other two ways are much better.
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@Darkwing (21583)
•
14 Oct 07
Yes, you can read your Bible and listen to Gospel Music whenever you feel a need, but a sermon is scheduled in the main, for a specific time. Nice response, Carol... I agree that gospel music and any other type of religious music would be great soul food.
Brightest Blessings and thank you for your input.
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
14 Oct 07
Hi Darkwing! Your topic is very enlightening and I really admire the way you find meaning in your existence. As for me, I nourished my soul through prayers, reflection and meditation. There are times I neglect to just sit back and enjoy the peace within because I am too busy worrying and being stressed of unimagined conclusions of my problems..but then there is always this little voice inside me telling me that I should not worry nor fear. It is like someone is reminding me that someone cares and loves me more than anyone an ever can..and when I feel that way, I just sit or sometimes find a corner where I can contemplate alone and just feel that love and assurance within my heart. Then, I pray and listen. Then that is how I know my soul has been nourished. I find peace and joy too, within the eyes of the people I love. Whenever I am with them, I find this certain happiness that I can never really describe. I felt so alive and so hopeful for better tomorrows. I also feel completeness within me, when I am able to help someone with all my heart. I guess, love and feeling God's presence in my life is what completes me and what nourishes my soul. Take care and have a nice day. More blessings to you.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
14 Oct 07
That inner voice is an all important part of your life, my friend. In my case, it would be the Goddess within me... in your's it might be the same, or it could be God, assuring you that you're doing well, and all will be fine with you. If you're at peace with your inner self, then your soul is well-nourished.
Brightest Blessings, Faith, my dear friend. You have the right name, anyway, huh? xx
@3lilangels (4639)
• United States
18 Oct 07
well basically everything that surrounds me like my family,friends,and the beauty surroundings like the flowers,sky,trees etc.nature is very nurishing.pattie
@Darkwing (21583)
•
18 Oct 07
Yes, Pattie... I think that Nature is the most valuable gift we've been given, aside from life itself. I cherish every moment I can spend within it. People too, as you say, family and friends... I can't imagine how lonely life would be without them. You can talk to the animals as much as you like and maybe they'll answer back, but you'd still be lonely if at loss as to understand exactly what they're saying. lol.
Brightest Blessings my dear friend. xx
@asgtswife04 (2475)
• United States
14 Oct 07
God does and reading His word. Fills my spirit so much. It's truly awesome
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