A healthy and vital spirituality defines who we are and helps us to grow and develop along the way of faith. The way we express our spirituality should be a support and a consolation to us; it should also afford enough challenge to keep us moving forward and to help us avoid complacence.
—A Faith Interrupted by Alice L. Camille and Joel Schorn
The crucial thing to understand is that faith needs to be nurtured. No matter where I am in relation to the official Church, or to my local congregation, I must take responsibility for my interior, true self. Ultimately, I must grapple with the God Who Is and how I will relate to God. No one else can do this nurturing for me, and no one else is to blame when I neglect it.
How do we nurture the human soul, made by God, designed to be in communion with the Divine Life? Well, don’t ignore those practices that have nurtured souls for centuries and millennia. Sacraments, all types of prayer, spiritual retreat, and pilgrimage—even if no farther than the Stations of the Cross in a local church—have been helping souls all along, through various cultures and situations. Sometimes we are greatly helped by spiritual companionship in the form of a spiritual director or prayer partner. There’s reading that focuses on the soul—Scriptures, works of saints and artists, poetry that lifts us out of ourselves. Don’t neglect silence and simple, mindful breathing. Listen for God’s voice, and don’t be surprised where it comes from.
How do you care for your soul?
Photo by Eren Li on Pexels.
Just the words needed. As today’s nourishment for the spirit, I plan to ‘retreat’ to the indoors to weather a deadly heat wave. I will devote myself to the “someday” list, quietly and with attention. And nap. Napping is restorative to the soul. If this is not in scriptures, it should be.
I just want to tell you that I am using your book Small, Simple Ways each morning. I love it! Thank you so much.
Thank you Vinita for your inspiring article. Perfect suggestions as we start Summer. Betty
I have loved, Small Simple Ways, For years. Sending virtual hugs.