Feed Thy Soul

Adapted from Mindful Moments for Stressful Days, by Tzivia Gover (Storey Books, 2002).

If of thy mortal good thou art bereft
And of thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one, and with the dole
Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.
–Saadi

Most of us make a list every week of what we need to fill our pantry. How about making a weekly grocery list for your soul as well?

This simple, delightful how-to gives fresh energy and focus to our body-mind-spirit connection. It’s so easy, and so much fun! Making a Grocery List for your soul is a great first step toward honoring the needs of your inner self. Prepare to be more nourished and satisfied with your life: here are the easy directions.

First, give some real time and thought to the activities or things you need in order to continue nourishing a conscious lifestyle.

Now make a “shopping list” of the things you love, the things your heart and soul need. A morning set aside to garden? An hour alone? A long, hot bath? A half-hour to read poetry? A massage? Fresh flowers in your bedroom? A visit to your spiritual home, be it a church, synagogue, or spot in nature that inspires awe in you? A simple meal and heart-to-heart with a close friend? A trip to a museum or art gallery? A long walk in the woods?

Make a commitment to your inner self to take time every week for at least one of these things. It is important to feed the Spirit no less than the body: help yours feel full.