Wherever you stand
Be the soul of that place.
-Rumi
On Saturday, I am returning to a place imbued with a great deal of soul for me. It is a place where my soul feels at home. Having traveled there over 20 times in the past, I've not been back in eight years, and am returning now in response to a longing of my soul to reconnect with this land and its people.
That I should feel so at home in this place is a bit of a shock to me. It could not be more foreign to my Western sensibilities. For most of my adult life, this place, now called The Russian Federation, was known as The Soviet Union. Americans were taught it was the home of the "evil empire," a mortal threat to motherhood, apple pie and the our way of life.
In theory at least, this place seemed like an unlikely candidate for a soul connection. Yet there it was, a confront to all I had expected to find. The Russian people and their culture housed a soulfulness that fed me in ways I didn't even know I was hungry for.
Something about Russia touches me in ways for which I struggle to find words. Perhaps it helps me recognize a deeper truth about myself that transcends logic and explanation.
I cannot explain the tears that flow at the sight of old Russian women sweeping the sidewalks or witnessing the "Babushkas" mopping the floors of the Orthodox churches.
I cannot explain my facility with its language, even though I speak and understand only a few utilitarian words. Riding in the back seat of taxis, like a first grader just learning to read, I'm obsessed with sounding out the letters on shop signs, compelled to read everything I encounter.
I instruct my students to write their name tags in Russian instead of English so I can practice reading. I learn enough Russian to correct my interpreter when I know she's given my words a different meaning than the one I intended. I even manage to mimic a decent Russian accent. I have a good ear that way.
I am consumed with the sounds of this country where my soul feels so at home. Its music brings me to my knees. The Russian song, "Joy", радость, flattens me to the ground every time I hear it. Even though I don't understand the words, the music stirs something in me. Some ancient longing is activated. I have no explanation.
As I witness the Russian people slowly emerging from decades of oppression, my own soul feels newly liberated. This is what a soul place will do. It opens something you never even knew was closed. Like stumbling upon a new room in a mansion you've been living in your entire life, a soul place embraces and amplifies an inner longing, long ignored.
In the face of such newness, in a soul place, you're met with a sense of familiarity. The outer terrain synchs up with an interior landscape that has been waiting to be met. Something clicks, a piece falls into place.
The house I live in is such a place. Having moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to be near my daughters -- definitely a soul calling -- I spent several months searching for a place to live. Nothing was quite "it," until I saw a photo of what would become my home on the internet. I was half a world away, working in Taiwan at the time, while scouring the internet for properties in the Bay Area.
Something about the photo beckoned me to take a closer look. From half way around the world, I could feel an inner "yes," even before stepping one foot on the property. The minute I stepped inside, I knew I'd found my home.
Having wandered in my own personal desert for awhile, I knew at that moment, I'd found the place I would live in for the rest of my life. The still, small voice within whispered, "You're home. You can rest now." And so it is. My home has indeed been a sanctuary for my soul. Even though I have taken a very circuitous route to get here, the gypsy in me is finally at peace. She has come home.
"How long the road is. But how I've needed every turn of the road in order to learn what the road passes by."
-Dag Hammarskjold
A soul place can be anywhere. It needn't be in a far off exotic land, although there are many such places in the world considered to be sacred, soul places. Your soul place might be in your own garden or a neighborhood park. It might be an island or a city, a special restaurant, or by a pond.
A soul place is anywhere you feel a greater sense of harmony and ease. There might be many such soulful places on the planet that inspire you, and open you to a new sense of freedom and joy.
Pay attention to the places where, in spite of whatever level of activity is going on around you, you feel rested. In a soul place, you can breathe more deeply, set down your burdens, let go of cares and concerns that occupy the mind.
When you come to a soul place, it's like being put on an oxygen tank, even your bones can breathe. Because your soul is responding at a level that doesn't involve the mind, all the tight and contracted places that have been "waiting to exhale" finally do. It's like taking off a pair of tight shoes, or loosening your tie.
When the needs of the soul are ignored, life begins to feel like a desert. We find ourselves feeling parched and dry, thirsting for something we can't quite name. A soul place is a drink of water for the thirsty soul.
We take vacations to such kind of places, hoping to "get away from it all". While the conscious mind might not know it, what we're really searching for is a way to get closer to ourselves.
In a soul place, we come to know ourselves in a new way, even if we only spend 15 minutes sitting on a bench in a neighborhood park. New sensory pathways are opened. We allow more of what nurtures to flow in and what constricts to flow out.
Along the way, I have come across many places in the world and right in my own backyard where my soul is invited to expand. While visiting India almost 15 years ago, I was asked to be a witness at the wedding of two women I didn't know under a full moon on the grounds of the Taj Mahal. How much more soulful can it get?
