What Does "Living Soulfully" Mean to You?

To celebrate our 3-Year Anniversary, we posed this question to our entire Soulful Living Community.

The following are the thoughtful essays submitted by our soulful web visitors.

If you would like to submit your own essay, please click here.

Click here to read our authors' essays.

 

Living Soulfully... When we dare to fly into our heart we connect to the essence of our being and live a soul-filled life. Living in our spirit is dancing to the music that is within. It is honoring the integrity and celebrating the quality of our journey. It is our Joie de Vivre! It is celebrating All That Is and Knowing that we are an integral part of the unfolding dance of Spirit. May the dance be only in Joy! --Mystical Spirit, Katya

 

Living Soulfully... the Dalai Lama says that when all religions stop fighting then the world will be at peace! Peace is the quietness that one attains when one realizes that the soul is not a single entity, it is a piece of a collective and soulfully living is the attempt to fit into the collective. When I reach out to another then I attempt to grow, when I share my knowledge with another then I attempt to grow, when I accept knowledge from another then I attempt to grow and when I open my thoughts and accept that the universe is there for my growth without judgment then I am soulfully living. --Tracey Jones, Richton, MS, USA

 

Living Soulfully means to walk as if you are one with nature. There are storms that brew within the elements as well as our souls, but you must always know that you are one with nature. When you are wealthy remember you are one with nature...as well as when you are financially poor. Being one with the universe means you never move as a separate entity... you must work with all that surrounds you. Love with the soul that manifests rainbows in the midst of storms and spread your beautiful prism of light to all who cross your path. --Jane Elizabeth Marshall, South Bend, IN, USA.

 

Living Soulfully... A long time ago, I sat in a field and looked up to the heavens and cried out why. A gentle voice took me in as if holding me and said because you are special. From that day on, the material things of this world no longer held an importance to me. Learning to understand and listen to my soul for guidance and learning is what became important. To love life in its simplest form, to give freely, to reach out with a smile, or a kind word to all that cross my path, to share that which I have learned through time with all others that seek knowledge, to truly cause no harm, to live life from my soul outward.... --Tina, aka Dragonlady, Michigan, USA

 

Living Soulfully is to be transparent while living out a vulnerable life in this complex adaptive world. To live soulfully, would include an awareness of one's shadows with a willingness to explore what is hidden and affecting one's vulnerability to interact in relationships. In that vulnerability, courage is needed and must be tapped into so as to deepen the soul promoting a more spiritual relationship with one's God, creator, nature or higher power. In relationship, silent times, and meditation courage is also needed look into and have a mirror held to one's face and remembering what is needed to deepen the soul, relationship, spirituality and communion with the universe - - Give more than you take from the universe, participate, embrace change, in courage trust in relationship and be conscious of the environment. --Dave Besana, Redding, CA USA

 

Living Soulfully is like resting at ease in the shade of the trees and moving with the power of love away from the heat of the world’s evil ways, but not without trial does this come about. First I must cry for the times that I lied or acted against the wish of my soul, but then I must call unto myself the cloak of forgiveness, which hangs by the door waiting to protect me from ever growing old dressed up in my worldly clothes of simple ignorance. But the path I then must walk upon is strewn with fallen leaves like haunting memories that blow around my head each night I go to bed and too there are stones, different sizes, different shapes, that hurt as they wear away my tough leathered soul until I'm granted sight of my tender inner part through the mist of denial I can’t help but inhale. I sometimes turn away and put again in place the hard veneer of saving face and acting without grace so I can belong again to the human race, but the strength of the soul, when living soulfully, will always claim supremacy and turn me back again to the truth of who I am, how I am meant to be, and how I play my part here on mother earth. It’s a challenge every day to not lose my way as shadows of my lower self rise up to greet my soul and offer it pleasure rides with a gloved hand so, to me, living soulfully is a complicated test that requires my commitment and constant attention in order to confirm my place in the shade that will move me with love to my rightful home in eternal life. --Helen Howell, Bedfordview, Gauteng, South Africa.

