Feed Thy Soul
March 23, 2010 by susan
Filed under Earth Element
If thou of fortune be bereft, And in thy store there be but left,
Two loaves, sell one, and with the dole,
Buy Hyacinths to feed thy soul
~Muslih-uddin Sadi
I heard this poem recited on the radio recently and I knew immediately I had to share it with you. This poem speaks to the pleasures of the soul; an experience through the senses. Have you ever smelled a hyacinth? If not, find one, get down on bended knee and take in the heavenly fragrance. You may find your eyes closing to block out all other senses, as you breathe in the intoxicating perfume. Other flowers that can have this same effect are gardenias, lily of the valley, and lilacs. Their scent reaches deep beneath the flesh and into the cavern that holds the soul.
We rely on our senses to give us information about the world around us, but they are much more. The soul loves experiencing through the senses and it’s usually simple things that bring the most pleasure. Consider all the senses and what feeds your soul. If you follow along and create a list, you’ll have a plan for simple pleasures you can afford to give yourself. Here are some purposeful ponderings to get you started;
- What sounds do you love listening to? What feels soothing, energizing, joyful, playful? Think nature, human voice, instruments, technology.
- What are your favorite tastes? What tastes bring back fond memories? What tastes stop you in your tracks to savor the moment?
- What are you favorite colors? What activities do you enjoy watching? What kind of art do you admire? What do you gravitate toward in nature?
- What element feels good against your skin, ie; water, air, warmth, earth? What is your favorite fabric?
- What smells bring back happy memories or feel homey to you? What scents do you favor?
Your senses can direct you to simple ways to feed your soul. Your soul does not make requests for expensive, extravagent, material objects. That’s the ego’s role. The soul experiences. I’d love to hear the way your soul speaks to you through your senses and I hope you’ll indulge your soul in some simple pleasures. Remember to; 