Well, it turns out plenty. On that same trip, a friend and I were invited to the home of a Muslim pedi-cab driver, who'd been our guide during our stay in Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. One evening, he picked us up in a motorized pedi-cab, unlike the bicycle one he used to ferry tourists like around during the day. He drove us to his simple home outside town, where his wife was preparing a typical Indian meal, prepared in the outside oven using dung patties as fuel for cooking.
We met his family, and learned of their customs firsthand when his wife abruptly backed out of the room, head down, when his elderly father entered. According to Muslim custom, we were told, women are not allowed to be in the same room as any man who is not their husband, son or brother.
This simple, humble, uneducated man, who lived in a small house with dirt floors, opened his home and his family to a couple of strangers -- American women yet -- and offered us what little he had. The evening lasted only a few hours, yet the experience has stayed with me for nearly 15 years. My soul was marked by this experience. The very next month, I would visit Russia for the first time and be received in the homes and lives of the Russian people in the same, yet uniquely Russian way.
Some soul places are intimate and very personal, sometimes captured in tiny moments. We get a glimpse of something transcendent and the place where those moments occur are indelibly marked on our souls. The hospice rooms where my mother and my ex-husband took their last breaths are such places for me. In those rooms, my heart and soul were cracked open and the bitter sweetness of loss and liberation were present at the moment of their deaths.
The exquisite art gallery, scene of my daughter's wedding last fall, was another soul filled place for me. Walking her down the aisle, two years after the death of her father, I felt his soul, his joy, walking in step with mine.
Walking the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, the burning ghats of Varanasi,
scattering a friend's ashes at Independence Pass, near Aspen, Colorado, all places and moments that invite my soul to expand and see something beyond what the mortal eye can behold.
And the newest addition to my list of soulful places: the Heart and Soul Center of Light, a Science of Mind (United Centers For Spiritual Living) church in Oakland, CA., with the incredible Reverend Andriette Earl as its minister. I've never been a "religious" person. Spiritual, yes, religious, no. But on a "soul scale" of 1-10, this place and this woman are a 20! If you are ever in Oakland on a Wednesday night or a Sunday morning, be sure to look this one up. This is not to be missed.
Just naming these few places, I'm filled with gratitude for a life lived with generous doses of soul. Perhaps this is why I'm compelled to be writing on this subject. The soulful nature of life is where the richness lies. I hope you won't miss it in yours.
In your journey to nurture your soul, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. The soul's garden beckons us to dig in, dig deep, and plant new seeds of creativity. As the garden grows, tending it becomes the journey of a lifetime, one that will take you far and wide to places where your soul feels fed.
What are your soul places? I'd love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below or come pay a visit to another soulful place, my personal blog and website at Rx For The Soul.
I'll be in Russia for the next two weeks, no doubt gathering new material for our discussion. See you at the end of June, when we'll also be launching our second group coaching boot camp on June 29. Learn more here.
For personal contact, I can be reached at judith[at]judithrichdotcom.
Happy travels and blessings on the path!
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When I was in my early twenties, I was able to go to Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. I went to the Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban, sat down on top of a pyramid, and said, "I'm home." My ancestry is primarily Celtic, with a dash of early New England American Indian... some pre-Revolutionary maternal ancestor who took an Indian bride. Not much more connection to the proud Zapotec people than you have to the Russians, but it was instant! I lived there a year, and to this day, "¡Soy Oaxaceña!" ("I'm a Oaxacan.")
(By the way, Oaxaca is pronounced wah-HA-caw and Oaxaceña is wah-ha-CAY-nya.)
I've never been back, alas, although some day I hope to get there. Meanwhile, the land we own also called to me at once, and we've now owned these four desert acres for over a quarter of a century. One of the many mesquites is my particular spot.
I love the song "Vienna Waits for You," and would love to see Vienna. But for me, I know Oaxaca waits. Meanwhile I have my guardian mesquite. Some may call me silly, but it works for me.
Never having had a chance to travel, I find my strangely strong connection with Japan and Venice, inexplicable. I'm neither Italian nor Asian, yet they seem to be places in my consciousness far and apart from just interesting locations. I'm a Nipponophile, and Venice fills me with such a sense of longing to be there.
Are such things possible? My family were as far away from any interest or connection to these places as anyone could be. Yet I did make a real effort to learn some of the Japanese arts and crafts. Venice continues to haunt me whenever it appears almost anywhere, movies, photos, videos, architectural features. The gondolas seem to beckon to me as they float on the canals. Does your I-ness somehow know these are your world connections? Why these?
How does your I-ness recognize your "places"? What about certain people you connect to, with or without romance? I think that might also be an interesting subject to pursue. Why are some people in your thoughts all your life? I'm not talking of relatives or current friends. Why do you always have a deep connection to certain people, when you can't even remember someone else's name? More food for thought? To be continued...perhaps...