 

Living Soulfully means being able to be creative. I feel the closest to my soul when I am writing, quilting, creating a healing doll or just doing some fun craft I have found at my local craft store. Being creative allows me to slow down physically and spiritually, to listen to my heart, to share my love with other people (most gifts I give to others are hand made). It is my deepest connection to spirit, to God. --Cheryl E. Fillion, Tyler, TX, USA

 

Living Soulfully... "Namaste" was once translated for me this way: "May the light within me honor the light within you." This greeting moves me to recognize and respect those whom I meet in the course of a day, and to remember myself also with honor and humility. This is my path. --J. Silver, Red Bank, NJ, USA

 

Living Soulfully means being aware of the world around me and truly in touch with who I am and my place in the cosmic web of life. It means knowing the way I live my life DOES make a difference. It's the responsibility to take care of and love the world we live in. It is inner peace. It is needed as much as the air we breathe in order to live a life in harmony. --Tranquility Fearn, Kingsport, TN, USA

 

Living Soulfully is The Way of Living in Harmony with All of Universal Life Forms! Truly, It is the Gift to Being Present for what is! The 'connections' of family and friends, of my precious husband Lanham, daughters Tammy/Tori/Lana who 'gifted' us with three sons Alan/Jeff/Joffre... and four grandchildren... Andre/Adrian/Emily/Madeline all because of my parents Francy and John, married 70 years now and still baking and cooking for all of us these holidays! And for Brother Johnny who is challenged the most of all of us, health wise and yet, Lives Soulfully in spite of the limitations. How grateful I Am...To Be... Breathing towards the Stars Nightly! Happy New Year 2003 to One And All Across the Miles! --Dr. Francine Dennis-McCauley, Pittsburgh PA, USA

 

Living Soulfully... I live each day beginning with at least an hour of Spiritual Devotional Ritual as learned through Richard Foster's Renovare' Spiritual Formation Groups several years ago. Three to four women meet each week to reinforce and give ourselves credibility in this Spiritual "walk" together. We have been meeting almost weekly, except for vacations, for four years. This also makes us more aware of all of the ways in which "living soulfully" touches ones life, the way we spend our time, even to the way we think of life. It has led us to be less material and trying to be mindful of a much simpler life style, more environmentally aware, in addition to physically and spiritually cognizant of ourselves. I hope that this practice not only enhances those of us in this group, but the world in which all of us live. --Flo Writesel, Dallas, TX, USA

 

Living Soulfully means living in alignment with the purpose of one’s life. This natural alignment happens when we learn to grow beyond our outdated conditionings and uncover the undercurrent of unconditional joy hidden in the depths of consciousness. If we follow this bliss every moment, the sleeping soul in us awakens and channels incessantly, the sweetness and light of the Spirit. Then ego disappears as if it never existed and life begins to flow. This alchemical transformation does not happen overnight. It is an exciting adventure of consciousness, which we must continue throughout life. The journey towards enlightenment is a sacred process, valuable in itself. You need not put your life on hold till Enlightenment dawns on you with the glory of ten million suns put together. The journey is to be enjoyed because it is a gradual uncovering of the Infinite Light that was always there in us. We only learn to look at it with soulful new eyes whose vision becomes clearer and clearer as we advance. When life flows directly from the soul, intense Divine Love and Compassion emerge enveloping Life, Universe and Everything. But a question arises. How many of us can evolve into the state of Enlightenment where all opposites just disappear? Is liberation attainable only to a chosen few? Potentially we are all infinite spiritual beings having a human experience on this planet in order to learn and evolve. Past Karma might influence the speed of a person’s spiritual evolution. But present actions based on free will and wisdom can neutralise even the heaviest of Karmas and guide us to the hidden thread of consciousness, which manifests as joyful present moment awareness. Once we find this golden thread, we should hold on to it always. It may fade at times. But the key is to come back to that still point whenever we slip into unconsciousness. The easiest way to do it is to pay attention to the flow of one’s breathing, using it as an anchor without trying to control. Eventually that golden flame of consciousness will grow and become a flood of Divine Fire. When storms lash out in life, holding on to the thread of consciousness helps to recover the balance. I think it would be good if everybody finds time to pay attention to the spirit in Nature by doing simple things like watching the sunrise, listening to bird song and appreciating a beautiful rose. Such simple moments strip away the mechanical noise and reconnect us to our souls. For me, looking at the twinkling stars in the moonlit night is the most magnificent experience that makes my soul leap. It reminds me of the mystery of the universe and serves as a spiritual vacation especially when I feel down and need rejuvenation. Let us find our own unique ways to realise soulfulness. May the Spirit be with everyone. Let us sing the soothing song of our souls in a co-creative dance and bring Heaven down to this Good Earth. --Prabhath P., Kollam, Kerala State, India

