Soulful
Gifting
“A
truly good book teaches me better than to read. I must soon lay it
down, and commence living on its hint. What I began by reading, I
must finish by acting.”
Henry
David Thoreau
If
you're last-minute gift shopping today, there's nothing better to
give than a book. For spiritual seekers, a daily infusion of soul is
necessary for staying on the path. It is my particular spiritual
practice to rise early in the morning, read something inspirational,
and then write what comes to me. I don't have an extensive library,
but it's large enough to give me a cross-section of information.
Some of my favorites are the ones you've seen quoted over and over
this year—The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo; Simple
Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach;
Care of the Soul by Thomas Moore; An Altar in the World by
Barbara Brown Taylor; How Then Shall We Live by Wayne Muller,
and if you're really ready for a challenge, The Untethered Soul
by Michael A. Singer. There are so many more, but any one of these is
a good starting place in terms of fodder for the spiritual life.
Solitude
is part of soulful living. Setting aside some uninterrupted time
for reading and reflection is, in my opinion, essential. Like all
other worthy pursuits, developing and deepening one's connection to
Spirit, takes time and dedication. Whether you go within by means of
reading, reflection, meditation, or prayer, a daily dose of inner
solitude will reap benefits far beyond the time invested. If you can
manage this early in the morning, it sets the course for the day. If
you prefer nighttime, it will inform your dream-life. Either way is
beneficial.
In
the wind-down to Christmas, I hope for each of you a happy and blessed
season of light. May all your occasions be unhurried and
heartwarming, and all your presents be gifts with soul.
In
the Spirit,
Jane
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