Do you know who you are? Deep down inside. Some people call it the soul, some call it your heart of hearts, and others call it your true self or even your passion. You know when you are doing things from your soul because you are happier, more content. It feels right.
When you do things from your soul,
– Rumi
you feel a river moving in you.
A joy.
You have made choices that put you where you are today. Are you doing things from your soul? Not necessarily your day job—sometimes you a job is what you must do. That’s okay as long as you find a way to do what you are meant to do.
From Your Soul
Doing things from your soul means that you make decisions from a place that feeds or supports your soul, that makes that river of joy move inside you. Your passion or heart project fills a void that makes you complete.
Do you know what those things are? The things that move you, that bring you joy?
For some people, it’s one of the arts. Music, illustrating, sculpting, writing. Other people find that joy in gardening or running a race or riding a dirt bike.
Often, those soul projects—those activities that come from our soul—become a job. When we compete with others or allow obligations to override our soul projects, we rob ourselves of the joy. If that happens take time to reflect on what it was that spoke to you before.
Sometimes we’ve experienced what we needed or learned what we needed and it’s time to move on. It’s okay to change your path. Make certain the next path you choose is one whose river brings you joy.
Reclaim Your Joy
If you’ve lost your joy, can you get it back? It may take some work but you can.
1. Reconnect with yourself. Here are suggestions on ways to reconnect:
- Journaling.
- Solitude.
- Physical work.
- Time spent in nature.
- Prayer.
- Meditation.
- Reading—whatever speaks to you.
- Exercise.
2. Reconnect with the project.
- Journaling.
- Take a class.
- Go back to basics, to the thing that first brought you joy.
- Take a class.
3. Take a break.
- Go on a retreat.
- Put aside the things that are frustrating or difficult.
- Visit a museum or zoo or garden.
- Attend a concert or art show or race.
- Play–give yourself permission to do something because it’s fun.
4. Change up your routine.
- Alter your schedule.
- Try working from a different location.
- Meditate before or after you spend time on your project.
- Add a new bit to your routine—burn incense or a candle, or exercise beforehand or repeat a mantra or poem that inspires you.
Find Joy
Don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t found your passion, your soul’s work. Those steps above? The steps to reclaim your joy—they will also help you find your joy. Take the time to explore what you passions are. If you know your passions–do them from your soul.
You’ll know when you do things from your soul. Time and frustrations melt away. You’ll feel that river of joy.