 

Living Soulfully is interacting with your world, yourself, your higher power, and others in an intentional way. It is being mindful and true to yourself. As a psychologist, I often am quick to relegate my own soulful living to the wayside as I focus on others. Through ritual, I am able to return to myself gently, become more aware of the present moment, and refocus on what brings me balance in my life so that I may be available to others. Living soulfully is not simply going to church or saying prayers at important occasions. It includes having a flexible and permeable understanding of your place in the world, and holding that place in a protected place in your heart as you navigate through life. It is a celebration of your uniqueness, and appreciating that uniqueness in others. Appreciation for each other's uniqueness moves individuals to understand that while we are separate, we posses common attributes that make us all connected. --Christina Zampitella-Freese, Escondido, CA, USA

 

Living Soulfully... It means whenever I encounter an unpleasant people, I try not to have an unpleasant thought about them. --Nurbisa, Boston, MA, USA

 

Living Soulfully is to let the pain go, overcome deep grief knowing that life is always wise and there is nothing we are not prepared for. Living from the soul translates into accepting ourselves as we are, seeing all the beauty we posses and being able to see that same beauty in everything around us. Through the years, I have learned that it is the soul, the purest and most real part of the human being, that guides us to achieve our goals,and is what stops us if what we want is not what we really deserve. To live with our soul is to enjoy every minute, every occasion, every chance we have to be better and to give from ourselves. It is to be thankful, to be happy, to be alert and share what we have with the one next to us. When you live from the soul, that light touches everything you touch and bounces back to you with endless blessings. --Norma Casas, Georgia, USA

 

Living Soulfully... Soulful Living has brought calmness, compassion, and peace into my life. The articles presented monthly have taught me about other people's experiences and have increased my awareness of my own self worth. I cannot thank Soulful Living enough for helping me keep my sanity during trying times. I have grown as a person thanks to you. --Lucy Keely, Florida USA

 

Living Soulfully is having the courage to be who you truly were created to be. --D. Glaros, Clearwater, FL, USA

 

Living Soulfully means recognizing your connection to everything around you. Plants, animals, people, rocks - we all are connected. When you are able to recognize that connection..."soul to soul"...you begin to understand that you are a part of God's soul as well. Living Soulfully means that you have decided to live peacefully within your own soul, to the point where nothing the outside world throws at you can change how you are feeling inside, unless what you feel inside is vibrating in harmony with the outside world. And then it just expands your inner peace. Living Soulfully means you have considered the possibility that instead of the soul residing in the body, perhaps it's the body that actually resides within the soul. And everything is part of God's soul. --Jade Hawks, aka Shonifire, Arizona, USA

 

Living Soulfully... The air was brisk with the morning sun rising slowly behind the windswept trees shrouded in a morning mist. I stood on the beach with my weathered jacket zipped up tight to ward off the mornings chill, calmly listening to the gentle pounding of the surf. A comforting change from the night before when the wind was foul, whipping and churning the sea to a frenzy. Late in the night, a few hours before dawn, the storm had weakened and a peaceful calm had set in, leaving a chance to get some restful sleep. I could now spend the day exploring instead of being shut in my cabin staring out the window, listening to the splatter of rain against the pane. A gentle breeze flowed softly around my face as I listened intently, engrossed by the magnificence of the view. A gull circled above screeching its morning call to announce its searching for a tasty morsel, washed up on the mornings high tide. A rocky headland with its craggy rose out of the sandy beach declaring its presence to far off passing ships slipping silently by on the rolling sea. I had arisen early to catch the morning light as it shone on the landscape casting a violet glow upon the forested slopes of a distant hill. I didn't know what lay ahead for a planned excursion to head out on a trek to explore a cove I had caught a glimpse of on a previous visit. I didn't have the time then to stop and explore its uniqueness. Today though looked encouraging as the sun's warmth was lifting the mist, and the clouds from the storm were beginning to dissipate. Setting off I followed a trail up the slope of the headland. Its weathered appearance the result of centuries of fierce winter storms. Beginning just inches above the high tide mark the flora on its back sweeps away from the prevailing winds, revealing natures remarkable sculpture. I could hear the sound of the surf crashing against its rocky base, sending foam far up the side of its steep slope. Pausing for a moment to catch my breath, I watched wave after wave as they splashed onto the rock, each one creating a little different display from the last. The sky was clearing as I looked out to the open sea, the view extending to the horizon. Unlike other times when it is brought up short on a cold wintry day when fog rolls in from the churning sea. Continuing on my way I rounded a large boulder and there before me was the cove. It harbored a beach whose sand was as pristine as a clear nights sky. Never static, the sand shifts between the changing tides, covering one's tracks left on the beach after a mornings stroll, or uncovers a sand dollar washed ashore on the days high tide. The moment was mine to enjoy. --Keith Hiscock (Artist), Victoria, B.C., Canada

