How is your soul? For most of us, that question is equated to whether you have a personal relationship with Christ. Having grown up in the church all these years, that was a common thought. Is your soul ready?
Although that is the ultimate question that needs to be asked, today, I would like to pose the question from another point of view. How is your soul today? What is it filled with? You may have seen the post going around of the coffee cup. Someone bumps into you and coffee spills out. Why? Because coffee was in the cup. Deep, I know. I guess the question I want to ask today is, “What is in your cup? What is in your soul”
When life gets tough, what spills over? Joy, gratefulness, peace, humility or anger, bitterness, harsh words and reactions? Life provides the cup, WE choose how to fill it.
Just as there are nourishing practices for the soul, there are also factors that can be detrimental to its well-being. Here are some things that are often considered toxic to the soul:
- Negative Relationships: Toxic relationships characterized by manipulation, abuse, or constant negativity can drain the soul and hinder personal growth.
- Unresolved Trauma: Ignoring or suppressing past traumas can weigh heavily on the soul, leading to emotional distress and hindering healing and growth.
- Self-Doubt and Negative Self-Talk: Constant self-criticism and doubts can erode self-esteem and diminish one’s sense of worth, creating inner turmoil and hindering personal development.
- Lack of Purpose: Feeling aimless or lacking a sense of purpose can leave the soul feeling unfulfilled and stagnant, leading to feelings of emptiness and disillusionment.
- Unhealthy Habits: Substance abuse, overconsumption of alcohol, poor dietary habits, and lack of exercise can negatively impact both physical and spiritual well-being, leaving the soul feeling depleted and unbalanced.
- Lack of Boundaries: Failing to establish and maintain healthy boundaries in relationships can lead to feelings of resentment, exhaustion, and a loss of self-identity.
- Gossip and Negativity: Engaging in gossip, spreading rumors, or dwelling on negative thoughts can poison the mind and spirit, leading to increased stress and a sense of moral discomfort.
- Isolation: Cutting oneself off from meaningful social connections and experiences can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from others, hindering the soul’s ability to thrive.
- Unforgiveness: Holding onto grudges and resentment can weigh heavily on the soul, hindering inner peace and preventing emotional healing and growth.
Recognizing and addressing these toxic influences can be crucial for nurturing the soul. Here are some benefits to taking care of your soul.
*Inner Peace
*Stress Reduction
*Emotional Healing
*Increased Resilience
*Healthier relationships
*Improved mental health
*Greater clarity, focus, and purpose
*Personal Growth
What can you do about your cup? Your soul? Next time you are bumped by life, see what spills over.