I don't know about you, but being that I'm a "suthun guhl" at heart (my family hails from Mississipi, Georgia and Louisiana), when I hear the term Soul Food, I think of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, black eyed peas, and corn bread. MMMMmmmmmmMMMM! Today, however, as yummy as that might be, that's not what I'm talking about.
As you know, this time of year is generally one of celebrating, spending time with family and, yes, eating (!!). As we approach the holidays and New Year, I thought it would be good to talk about nourishment for the Spirit, not just chow.
So, as you sit down to meals with friends and family as 2007 comes to a close, I hope you will reflect not just on what you are feeding your physical being, but what you are (and will be in the coming year) feeding your Soul.
What is it - and WHO is it - that makes your heart smile? What do you love about your life? Do you have work, friends, family, and play activities that light you up? What regular rituals or habits do you use to open your heart to the abundance of the universe? When was the last time you laughed so hard your sides hurt and you smiled so much your cheeks were aching?
This is what I mean by Soul Food.
There are a variety of "menus" for Soul Food, and each of us has our own unique "taste" for experiencing our world. Here are some ideas for you to use all year long. And if you find yourself feeling stressed out this holiday season, you might want to try a few on for size.
Beauty
Many find heart and soul in beauty. It is a simple way to inspire awe, stimulate a heart-felt response, and open up to something new. Art, nature, music, dance, d�cor, gardens, cars (ok, that one was for the guys). What is beauty for you?
Community
Heart connections are important. Friends and family, study groups, special interest organizations, co-workers, philanthropic organizations, alumni associations, any place you find people who excite, nurture, nourish, promote and cultivate those parts of YOU that are life-giving and life affirming.
Spirituality
Expanding your mind and awareness, learning and loving more about yourself and others, slowing down, de-stressing, and finding ways to get closer to your God; all these are sublime Soul Food. We get there through prayer and meditation, and religious and spiritual places, practices, books, classes and the like.
Learning
Challenge yourself to become better in areas of life that are important to you, that you're passionate about, that lead you to new places inside and out. Learn new skills, open to new ideas, "expand your horizons"!
Fun!
How do you have fun? In what ways do you let yourself play? Music, sailing, dancing, skiing, playing with nieces and nephews, watching sunsets and sunrises, walking on the beach, cooking, traveling, creating, building, reading, singing, golfing, hiking, teaching, painting, scuba diving, horseback riding, painting, planting, singing, acting. Whew! The list goes on and on and on. It's endless in its possibilities and in its variations.
If you don't do anything else next year, VOW TO HAVE MORE FUN!! Please!! It does the Soul good! How do you spell relief? NOT r-o-l-a-i-d-s, but F-U-N-N funnnnnn!
Love!
I saved the best for last, yes? The ultimate Soul Food is love. Whom do you love? How much do you love? Do you let yourself receive love? Lots or a little? I like to say, and I truly believe, that the quality of our life is directly proportionate to the quality of our relationships. Are YOU feeling the love?
As if the above is not enough!! Here's the coaching. Look at your life to see: is there enough beauty, spirit, community, learning, fun and love in there for you? What can you do to "up the volume" of Soul Food in your world?
The good news is: Soul Food is NOT fattening!! If anything, it's slimming, because it will lighten your load. So, I say, "eat" all you want!
And keep looking. Is there anything about an area of your life that's NOT soul food? What can you do to change it? Are there any other Soul Food categories you love that I haven't listed? Feel free to make up your own!
One way to explore this is to look at all of your life and assess- is that person, place or thing a Source, Neutral, or a Drain? In other words, does it feed you energy, take your energy, or leave you the same? As you explore your sources, find ways to have more. As you identify your drains, find ways to eliminate. As for neutral, you can keep or discard as you need. It's not bad, but it's not necessarily good either.
Something to consider: too much activity can be depleting, even if it's Soul Food activity. Appropriate nourishment can also be to rest and to recharge, especially around the holidays.
It's really important to nurture your Soul. You'll have more energy, fewer problems, better emotional health, more powerfully connected relationships, and much, much (MUCH!) more love, fulfillment, and abundance in your life. Remember, you deserve it.
My wish for you this month is oodles of delicious, juicy, special and "Full-Filling" Soul Food.
Blessings,
Patty