 

Living Soulfully to me means being true to yourself and your own personal beliefs. It means taking care of your spirit as well as your body. I believe that when we stand strong on what we believe in, no matter how unpopular or different it may be, then we truly are living soulfully and can finish each day feeling good about ourselves and our daily decisions. --Laura Emerson, Biloxi, MS, USA

 

Living Soulfully is listening to that still, small voice every one has inside their heart. It was placed there as a way for you to hear your heart. Listen to it and it will serve you well. This voice I am speaking of works in cooperation with your mind as well. There are many things at your age which you already know intellectually. As your life progresses you will learn many more. I have found it's a good thing to acknowledge your common sense. I have also learned that choosing to act in a manner contrary to what you already know to be true usually has less than an optimum impact on your life. Listening to that still, small voice and adhering to it's advise is a wise thing to do. But again, if your choice is to ignore it, circumstances will arise which will get your attention another way. This is usually not a comfortable place to find yourself but inevitably you will find yourself in that position occasionally as none of us are perfect!!  One of the reasons this voice was placed in your heart is so you will to continue learning the art of Soulful Living. What a gift!. --Keith Hiscock (Artist), Victoria, B.C., Canada

 

Living Soulfully... The air was brisk with the morning sun rising slowly behind the windswept trees shrouded in a morning mist. I stood on the beach with my weathered jacket zipped up tight to ward off the mornings chill, calmly listening to the gentle pounding of the surf. A comforting change from the night before when the wind was foul, whipping and churning the sea to a frenzy. Late in the night, a few hours before dawn, the storm had weakened and a peaceful calm had set in, leaving a chance to get some restful sleep. I could now spend the day exploring instead of being shut in my cabin staring out the window, listening to the splatter of rain against the pane. A gentle breeze flowed softly around my face as I listened intently, engrossed by the magnificence of the view. A gull circled above screeching its morning call to announce its searching for a tasty morsel, washed up on the mornings high tide. A rocky headland with its craggy rose out of the sandy beach declaring its presence to far off passing ships slipping silently by on the rolling sea. I had arisen early to catch the morning light as it shone on the landscape casting a violet glow upon the forested slopes of a distant hill. I didn't know what lay ahead for a planned excursion to head out on a trek to explore a cove I had caught a glimpse of on a previous visit. I didn't have the time then to stop and explore its uniqueness. Today though looked encouraging as the sun's warmth was lifting the mist, and the clouds from the storm were beginning to dissipate. Setting off I followed a trail up the slope of the headland. Its weathered appearance the result of centuries of fierce winter storms. Beginning just inches above the high tide mark the flora on its back sweeps away from the prevailing winds, revealing natures remarkable sculpture. I could hear the sound of the surf crashing against its rocky base, sending foam far up the side of its steep slope. Pausing for a moment to catch my breath, I watched wave after wave as they splashed onto the rock, each one creating a little different display from the last. The sky was clearing as I looked out to the open sea, the view extending to the horizon. Unlike other times when it is brought up short on a cold wintry day when fog rolls in from the churning sea. Continuing on my way I rounded a large boulder and there before me was the cove. It harbored a beach whose sand was as pristine as a clear nights sky. Never static, the sand shifts between the changing tides, covering one's tracks left on the beach after a mornings stroll, or uncovers a sand dollar washed ashore on the days high tide. The moment was mine to enjoy. --Keith Hiscock (Artist), Victoria, B.C., Canada

 

