How Is It With Your Soul Part 3

So, how is it with your soul?

How are you really doing?

In the previous two blogs we reflected on this idea that our soul is probably the most neglected part of our being, but the part that needs our focus the most. It is the unseen part of us that is desperate for connection with God, with others, and for rest and wholeness. When our soul is troubled or struggling, the other parts of us will struggle as well.

So how can we care for our soul?

Stillness. Caring for our souls requires moments of stillness and quiet, where we are not engaged in any task other than being. The noise outside of us can drown out the noise inside of us and can keep us from being attentive to what our soul is experiencing. Whether 5 minutes or 50 minutes, giving ourselves pause to simply be, especially when there is chaos around us, can be just what we need to keep going in those challenging moments. The more we do it, the more we want to do it, and the more we become attuned to God’s voice and the cry of our soul.

Walking. Taking a walk in nature is said to be restorative. Being in nature and reminding ourselves of the God of creation who created this world for us can be healing.

Talking. Sitting with a friend, a counselor, a therapist, or a pastor, and allowing them to ask and for you to respond to “How is it with your soul?” is an important part of the soul’s restoration. Being able to share our struggles and challenges with others is a vital part of the spiritual formation process.

Reading. I have found that reading is a way for me to slow down, pay attention to what is going on in me. Reading is also a way of feeding my soul, of awakening my mind and heart to new ideas and to the concerns of others, to challenging my mind to grasp concepts beyond or outside of my current situation.

Activities. Engage in activities that feel fulfilling, meaningful, and restorative. Spend time at the beach, or alone in a favorite place. Don’t simply engage in fun activities, but activities that provide rest. Perhaps find a way to serve others or engage in random acts of kindness. To paraphrase Dr. John Ortberg, anything (or mostly anything) can be a spiritual discipline or practice if our intention is to pursue God in spiritual growth.

Identify ways in which your soul feels at rest and nourished and add those things to your daily and weekly rhythm.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3, NIV).