Nourish the Well - Nourish the Soul
Deep within me is a Well. Some call it the Soul. Essence. True Being. Spirit. Vital Force.
Whichever descriptive we choose - it exists. And it needs to be cared for. What goes into the well reflects what comes out. Our individual wells must be cleaned, maintained, and replenished frequently. We can then give from our well to help others.
"There is a candle in your heart, ready to be kindled.
There is a void in your soul, ready to be filled.
You feel it, don't you?" - Rumi
My transition into the New Year began with a trip from West to East coast, landing in Dahlonega, Georgia. I had the fortune of attending a Women's Retreat, sponsored by Soul Nourish and Form Yoga. These days allowed me to nourish my well with these guiding lessons:
Treat Well: Indulge
In measured quantities, we deserve to satisfy our cravings and treat ourselves!
Let yourself indulge in the pleasures of life.
Eat the chocolate cake.
Have a second helping of the eggplant lasagna.
Buy flowers for your home.
Spritz yourself with aromatic essential oils.
Keep Well: Keep Good Company
We are tribal creatures. We need each other for survival. Keep a list of your good company, the people you can count on to maintain positivity and help you through life's storms.
Listen with full attention.
Look into their eyes with compassion.
Share stories.
Reach out and hold each other's hands.
Laugh until your ribs hurt and you cannot breathe.
Rest Well: Do Nothing - Yes, Nothing At All
During the retreat, we had one afternoon with no activities. My active mind immediately made a to do list: journal, meditate, hike, Instagram and Snapchat. Instead, I laid on my bed and took a cat nap. No phone. No conversation. No mantra or breathing exercises. I simply closed my eyes, and gave my mind and body the best medicine it needed: rest.
When I opened my eyes, I felt awake.
And so I intend to do nothing every day - even if only for five minutes. Small doses of detox can significantly help to reset your system to a calmer state.
