55. The Soul
A warm welcome back to all staff returning after the school holidays. We hope the break provided nourishment for the body, the mind, and for the soul, which is the focus of this edition. The Soul will move back into its fortnightly rhythm, supporting spiritual communion and the health and wellbeing of our staff as we return to face-to-face teaching.
May we all be energised for the work ahead, knowing that we have a loving Father who is always by our side.
Terry Hershey, a regular presenter at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, tells the following story.
An American traveller planned a long safari to Africa. He was a compulsive man, loaded down with maps, timetables and agendas. Porters had been engaged from a local tribe to carry the cumbersome load of supplies, luggage and “essential stuff.”
On the first morning, they all woke very early and travelled very fast and went very far. On the second morning, they all woke very early and travelled very fast and went very far. On the third morning, they all woke very early and travelled very fast and went very far. And the American seemed pleased. On the fourth morning, the tribesmen refused to move. They simply sat by a tree. The American became incensed. “This is a waste of valuable time. Can someone tell me what is going on here?”
The translator answered, “They are waiting for their souls to catch up.”
Richard Rohr wrote, "I think of soul as anything’s ultimate meaning which is held within. Soul is the blueprint inside of every living thing that tells it what it is and what it can become. When we meet anything at that level, we will respect, protect and love it."
We cannot connect with our soul if we don’t make time for it. How often do we rush ahead thinking of the next task to tick off our to-do list, the next milestone to achieve or the next event to plan? And do we sit with any of the things we achieve at the soul level or are we onto the next thing straight away?
What if instead we took advice from the locals in the story and we slowed down and let our souls catch up.
Allowing our souls to catch up requires deep inner listening and quiet still awareness, what we are coming to understand as dadirri. Dr Miriam Rose adds to this. She recently said “We cannot hurry the river. We have to move with its current and understand its ways.”
Imagine if we took the time to listen to our soul, move with its current and understand its ways? We might just begin to understand the beauty and the gift that lies deep within us.
A big thank you to all who joined Wildfire last term at their first ever Virtual Release Party, to celebrate their new single, Into Your Arms. If you haven’t heard it yet, make sure to listen to it on Spotify and Apple Music. Here is the official music video of the new single, featuring Emmanuel Worship.
When Jesus Say Yes (Michelle Williams Ft. Beyonce & Kelly Rowland) - In a prayer of thanksgiving, sometimes your Soul just needs to dance like David danced.
Keep Praying (Maverick City Music) - Your prayer today is a seed for tomorrow.
Oh My Soul (Rebekah Dawn Ft. Mary Monari) - As we meditate on our Soul this week, may we begin to doubt our doubts and question our questions, moving towards a place of hope and trust in God.
Restless (Audrey Assad) - An invitation to slow down the pace and place all our burdens and restlessness in God, the keeper of our hearts.
- Fit for Work - This latest video from Anthony Thompson (CSO Injury Management Coordinator ) includes a full body de-stress mobility session and six dynamic mobility exercises you can do at home to unwind, stretch and de-stress.
- This Meditation in Time of Pandemic has been prepared by Mary Wickham, an Australian Sister of Mercy renowned for her poetry and retreats in the Celtic tradition. Rest in God’s presence using this beautiful 20-minute meditation with words, images and music.
- Should you nap during the day? Naps are beneficial for our health and wellbeing. Learn about napping and take some time on the weekends to practice.
- Emily P. Freeman, author and host of The Next Right Thing podcast states that the hope in each of her episodes is ‘to create a little more space for your soul to breathe, so that you can discern your next right thing, in love.’ Listen to this short 15-minute episode (Become a Soul Minimalist) where Emily encourages us to take time to declutter our souls much like we would our homes.
- Have you ever been on a prayer walk? Download the Pray As You Go app or listen to Walking with God, a prayer walk, via SoundCloud. Try a new way to enjoy your walks by paying attention both to the world around you and to what you are holding onto.
All staff in Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Lismore receive The Soul by email. The link in these emails can be forwarded and shared with family and friends. Alternatively, use this form to subscribe as an additional reader to The Soul mailing list.