Soul
Connections
“When
we consider the soul of relationship, unexpected factors come into
view. In its deepest nature, for example, the soul involves itself in
this world, both people and objects. It loves attachments of all
kinds—to places, ideas, times, historical figures and periods,
things, words, sounds, and settings—and if we are going to examine
relationship in the soul, we have to take into account the wide range
of its loves and inclinations.”
Thomas
Moore (Soul Mates)
I
love the notion that one's soul has attachments in the world. I know
the truth of it when it comes to place—certainly my own soul is
rooted in the mountains. I tolerate the terrain where I live because of
its hills, but flat landscapes are not my cup of tea, no matter where
they are. One of my sons walked into an Irish village and felt an
immediate sense of home; the other son would live in New Zealand if
he had the chance. My friend, Anna, is most herself in Italy,
especially Florence. Everything about it—the people, the food, the
pace of life—suits her soul. We know where our soul yearns to
be.
Styles
of clothing also speak to us. People my age will not give up their
jeans no matter what, but the style of clothing that truly appeals to
me is early Victorian, with long skirts, shawls, aprons, lace collars
and scarves in subtle colors. I have a book about Tasha Tudor, who
for decades wrote and illustrated books for children, and who created
a Victorian world for herself in New England. I take it down from
time to time to immerse myself in the lush clothing, the beautiful
gardens, and old-world lifestyle. I wonder what style of clothing
speaks to your soul and whether you find ways to wear it in spite of
current fashions.
Our
souls speak to us of many things through yearning. When we feel in
our bones that we need to spend time beside the ocean, or in the
desert or mountains, that is soul's direction. It tells us, “Go,
immerse yourself in me, and be replenished.” The particular energy of time and
place, of landscape and color, of rise and fall of fields or waves,
the sunsets or sunrises, the plants, the sounds, the music and rhythm
of life—speak to us our own truth, our natural self.
Close
your eyes and picture what your heart yearns for. You know it as well as you know your own breath, your own heartbeat. That's what
has soul for you.
In
the spirit,
Jane
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