So how do we best begin to listen for, and respond to, something that can be as subtle and elusive as the Call of our own Soul? I have two suggestions:
The first is to create a regular, private time and space in your life so that you are able to give your attention to the whispers of your own heart. It may be a daily practice, such as walking, writing, movement or meditation. It may be a simple, personal ritual, to help you to express what is most important to you in your life. Or it may be time set aside to stop, just do nothing, and see what arises. Whatever it is that helps you to heed and nourish your soul and spirit - this is what needs to be done.
The second suggestion is to seek out, and spend quality time with your Soul Allies - those people in your life that believe in you, and what you have to offer the world. A Soul Ally may be a friend, a mentor, a coach, a teacher, or a therapist - whoever it is that accepts, understands, and appreciates you as you are. You are not diminished by contact with your Soul Allies. Instead, you gain a sense of perspective, your spirit is strengthened, and your heart expands - maybe not every time, but enough to steer to the deep.
In time, practices and allies may change. This has definitely been the case for me. Over the years I have followed paths such as Buddhism, Shamanism, Ecstatic Dance, Tantra, Psychotherapy and the Creative Arts. Each time I thought that I had finally found safe ground, only to have that ground dissolve beneath my feet. Through each of these painful lessons, I learnt again and again that "the practice above all practices is to relinquish the immature desire to be taken care of in false belonging and to parent our own originality.”* I learnt again and again to listen to the Call of the Soul.
*Quote from ‘Belonging’ by Toko-Pa Turner
