MEDITATION

The Marvels of the Soul: Finding Joy in the Currents of Life

Let the currents of your heart lead you to that place of deep joy

Rumi captured this concept when he wrote:

“When you do things from your soul, the river itself moves through you. Freshness and a deep joy are signs of the current.”

Read it again slowly.

Spirit, align my actions to the depths of my soul.

What does that even mean? Let’s explore together how Rumi invites you and me to discover the exhilarating experience of living in harmony with your inner self and the currents that already exist.

When I read the part, “freshness and deep joy are signs of the current,” I was reminded of a scripture that God brought to my heart one day as I was struggling with feeling like I was in a rut.

“Do not remember the former things, Or ponder the things of the past. Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.”

— Isaiah 43:18–19

When God wants to do a new thing, God will do a new thing. Am I right?

So, I sat and pondered what new things God might be ready to do in my soul, my life, and my existence.

So much of what you battle in the world is what Suzy or Johnny is doing next door. The successes of others become something you “think” you also want and need.

And yet, in God’s economy, you were created to do something very specific. You were created with certain gifts and talents that are different than your friends, and most likely your family members.

And … it’s okay.

Because when you get to the point where you’re doing things innately from your soul, a river will move through you. It will be as if fresh water is moving through your soul and you will have deep joy. Some people refer to it as being in the zone.

Work doesn’t feel like work because you’re “doing” from a deep, unique flow of your soul. It becomes as unique as your fingerprint.

Think about how many writers there are on Medium. I write about spirituality. And someone else might too, but we don’t write with the same style, heart, and soul.

And so it is.

When the river moves through you

Take a moment to imagine a river flowing effortlessly through a landscape, carving a path with grace and purpose. When you align your actions with the call of your soul, you become like that river. And with each movement of that river, you align yourself with the world.

It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time because you’re carving a path (your niche) as you write each word and blog post, paint each painting, cook each new recipe, or create new coding.

How do you know when you’ve reached that point?

There are signposts. Let’s refer to two signposts: freshness and deep joy.

Freshness: When you follow your soul’s calling, each day feels like a new adventure. Everything seems new because you’re carving out a new path. You approach each turn and step with the eyes of a child. Your heart is open to wonder and curiosity.

The mundane holds a new space for the extraordinary, and you find inspiration in the ordinary.

Isn’t that amazing?!

Deep Joy: The joy rises from within you as you follow your soul’s current. It’s not a fleeting joy either. It’s a joy that says, “You’re going on a new road trip every dang day!”

What, what?

You are no longer focused on external accomplishments (I write that and groan just a little because I’m still a work in progress here). You have a deep sense of contentment that spreads through every iota of your being. And, that joy sustains you through challenges as it illuminates the path ahead.

How do you find that space?

Reflection Questions

• Spend some time in self-reflection. This might take some time, but let the time that you spend self-reflecting guide you in the process. Write down your passions, values, and dreams. What activities bring you a sense of fulfillment and joy? When you were a kid, what things brought a sense of delight?

Personal Story: At the age of 18 months, I was already showing my parents that I was going to be a veracious reader as I crawled to the encyclopedias on a regular basis. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I enjoyed pulling them off the shelf, listening to the book plop on the floor, opening up to a page, and seeing these shapes before me. The curiosity of those shapes kept me coming back for more.

• Where is your heart? What activities or things delight your heart? Your heart often knows what is right for you before your mind catches up. Trust that Inner Voice that emerges from your heart.
• Create space in your life for what truly matters to you. Eliminate the distractions that other things might take. Even if it means that you can only create space for an hour a week, do it. Over time, you never know how that commitment to an hour a week becomes 10 hours and then 20 hours. Have faith in showing up and allowing yourself the time to explore.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment. You might be drawn to painting, but what kind of painting would you like to do? Don’t box yourself in either. Yes, I’m an advocate for learning from others, but if at some point your heart is nudging you to say … mix watercolors with oil paints … don’t let the naysayers hold you back. Give it a try and see what happens.
• Make sure to listen to your support system. Share your journey with them. You never know whether one of your supporters knows someone who is doing just the thing you’re creating and that person might be willing to mentor you, or at least offer you some guidance over a cup of coffee.

Putting it into practice

Set aside time this week to be quiet and listen to your heart. What is it showing you? Are you tired? Where is that fatigue coming from?

The following week, take some time to explore what your heart revealed to you. For instance, if your heart is nudging you to try painting, go to a dollar store (or inexpensive art store) and buy just a few cheap brushes, paper and paints. Find a YouTube video or tutorial somewhere on the internet and explore.

Don’t be discouraged if your first time out doesn’t produce something that you might hang on your wall. This isn’t about being perfect. This is about exploring what your heart is showing you.

As you continue to explore, poke around on the internet and ask in your neighborhood if there are some classes that you can enroll in. You never know who you might meet in one of those classes or how that class might catapult you to the next level.

Go ahead. Unshackle those leashes and let your heart breathe.

May your soul be the compass that guides you through the currents of your life journey.

May you embrace the new things with a fresh new heart.

May you let the uniqueness of who you are rise up and shine, carrying you down the river that you are carving out for yourself.

May you know that you are loved because you matter. May your soul be refreshed

sdg © Nancy Blackman