General Information – Re-discover Mystery
This is the fourth in our discussions of self-care when all is well. We have explored ways to care for the body and the mind. This week I want to explore ways that we can take care of our soul, the deepest, inner experiences that we have of our ourselves and the world around us. This is the realm of the “lions, tigers, and bears” of life.
The key to soul care is to stay open to the mystery and the awe it evokes in the human spirit. Writers have referred to this as the great unknowing or that which both draws us in and causes us to tremble. It may be the moment when we held our child for the first time. It may be a moment when the sunset swept through your soul with a wave of sudden stillness. It could be a moment when you became lost in the eyes of your beloved. Such moments offer our soul a brief respite from the day to day bumps and bruises of life. They soothe the savage beast within and bring peace and wholeness to a life being pulled apart.
Unfortunately, we lose our of sense of mystery in the day-to-day business of living. We learn to stop asking questions that do not serve our daily necessities. We avoid looking at the margins or into the shadows because there is too much to deal with that has no apparent practical implications for living. We have little time for art, music, or poetry because we have a “life to live.”
But, when things are going well and life is running on a more or less even keel, you may want to spend a little time rediscovering mystery in your life. Pay attention to the world on the periphery of your daily living. Listen to the music rather than use it to cover up the silence. Allow the colors of the sunset to resonate with the deep chords of your life. Look into the eyes of the one who walks at your side and feel the stirrings of re-belonging that rises up from the depths.
Such moments not only allow us to lay aside the worries and fears of the day, but reawaken the desire live deeply, meaningfully, and fully. They draw us in and lead us out into a world where wonder, awe, and mystery become companions in our daily walk. Re-discover mystery!
The key to soul care is to stay open to the mystery and the awe it evokes in the human spirit. Writers have referred to this as the great unknowing or that which both draws us in and causes us to tremble. It may be the moment when we held our child for the first time. It may be a moment when the sunset swept through your soul with a wave of sudden stillness. It could be a moment when you became lost in the eyes of your beloved. Such moments offer our soul a brief respite from the day to day bumps and bruises of life. They soothe the savage beast within and bring peace and wholeness to a life being pulled apart.
Unfortunately, we lose our of sense of mystery in the day-to-day business of living. We learn to stop asking questions that do not serve our daily necessities. We avoid looking at the margins or into the shadows because there is too much to deal with that has no apparent practical implications for living. We have little time for art, music, or poetry because we have a “life to live.”
But, when things are going well and life is running on a more or less even keel, you may want to spend a little time rediscovering mystery in your life. Pay attention to the world on the periphery of your daily living. Listen to the music rather than use it to cover up the silence. Allow the colors of the sunset to resonate with the deep chords of your life. Look into the eyes of the one who walks at your side and feel the stirrings of re-belonging that rises up from the depths.
Such moments not only allow us to lay aside the worries and fears of the day, but reawaken the desire live deeply, meaningfully, and fully. They draw us in and lead us out into a world where wonder, awe, and mystery become companions in our daily walk. Re-discover mystery!
Tips -- Meditation for Beginners
Just as our mind and body need regular rest in sleep, our soul needs time to step back from the fray of daily living. We need a regular time to listen to the inner synphony and allow the soul to rest calmly in the unknowing, the mystery.
Traditionally, this is called meditation. If you already have a meditative practice that works for you, use it regularly, daily if possible. Let it help you to find that inner sense of peace and calm. If you do not, here is an idea you can use.
Go to 12 Steps to Meditation at Mindbodygreen.com
Traditionally, this is called meditation. If you already have a meditative practice that works for you, use it regularly, daily if possible. Let it help you to find that inner sense of peace and calm. If you do not, here is an idea you can use.
Go to 12 Steps to Meditation at Mindbodygreen.com
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