JULY 23, 2021
CARE FOR YOUR SOUL
Okay; Now for a little nostalgia. Being a baby-boomer, one of my favorite songs of all time was “Soul Man” by Sam & Dave; (Samuel Moore and David Prater) which was released the year I graduated from High School in 1967. Of course, the “Blues Brothers” went on to make this song more famous with its hit movie in 1980. Outside of the catchy rhythm, the lyrics are a fairly simple display of love and how a person has to traverse through life keeping love strong while the world often works against us. The SOUL of a man that touches something deep inside each one of us.
Your soul is part of WHO you are. The beauty in this world is that YOU get the chance to choose what is right for your soul. (With a little help from our friends) Is it to live a life of comfort or to be challenged to grow and learn more about WHO you are in finding your meaning in life? All of our troubles, so called problems, and failures in life, (both individually and socially) is “loss of the soul.” (Ironically, this should make you stronger) Our choices and reactions to those things we can’t control, can be either good or bad and will have a negative impact if we continue to make bad choices. For example, if you are an alcoholic, you probably shouldn’t be running a bar or own your own liquor store. I am not here to judge someone who does. It just begs the question; “Is this helping me in my life’s journey?” or “Am I missing something?”
When your soul is neglected, it doesn’t just go away. It appears symptomatically in obsessions, addictions, violence, and loss of meaning. That means we all should be working on our souls each and every day. (See the Daily 7 in recent remarks) Each one of us in America, has the freedom to live our own life. Unfortunately, many of us buy into our perceptions of how things should be. Not just with ourselves but with and FOR others. We choose to hate people because they don’t agree with us and end up hurting relationships. We might think we are merely “Correcting others” with our knowledge when we often end up playing the “FOOL.” That is cool at times but try wisdom instead. (I am still learning to keep my own mouth shut when I should be listening) That way you might find someone with their “Mask” off and willing to visit about what is REALLY important in this world. Yes, we have the responsibility to take care of our friends and family. But make sure you take care of yourself and love yourself FIRST before you try and help others, or your spirit (or lack thereof) will rub off on the ones you love the most. You can go through life feeling guilty about the mistakes you have made or you can “come clean” in working on your soul. (God has already forgiven you if you ask) You were made for more and it is up to you to realize this important fact. (Not fake news) Your friends and family (and God) are watching so make sure you are intentional in doing the right things for your soul.
Take some time to improve your wisdom by studying the Stoics and Philosophy. There are so many that have gone before us (context) that can help show you the secret to really KNOWING WHO you are. Your soul has to do with the DEPTH of who you are. (Your character rather than your reputation) By caring for your soul, you can find relief from your distress and discover deep satisfaction and pleasure in knowing that you are person of value. God loves you just the way you are and wants you to look deep inside to reveal that person who often hides from others daily because of self-doubt and low self-esteem.
Soul is revealed in your attachment to other people, communities, and your faith by how much love you show. (It might even show up on the dance floor with a freedom of movement) Listen to the song; “Soul Man.” Be a “Soul-Seeker” in life. Find yourself, Know yourself, Love yourself. Seek Wisdom, Self-Mastery, Courage, and Love. It will be the best journey you can take in your entire life.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day: “Begin to see yourself as a soul with a body rather than a body with a soul.” Wayne Dyer