Category Archives: Soul

“The stuff that wears on your nerves polishes the soul.”

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“The stuff that wears on your nerves polishes the soul.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by AbsolutVision

I remember, as a very young boy, my mom polishing silverware that was handed down from her mother. With actual polish and a bit of elbow grease she made it sparkle for special occasions such as family celebrations and holidays.

Over months and sometimes years of lack of use, it became increasingly tarnished.

How have our souls become tarnished through recent events?

EXERCISE:

Where and how can you and those around you use the many aspects of our society that are getting on your nerves as polish to create a brighter and more soulful future?

 

“We don’t find soul mates like some shell on the beach. We become them.”

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“We don’t find soul mates like some shell on the beach. We become them.”

Gretchen Rubin, American author/blogger

Image from Unsplash by Olga Latiy

Are you a fan of reality TV shows like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette?

These shows, and dozens more, are artificially forced scenarios in which men and women are placed together with the hope—and the desire of their viewers—of finding true love and living happily ever after.

Despite the exotic locations, extravagant dating scenarios, and roller-coasters of passion, the vast majority of these couples do not succeed. The percentages are even lower than the 50% divorce rate often described in general conversation and the media.

EXERCISE:

To what degree are you doing your part to give 100% to your relationship, in order to become the soulmates you desire?

Consider studying and practicing the work of John Grey – Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus, or The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, for steps to take to realize the more soulful relationships you desire.

A Recipe Has No Soul

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“A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook must bring soul to the recipe.”

—Thomas Keller, American chef, restauranteur, and cookbook author

Image of a vegetable pizza

Image from Unsplash by Edgar Castrejon

On a recent vacation, Wendy and I decided to visit one of the cruise ship’s specialty restaurants, where they up-charge for the higher level cuisine.

One of the specialty appetizers was home-made pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven. As a vegan, I was looking forward to the chef creating something extra special. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in that all they did was put a bunch of raw, unseasoned vegetables on a piece of dough and baked it. It had virtually no flavor, and certainly no soul.

EXERCISE:

What special ingredients and soulful spices can and will you bring to life’s recipes to delight yourself and those in your various communities?

The soul is placed in the body

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“The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond and must be polished or the luster of it will never appear.”

—Daniel DaFoe, 17th Century British author of Robinson Crusoe

Scene at a gym

Image from Unsplash by Victor Freitas

Do you exercise on a regular basis? If so, you are probably very familiar with push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and other activities that help maintain and develop greater fitness and vitality.

Consider the concept of a “soul-up,” in which you engage in daily mental, emotional, and spiritual activities. To do so would bring out even more of your inner brilliance, letting it shine throughout your personal and professional communities.

EXERCISE:

Imagine entering a “soul-lustering” boot camp over the next 12 weeks. What drills, exercises, and other activities would your inner drill sergeant take you through to be more soulful, healthy and fit, fully ready to take on each and every new day?

The Biography of Souls

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“Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls.”

—David Thomas, President of Morehouse College

Image of an open book

Image from Flickr by Imanka

About 20 years ago I attended a year-long program called The Wisdom Course. One of our primary assignments was to write our autobiography. We were to include photographs from every age, if available, and document important people and life events from each year. This was done through our own recollection, as well as interviews with many of the people we identified.

I found it fascinating to see the impact I made on the people in my life, and the impact they had on my growth and development. Of particular interest was where and how I began developing my core values, personality, and character.

The most notable observation was that the unselfish and noble actions – my own and those of others – were the most memorable and enduring.

EXERCISE:

Consider doing your own biographical life review. Make particular note of the noble and unselfish actions taken by yourself and others along the way. How have these events shaped you to be the person you are today?

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.

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“Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.”

⏤Lao Tzu, Ancient Chinese Philosopher

Image of musical notation against splashes of color

Image from os-ivanovec.skole.hr

If you were a musical instrument, which one would you be? If nothing comes to mind immediately, consider your favorite artist to see what instruments get your toes tapping, body moving, or has you singing along.

Consider your values, beliefs, and most cherished qualities and abilities as aspects of your soul. How often and how loudly do you express these in your personal and professional worlds?

EXERCISE:

How and in what ways can you more fully broadcast your own soulful music throughout the universe?

“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.”

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“The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.”

– Ferdinand Foch, French soldier and writer

503Image from Flickr by mattewvenn.

When I first read this quote, I wanted to dismiss it immediately. I’m a pretty peaceful person and I’m not a fan of weapons. So with some editorial privilege I’ve given myself, I’d like to change the word “weapon” to “force” or even “resource”.

One of the most attractive things about being a coach is that I get to express and tap into the passionate fires within myself and others and help mobilize them in the world to produce positive personal and professional results.

Exercise:

How can you add an extra log or two to your flame (and others’ flames) to have them burn even brighter?