3 Keys in Feeding a Hungry Soul

When we find ourselves regularly feeling  tired, reactive, defencive and even lonely, we may be suffering from soul hunger.  A hunger for nourishing our inner being. Following are three simple keys to nurturing our souls and helping us feel more balanced and able to handle what life hands us. When we start listening to and nurturing our soul we create more joy in our life, feel more connected to our creativity and start to feel more energised.

1. Stop and Breathe

In our desire to get things done we can rush through life. There’s a popular mantra,  “Just Breathe.”  Breathing works. It has an immediate positive physiological and emotional effect.  Stopping and breathing allows us to turn our focus from an outer consciousness to an inner consciousness.  Once you’ve put your attention on your inner, especially your heart, you are more able to connect to your inner guidance, your essence.  When we stop, breathe and take time for silence, we are more likely to get insights about  where we're at in life and what, if anything, needs to happen next. Try it now. Take a moment to stop, close your eyes, let your eyes roll gently down towards your heart and take 3 slow breaths. As you consciously slow your breath, your mind also slows. Now try asking yourself: “What do I most need to nourish my soul right now?”  Lots of responses may rush in, or you may get nothing. Keep breathing. Allow time to quiet your mind and for an answer to float up from deep within you.  Giving time to be with our soul self supports us in moving more fluidly from doing to being. It helps us to be more grounded, more present and connected to our soul needs.

2. Simple daily practices and rituals that nurture and honour the sacred in your life.

Start savouring the simple rituals in life that honour your sacred self. Think of some of the routines you do in your life, brushing your teeth, washing, cooking, driving to the supermarket. Bring your alertness and sense of presence and aliveness to these simple everyday activities. You may find that they are soothing, meditative and even joyful.

When we weave inner awareness with outer practices we can create a sense of the sacred. Sacred practice needs consistency so it’s a good idea to engage in ones that work best for you.  These can include:

 

• lighting a candle in the morning when you rise and the evening when you get home, marking the beginning and ending of your day.
• sitting in your favourite spot and listening to music that soothes or energises you.
• giving thanks for your health, the people and things in your life.
• having fresh flowers in your home so that when you get home you can breath in their fragrance
• having a table or space where you can place your special objects e.g. stones, feathers, shells, candles.
• playing with your children or your pets.
• planning regular trips and adventures. Things to look forward to.
• keeping a regular journal for your dreams and reflections,
• meditating, chanting mantras, dancing, or taking a walk somewhere in nature.

Think about the things that give you joy, enliven you, lift your heart or inspire you. All these things nourish your soul.

3. Connect with a group of like minded people and create your own sacred circle of women.

Connecting with like minded others can provide a great balm and nourishment for our soul. There are some people who always leave us feeling good or more positive when we've been with them. It's often because we feel accepted by them and comfortable in their company. When we are around people who like us, who see us and get us, we relax and  start feeling good about ourselves.

One of the most common and soothing ways of connection is meeting for a chat over a cup of tea or coffee, it immediately raises our oxytocin levels. When two or more women meet for this, it also often involves sharing little sweet treats together. More and more women are finding support and connection by joining or forming a conscious support group with other women. Meeting with like minded friends and friends of friends: our soul companions, is very nourishing for our soul.  Co-creating a sacred circle together is a great way of honouring and embracing our soul journeys in life.  Sacred circles are naturally with women you feel comfortable being with, you feel you trust,  share mutual support and understanding with, and can act as caring guides and advisors during times of transition in your life. This may start off simply as a meeting with one or two people.

Contact us today for information on our next soul nurturing Retreat, Soul Spa or Women's Meditation Program. info@thesoulfulwoman.com.au

I wish you well on your journey in nourishing your soul.

love and warm wishes

Shushann xx