How To Feed Your Soul In A Noisy, Numb World

How to Feed the Soul

There’s one word and topic that appears more in Wake Up Call than any other. Of the 617 columns I’ve written since 2012, it’s mentioned in 266 or about 43% of them. Sometimes it’s referenced in passing, but often it’s the main theme of a column. From the title above, you may already have guessed: it’s the soul.

Why have I spent so much time and effort on this topic? It’s that important for our spiritual health and well-being. Scanning the many stories I’ve written about the soul (to view some of them, click on the underlined links in this story), some primary themes appear:

There’s a soul within every person. It’s a vital element in our spiritual growth and can provide a direct connection to the divine.
The soul can offer guidance. We’re more likely to flourish and find joy when we accept its advice. This guidance is available to each person if they listen.
To hear the soul, quiet the mind. Separate the voice of the soul from the ego. The ego’s demands can be shallow and fleeting, while the longings of the soul are deep and eternal.

Listening to the soul is more important than ever.

We live during crazy times. The definition of what’s right and what’s wrong has become fluid, and it can be hard to make sense of the world. So, there may be no better time to turn off the noise of social media and TV news and start listening to the yearnings of the soul. But what does the soul want?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Feeding a hungry soul is a personal experience. What feels right for you may not be right for someone else. So, it’s up to you to uncover what your soul is yearning for. The soul could care less about the car you drive, where you work, or the number of Instagram followers you have. The soul wants to be nurtured with the thing or things that bring you joy, a sense of purpose, or a connection to something bigger than yourself.

If you’re not sure what your soul is asking of you, I’ve come up with the list of ideas below (with an assist from Google Gemini) to help. As you review the many ways to connect with your soul, consider which activities and experiences resonate within. Listen to your own inner voice which, like a snowflake or fingerprint, is unique to you.

First Course of Action: Connect with Yourself

Make time for quiet contemplation. I like to sit with a cup of coffee in the early morning hours as the sun begins to rise. You may prefer to meditate or journal.
Practice mindfulness. Be present in the moment, aware of your surroundings. No thoughts of the past or worries about the future. Be. Here. Now.
Engage in self-care. Choose activities that replenish your energy and well-being. Get enough sleep. Eat healthy foods. Exercise.
Identify and honor your values. Figure out what truly matters to you. Speak out when your values are challenged, or you need to stand up for someone else.
Explore your interests and passions. Write, read books on spirituality and religion, knit, garden. Do whatever ignites your curiosity and brings you joy.

Second Course of Action: Connect with Others

Cultivate and nurture your relationships. Strengthen your connections with loved ones, friends, neighbors, and community members.
Show your love. Give love and you’re more likely to receive love.
Practice acts of kindness. Assist those in need of help, no matter how small the gesture.
Forgive. For true inner peace, let go of any resentments you have toward others—or yourself.

Third Course of Action: Connect with the World Around You

Spend time in nature. Go for a walk in the woods, on the beach, a park, or your neighborhood. Appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.
Experience art and culture. Go to an art museum. Attend a local play or show. Read a book or take an online course on a subject that has always interested you.
Travel and explore. Discover new places, cultures, and perspectives.
Appreciate beauty closer to home. Take the time to notice the plants, artwork, photos, and cherished objects that adorn your home.

Fourth Course of Action: Connect with Something Larger Than Yourself

Connect to the Divine. Engage in practices that enhance a sense of connection with God, Buddha, Allah, Nature, or whatever you call the divine source. Pray. Meditate. Go on a pilgrimage. Or simply sit in a place you find sacred and be still.
Find meaning and purpose. Identify your life’s purpose and contribute to something you believe in. You might ask yourself: How can I best use my talents and interests to help others?
Give thanks. Regularly acknowledge all that is good in your life.

Five Guiding Principles for Feeding the Soul.

A few final thoughts I discovered online (source unknown), tenets to remember as you feed your soul. Remember this as you pursue any of the spiritual practices you decide to pursue.

Be Authentic. Be true to yourself and live according to your values.
Be Present. Fully engage in the moment and appreciate the experiences you have.
Be Kind. Treat yourself and others with compassion and understanding.
Be Open. Be willing to explore new ideas, experiences, and perspectives.
Be Patient. Nourishing your soul is an ongoing journey, not a destination.