One of my favorite questions I ask my clients is “What lights you up?” “What makes you come alive?”
It’s a simple question, yet it runs deep.
I believe that when we know what truly lights us up, and prioritize these things on a regular basis, our lives transform for the better.
As I was healing from stage 1 breast cancer in 2018, I became crystal clear about an essential part of my recovery. That re-igniting the spirit and nourishing the soul is a game-changer in the healing process. We simply cannot leave out the role of our spirit and soul in reclaiming vibrant health, as they are integral to our overall well-being.
That’s why I like to say “It’s about going beyond self-care into the heart of Soul-Care.” “Soul-Care” is a phrase I came up with during my healing journey from breast cancer which has continued to propel me forward.
So, when you think about re-igniting your own spirit and nourishing your soul, what are some images that come to mind?
I invite you to close your eyes.... take several deep grounding breaths.... and connect with your heart. Be still. Listen quietly to hear the gentle whispers of your soul. What is it showing you? When you notice these images float to the surface, feel your heart expanding and softening. Notice any sensations in your body. Breathe deeply as you ground into this sensation. Then, as you feel ready to open your eyes, I invite you to write down any insights. Find a visual reminder that supports you to anchor this vision into your heart. Place it somewhere you can see on a daily basis. This visual creates momentum towards embodying the feeling of that which you desire to attract more of into your life.
Last September, I was blessed to attend The Joyful Journey Retreat on beautiful Bowen Island in British Columbia with my friend, Anita and a group of fabulous women. As we talked about cultivating joy in our lives and noticing what lights us up, we coined the phrase “joy spotting.” Trust me, there was an abundance of joy spotting during this wonderful retreat! One, in particular, was being graced by a whale’s presence during our morning yoga session on Anita’s outdoor deck.
Upon returning to my Tennessee roots with a heart full of so many great memories, I decided to set an intention. To purposefully create experiences in my life that cultivate joy. To not wait until others are available to pursue an activity. Yet, if my soul is calling me towards that, to follow my own bliss and say Yes!
This mindset shift has been a game changer.
Several great examples?
One is buying 2 concert tickets for live music happening in Nashville, knowing the right person will show up for that 2nd ticket. After all, it's Music City! Another is going to see the magical synchronous fireflies in the Smoky Mountains and making it an annual retreat.
Each year, thousands of fireflies synchronize together to light up the forest as a mating ritual. It happens at night in the darkness when the forest becomes quiet and still. Slowly, the flicker of one firefly becomes thousands that bring sparkling light into the darkness. It’s pure magic. When I experienced this world-renowned event for the 1st time last June, I was in awe and wonder. It lit up my spirit and reminded me of the beauty and mystery of nature. That a higher power is always at work in our lives, supporting us through the ebbs and flow. I decided to make this retreat to the Smoky Mountains an annual event from that moment forward.
Nature is a Potent Healer.
I realized that what lights me up and cultivates joy in my spirit is about creating these moments of magic and wonder on a regular basis. Sometimes intentionally.... and at others, spontaneously. Whether it be experiencing the natural world, a heartfelt connection with a loved one, or a spiritual connection with a higher power. I like to call this “soul food.”
I believe this type of nourishment for our soul is equally as important, if not more, than regular food. It’s what keeps our body, mind, and spirit in alignment with ease and vibrant health versus “dis-ease” and heaviness.
In early June, I moved houses after 11 years which was an exhausting process. Especially on the heels of saying goodbye to my childhood home of 53 years and helping my parents move out of their house 3 months prior. Given this huge undertaking, I knew it was time for soul-care. So, I ventured off to the Smoky Mountains to celebrate my new living space and enjoy quality nature time. The synchronous fireflies came at the perfect timing!
To me, soul-care is about creating “joy spotting” no matter how it shows up. The synchronous fireflies are simply one example.
So, what are ways in your own life you can cultivate more joy and prioritize those things that make you come alive? Once you get clear, make a list and set an intention to put those activities into your calendar. Summer is a great time to take action, especially when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors!
Know that you are exactly where you’re meant to be on your growth path, moving towards vibrant health.
