Opus Day 24: Create a Soulful Lifestyle

[Barque]

"A soulful life is one of thoughtfulness, care and engagement -- you are present in everything you do, not just going through the motions. You give attention to the things that matter most. You take care of your body and your health. You make your home a place of comfort, welcome, and beauty. You educate yourself throughout your life in values and solid ideas. Your leisure time relaxes you, gives you a rich social life, and provides fun and play. Your spirituality is deep as well as visionary, and you incorporate contemplation, discussion, ritual, and prayer into everyday life, and you do all of this in a style that suits you as an individual.

From the matrix of a rich and thoughtful life, your life work emerges over time and you find ways to make it practical and workable. If you have a soulful life and home, you probably will not enjoy or tolerate a soulless workplace. You will want your career to match your sense of self - your values, your hopes, your style, and your deep needs. By style I mean the manner in which you do things, your own way of seeing things, getting things done, and designing your life.”

Today’s Work: Throughout the day, be thoughtful, caring and engaged in all you do. Discern your style.

Share your responses with Barque readers, by replying to this discussion.

[Julianne]

There's an idea that 'by this point in my life' I should have all of these aspects of my life worked out. But the balancing act is still in process. It seems at times I've had some of these parts of my life in balance while others weren't. But, as I said in another entry, life--for me at least--has a way of balancing things out. In New York I had a lovely home and friends. And although I was trying to do the work I wanted to do, I was pushing too hard and it was all a struggle. Now I'm in Italy, staying with a friend. She has a lovely apartment but it's not mine. And I know few people well. But the work situation is more balanced and life is generally less stressful. I don't know where I'll be in the future, but trust that somehow the balancing process will continue to evolve. My spiritual practices, along with my creative work, are always present.

[Julianne]

And most importantly, my soul urged me to come to this place of incredible ancient beauty, Venice. I think the soul gently pushes us to make the changes in our lives that most benefit our growth.

[Ann]

Julianne,

I would love to hear more about how you managed to take such a risk. You had a lovely home and friends and yet you found a way to leave. This is one of the biggest struggles my husband and I in right now. I desperately want to move out of suburbia where we've been for 24 years. I want to move to the east coast, have an adventure, take our little apple cart and complely upset it. I feel so "done" with this life, which was great for the childrearing period but has virtually nothing to offer in the next phase of life.

We both are very careful and practical people. The reasons NOT to make big changes are many and the reasons to do this are very small: Basically, I really want to.

So....how did you do it? How did you mentally work your way into thinking this is the right thing.

Ann

[Julianne]

Dear Ann,

A lot of different aspects of my life kind of came together and pushed me into making this move. First of all, let me say that I didn't give up my NY apartment altogether, yet. I have sublet it. So the move isn't necessarily final. That might be an option for you, too. I had been coming to Venice for years, and my work has to do with Italy--writing and photography. In a way, I had to force my mind to imagine myself here. A big part of me didn't want to leave my apartment or New York. I still think about going back. Basically, my subconscious wanted to be here, and my conscious mind was clinging to my life there. At this moment the opportunities for me are greater here than there. The scales tipped and here I am.