As we celebrate this 25th anniversary, I find myself returning to a question: what does it actually mean to live with soul? Over the years, the answer has shifted. The twenty-year-old me approached soul as magical and full of possibility. Years later, I have a sack full of life experience that has deepened me with both scars and wisdom. At its core, it comes down to three things: intention, presence, and reverence.
Slowing Down
My gait has changed. I am slower, forced to observe each step. Slow enough to listen. It is the unexpected gift of aging, forcing us all to pay attention to ourselves, to others, to the world around us. In a culture obsessed with productivity and speed, a gentle rebellion is required. It becomes a conscious choice to value depth over breadth, meaning over mere activity. It isn’t easy. The phone holds enticements I couldn’t imagine at twenty when distractions were fewer, but I wasn’t as attentive.
Living with attention is an everyday practice. Being intentional is required if we want to avoid the constant lure of attention-grabbers around us. We can find it in early morning quiet, in conversations with friends, in the simple act of tending our creative spirits. These moments invite us to be present, to experience life as it unfolds, and to nurture what matters.
The Heart’s Compass
Living with soul means honoring your inner compass—calling you toward authenticity and purpose. Over time, I’ve learned to trust that compass more, even when the path feels uncertain or unconventional. It means aligning actions with values. Daring to ask “what truly matters?” and listening deeply to the answer. We can’t know how the future will unfold, and it asks us to go forward with faith in the outcome.
Sometimes this leads to big changes. More often, it inspires small daily choices that bring us closer to our truest selves.
Connection and Community
No meaningful life is lived in isolation. My understanding of this work is inseparable from the relationships that sustain and inspire me—family, friends, kindred spirits encountered along the way. We flourish in connection: with others, with nature, with something larger than ourselves. These bonds nourish us, remind us of our place in the world, and offer comfort and joy in times of celebration and difficulty alike. We are tethered to memory, not captured but connected to the experiences that have made us who we are at this moment.
Finding Ground in Chaos
In times of upheaval—personal or global—this practice becomes both refuge and guide. When life feels chaotic, I return to what grounds me: journaling to process emotions, seeking solace in art, or simply pausing to breathe. And, occasionally, it is puppies and cute babies on my phone.
This approach doesn’t shield us from life’s experiences. But it does offer resilience. It reminds us that even with uncertainty, we can choose to act with compassion, integrity, and hope.
Making It Real
What does this look like in practice?
• Be fully present. Devote time each day to the moment—through meditation, a walk, or simply savoring a meal.
• Speak from the heart. Let your words and actions reflect what’s true for you, even when it feels vulnerable.
• Practice gratitude. Regularly acknowledge the blessings, large and small, that enrich your life.
• Make space for creativity. Whether it’s writing, painting, cooking, or problem-solving, let something flow through you.
• Offer your gifts. Find ways to serve others. Cultivate kindness and empathy.
• Spend time outdoors. Attune to the cycles and beauty of the natural world.
• Honor yourself. Take care of your body and spirit through nourishing routines and self-compassion.
• Reflect regularly. Set aside moments to learn from both joy and adversity.
The Invitation
As we mark this milestone, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey and for the people that have walked alongside me. This way of being isn’t a static achievement; it’s an ever-evolving invitation to live with openness, depth, and love.
It’s a daily practice. Sometimes easy, often challenging, always worthwhile. May we continue to rediscover what it means together, in the years ahead.
© Copyright 2025 Sandra Lee Schubert. All Rights Reserved.
Sandra Lee Schubert has spent three decades exploring the intersections of creativity, spirituality, and meaningful work. A published poet, ordained interfaith minister, and former radio host of Wild Woman Network, she brings curiosity and heart to everything she creates. When she’s not helping service businesses tell their stories, you’ll find her seeking out quiet moments, tending her creative spirit, and asking the questions that matter. She believes in slowing down, listening deeply, and living with intention.
