Saturday 2 November 2013

Good for the Soul

On this All Souls Day I find myself reflecting on what’s good for my soul. All Souls is a solemn day set aside since the Middle Ages for beloveds who no longer laugh, cry, live. But it's also an opportunity to examine how we care for our own souls.
Artists and theologians through the ages have tried to define the essence of soul. In Care of the Soul, psychotherapist Thomas Moore tells us it's caring for everyday details that makes our soul feel welcome. "Tending the things around us and becoming sensitive to the importance of home, daily schedule, and maybe even the clothes we wear are ways of caring for the soul."

For me I think it’s the thing that sends a satisfied thrill through me when it’s pleased. This morning, for example, I got a five star review on Amazon for one of my books. Definitely good for a writer’s soul, especially when it’s a book that’s a departure from what I normally write.

Soul can be fickle. Sometimes a great cup of coffee soothes my soul; other times it could care less about coffee, good or otherwise.

Talking to my grandsons on Skype is good for my soul, except when they insist on putting their noses right up to the camera and distorting their faces.

Hosting a successful dinner party is soul-pleasing, especially when it’s over!

Can you share what’s good for your soul? I’ll be interested in your comments.

10 comments:

  1. Reading a wonderful book, snuggling with my hubby, holding my fur baby, hearing from a reader that they loved my book... all are good for my soul!

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  2. I received a five start review on my blog tour, and it was very good for my soul. Smile!

    Congratulations on your 5 star at Amazon.

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    1. congrats to you too. It's a great feeling, isn't it.

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  3. Great post, Anna! So important to remember to enjoy things in life, isn't it? For me, that's chocolate, hugs, a good book, movie nights with the family - I could go on! I tweeted your post as well!

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  4. Congratulations on the 5 Star, Anna, well deserved.

    For me, checking things off my to do list soothes my soul. :) Which reminds me, have to scrub the microwave clean, cook dinner (making a steak with mushrooms), and brush the cat, not necessarily in that order.

    Happy All Souls Day!

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    1. Thanks for sharing, Shereen. Caught the cat yet?

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  5. Being with family and having all my grandsons sit still for one wonderful photo are things good for my soul!
    Congrats on a 5 star review!

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  6. Sitting still is always a challenge for grandchildren! Thanks for sharing.

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