Living Soulfully... The air was brisk with the morning sun rising slowly behind the windswept trees shrouded in a morning mist. I stood on the beach with my weathered jacket zipped up tight to ward off the mornings chill, calmly listening to the gentle pounding of the surf. A comforting change from the night before when the wind was foul, whipping and churning the sea to a frenzy. Late in the night, a few hours before dawn, the storm had weakened and a peaceful calm had set in, leaving a chance to get some restful sleep. I could now spend the day exploring instead of being shut in my cabin staring out the window, listening to the splatter of rain against the pane. A gentle breeze flowed softly around my face as I listened intently, engrossed by the magnificence of the view. A gull circled above screeching its morning call to announce its searching for a tasty morsel, washed up on the mornings high tide. A rocky headland with its craggy rose out of the sandy beach declaring its presence to far off passing ships slipping silently by on the rolling sea. I had arisen early to catch the morning light as it shone on the landscape casting a violet glow upon the forested slopes of a distant hill. I didn't know what lay ahead for a planned excursion to head out on a trek to explore a cove I had caught a glimpse of on a previous visit. I didn't have the time then to stop and explore its uniqueness. Today though looked encouraging as the sun's warmth was lifting the mist, and the clouds from the storm were beginning to dissipate. Setting off I followed a trail up the slope of the headland. Its weathered appearance the result of centuries of fierce winter storms. Beginning just inches above the high tide mark the flora on its back sweeps away from the prevailing winds, revealing natures remarkable sculpture. I could hear the sound of the surf crashing against its rocky base, sending foam far up the side of its steep slope. Pausing for a moment to catch my breath, I watched wave after wave as they splashed onto the rock, each one creating a little different display from the last. The sky was clearing as I looked out to the open sea, the view extending to the horizon. Unlike other times when it is brought up short on a cold wintry day when fog rolls in from the churning sea. Continuing on my way I rounded a large boulder and there before me was the cove. It harbored a beach whose sand was as pristine as a clear nights sky. Never static, the sand shifts between the changing tides, covering one's tracks left on the beach after a mornings stroll, or uncovers a sand dollar washed ashore on the days high tide. The moment was mine to enjoy. --Keith Hiscock (Artist), Victoria, B.C., Canada

 

Living Soulfully... The air was brisk with the morning sun rising slowly behind the windswept trees shrouded in a morning mist. I stood on the beach with my weathered jacket zipped up tight to ward off the mornings chill, calmly listening to the gentle pounding of the surf. A comforting change from the night before when the wind was foul, whipping and churning the sea to a frenzy. Late in the night, a few hours before dawn, the storm had weakened and a peaceful calm had set in, leaving a chance to get some restful sleep. I could now spend the day exploring instead of being shut in my cabin staring out the window, listening to the splatter of rain against the pane. A gentle breeze flowed softly around my face as I listened intently, engrossed by the magnificence of the view. A gull circled above screeching its morning call to announce its searching for a tasty morsel, washed up on the mornings high tide. A rocky headland with its craggy rose out of the sandy beach declaring its presence to far off passing ships slipping silently by on the rolling sea. I had arisen early to catch the morning light as it shone on the landscape casting a violet glow upon the forested slopes of a distant hill. I didn't know what lay ahead for a planned excursion to head out on a trek to explore a cove I had caught a glimpse of on a previous visit. I didn't have the time then to stop and explore its uniqueness. Today though looked encouraging as the sun's warmth was lifting the mist, and the clouds from the storm were beginning to dissipate. Setting off I followed a trail up the slope of the headland. Its weathered appearance the result of centuries of fierce winter storms. Beginning just inches above the high tide mark the flora on its back sweeps away from the prevailing winds, revealing natures remarkable sculpture. I could hear the sound of the surf crashing against its rocky base, sending foam far up the side of its steep slope. Pausing for a moment to catch my breath, I watched wave after wave as they splashed onto the rock, each one creating a little different display from the last. The sky was clearing as I looked out to the open sea, the view extending to the horizon. Unlike other times when it is brought up short on a cold wintry day when fog rolls in from the churning sea. Continuing on my way I rounded a large boulder and there before me was the cove. It harbored a beach whose sand was as pristine as a clear nights sky. Never static, the sand shifts between the changing tides, covering one's tracks left on the beach after a mornings stroll, or uncovers a sand dollar washed ashore on the days high tide. The moment was mine to enjoy. --Keith Hiscock (Artist), Victoria, B.C., Canada

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