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Soulful Living is
Living From The Inside Out
by Suzanne Zoglio, Ph.D. |
In reflecting on what it means to lead a soulful life, I
find my thoughts turning to the source of one’s
direction, expression, and choices. When we pursue
authentic desires, speak from the heart, and make
choices based on inner wisdom, I believe we are living
soulfully…from the inside out. When we chase after
"sensible" goals, say what we think others
want to hear, and make choices based on habit or fear,
we are living from the outside in…and suffer the
turmoil that comes from feeling out of step with our
core being.
To live soulfully is to - not blindly, but
courageously – follow our authentic desires,
developing our unique gifts and applying them for the
benefit of others, regardless of how many naysayers try
to convince us that we do not have what it takes to
"make it" or that our dreams are foolish, and
our goals unattainable. It is in such single-minded
pursuit of one’s innermost burning desires that we
find passion and direction and boundless energy. It is
also when we feel the exhilaration of expending effort
and yet feeling no fatigue, of investing hours that seem
to pass in moments, of working hard, yet feeling as
though we are at play. If we can trust our soul’s
desires, dare to dream our own dreams, and remain
resilient when damaging winds threaten to blow us off
course, we are finding our motivation from the inside
out.
Speaking from the heart, it seems to me, is also a
key element of soulful living, although it is not a
skill that we learn in school, see reinforced in the
workplace, or find encouraged in society. If we do not
speak truthfully, compassionately, and with wisdom, we
are not speaking from the inside out, and our lives will
not feel soulful. Instead, we will live in the shadow of
being found out, walk in the valley of regrets for
having wounded others, or find ourselves stuck in the
mud hanging on to what we know, but have failed to pass
on. To connect with others means a touching of hearts,
and that requires authentic communication, where we
bravely share what we know for sure, humbly let others
see us as we are, and lovingly embrace all beings
without judgment.
From my perspective, a third critical element of
soulful living is making choices based not on what
others might say, think, or do –or even on our own
fears - but instead on what feels right from the inside
out. Training yourself to turn up the quiet and tune in
to what’s right for all concerned at any given
crossroad is not always easy. Reacting out of fear is a
far more seductive path. We are afraid we might look
indecisive, be taken advantage of, or displease someone
we care about. So, we often make knee-jerk reactions and
then live with a decision that feels out of synch with
our highest self. The more we stop to meditate, reflect,
pray, or contemplate –even if only briefly- before
choosing our actions, the more we are likely to live a
soulful life.
To me, soulful living is when we base our direction
on our soul’s desire, connect with others by way of
the heart, and choose our actions in light of our inner
wisdom.
© Copyright 2002 Suzanne Zoglio, Ph.D. All Rights
Reserved.
Suzanne Zoglio, Ph.D.
consults with individuals and work teams and is a
motivational speaker. She is the author of Create A
Life That Tickles Your Soul: Finding Peace, Passion and
Purpose and Recharge In Minutes: 101 Quick-Lift
Ideas For Less Stress And More Success (June, 2003).
Website: www.tickleyoursoul.com.
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