Embracing your mind and your body can be tricky. Most of us repeatedly play a tape that tells us whether we are bright or witty enough, or if we are the right size or strength. Working through these thoughts to shift to a more positive mindset is undoubtedly easier for some than others, but we have tools and ideas readily available to help us make these changes.
But what about the work around the soul? There is a lot of emphasis around the work on body and mind, and sometimes it feels like this (equally as important!) aspect gets left behind.
Our soul is generally thought of as spirit, but it is also our essence, who we are at our core, independent of external circumstances, success, or others’ perceptions. Soul has also been defined as our emotional energy or intensity. It’s what makes you you. Our mind and body only tell part of the story, and yet we focus 90%+ of our time on it.
Have you ever noticed that we don’t compete with each other when it comes to our soul? When was the last time you said, “I wish my soul was like that person’s?” Probably never. It’s just not what we do... and yet by embracing our souls, our own self-acceptance is more likely. In fact, it is one of the most powerful self-love exercises you can do!
So if being kind to yourself doesn’t come easy or naturally, perhaps it’s a good idea to start thinking of how you can embrace your soul. We can all tap into our inner essence (i.e., soul), and we have a short list of ideas to help give your soul the attention that it deserves.
Create a List of the Things You Love
One of the best ways to connect with your soul is to recognize the things that it loves – the things that feed it. In order to tap into exactly what these soul-feeding things are, write out a list of 100 things that you love. The trick here is letting go and putting down whatever comes to mind. Don’t put too much thought into it! This list will help you tap into ways you can embrace your soul, give it more of what it craves, and attain deeper self-acceptance and understanding.
Quiet Your Surroundings, Quiet Your Mind
Meditation is an incredibly useful tool when it comes to embracing your soul and disconnecting from the messaging and perceptions of the world around us. By quieting these external noises and the thoughts swirling around your head, you can connect to your true essence, free of outer influence. Set aside a few minutes daily to get quiet and tap into your soul. New to meditation? Try out a meditation app to get you started.
Spend Time Alone
You probably schedule dates with your significant other and friends on a regular basis. But how often do you make time for a solo date? Spending scheduled, intentional time alone is a great way to get in touch with your soul and listen to what it wants. It also gives you the opportunity to do what your heart truly desires in each moment – no need to compromise on a solo date! Consider using one of the ideas from your 100 things that you love list, or check out these fun and creative dates to take yourself on.
Make Time For Adventures
New experiences help us cultivate a deeper understanding of who we are and what our soul craves. We learn what speaks to our soul, and what doesn’t fully resonate. Find ways to travel and explore to experience something new and feed your soul. Travel to a new city, state, or even country that you are curious about. That being said, don’t feel like you have to go far. Check out a new park, coffee shop, or areas of your city you’ve never explored. Soul-feeding adventures are always available to us, both nearby and far away.
Write it Out
A pen and a journal can be powerful tools when it comes to connecting to the soul. They become the instruments through which we can listen to our inner voice and give it the undivided attention that it needs. Pull out your tools, set aside some quiet time in a place that is free of distractions, and follow these prompts (inspired by this post) to connect with your soul:
How am I feeling right now?
Is there a problem that is bothering me? Am I being small in this situation?
What does my soul crave? How can I better cater to its needs?
What does my soul need to move forward and grow?
Try these ideas and subscribe for more self-care inspiration and positive affirmations. Our goal is to inspire you to make the shift from self-criticism to radical self-love and kindness - soul, mind, and body (yes, in that order if necessary).
For an extra dose of self-kindness this holiday season, check out our Soulful Holiday Card Set. Life can get stressful around this time of the year, but these cards will help keep you focused on the people who matter (starting with you, of course).