That line makes me smile..... :-)
In response to your questions.... wish I could give a definitive answer, but I think some things just lie in the realm of the "mystery" and our minds will never know the answer to "why".
You ask some pretty interesting questions. A "believer" might point to faith in some kind of higher power, past life connections, karma and the like. Definitely food for thought and worthy of more discussion. Soul mates? Soul Friendships? What's an atheist to make of that?
I'm glad to see you back here and I appreciate the questions you raise. I"m sure many others can relate to what you share.....
Best to you,
Judith
I once got into an argument with a person who was passing out Christian tracts, because I refused to take it. I wasn't nasty, I just let them know I wasn't interested. He went into a tirade about Jesus, the bible, etc., you know the drill. I told him, if I were to accept any philosophy, it would probably be Buddhism. I didn't go into details, but Buddhism has no godhead and therefore, would not conflict with atheism. However, Buddhism also has a lot of "I don't knows" in it.
We know we can connect with anyplace or anyone through modern technologies. Since there are no absolutes about it, who can say that there isn't a similar way humans can somehow connect to each other or to a certain place? I can only repeat "I DON"T KNOW". I do feel however that it has absolutely nothing to do with any concept of religion or God.
Many blessings!
Judith
I appreciate your comment and feedback on the writing. I love what you say: "I am an embodiment of deeply personal dreams; that I am living my life on the cusp of these possibilities."
To live one's life on the "cusp of possibility, rising from my soul" is a pretty enlightened place to be. Should make for a rich, deep journey.
I wish you well and many blessings along the way,
Judith
Just had to tell you what a poetic and heartfelt post...one can feel the depth of your soul...I loved reading it.
My background is Armenian and Armenia has very strong Russian influences since it was part of the union. I travelled to Armenia about five years ago, and I totally understand why you feel the way you do about Russia. It has its own unique soul which I felt in Armenia. Even though I loved being there, my soul place is Paris. I was there in around the same time as my trip to Armenia, and I have to tell you the minute I left the airport, I felt like i was home. I loved being in that city.
Have a wonderful time in Russia...bring back more of your beautiful insights!
Blessings,
natasha
Isn't it a blessing to receive the soulfulness of a place?
I so appreciate your stopping by....
Judith
Thanks for the thoughts , tho.
peace.
So while you're on THIS ride, or standing at the bus stop, I hope you won't miss the beauty and glory surrounding you right where you are. Even though your beloveds are not here, wouldn't they want you to enjoy it on their behalf?
Just a thought......
Many blessings,
Judith
blessings also to you and yours.
My soul is in my deepest heart and it is the core of who I/we are--- and it is in all the people I love most importantly Deb
but when it becomes a place - p.l.a.c.e. it's INDIA - where I trained to become a Swami :-)
In the Spirit-
Ed
Well, for a p.l.a.c.e..... India is wondrous! India evokes a great deal of spirit and soul. I've only been there once, 14 years ago, but I'll never forget this place.
It's grand to know your soul resides wherever you are. What a blessing!
Many thanks and best love,
Judith
The soul finds its place, its comfort, and its home where ever we allow it to be found. The soul is in a space of undisturbed peace and stillness. When we are in a state of acceptence there is a harmony between the external and the internal. Practicing acceptence without judgments will allow you to feel at home at every moment within yourself.
Apparently, I'm not the only one here who considers Loreena McKennitt my soul's poet.
I just have to fan you for this comment! You pretty much hit the nail on the head regarding a lot of what passes for commentary on some of these posts. But we're a little bit different here on the Living page. We really are a community of kindred spirits who are about uplifting and championing each other and indeed, even "sharing"! You'll find that is so on other blogger's posts on this page as well. And yes, we do our share of those who only come to be critical, but there's room for them here too.
It makes for an interesting soup! I so appreciate the readers of this "place". We really do have some heartfelt exchanges. So welcome to the neighborhood and I hope you'll become a regular visitor to the Living page.
May I suggest some other bloggers you'll enjoy: Cara Barker, Anne Naylor, Kari Henley, Russell Bishop, Ed and Deb Shapiro, Jason Mannino, James Lynch, Eli Davidson to name a few.
Thanks so much for being so honest about yourself. I respect that a lot! :-)
Blessings your way,
Judith
"i just want to go home"
home...........is very complex.
ever hear Laura Nyro....?.......she wrote a cool song........
'mother spiritual"
" on a street corner, where the kids boogy all night,
the wind sings, the stars shine like holiday lights.
come a band of angels , salvation in the the night,
and as for peace on earth....
feel this love........my brothers and sisters.....
light and darkness come to her kiss..
that's where mother spiritual lives."
i think , home is .....mainly about ... the mother., at least it is to me.
.
What do you think about that, booki?
to me home, is that child inside of us, when we were young and innocent and full of hopes and dreams. your parents , childhood friends, all the nature that you welcomed each morning.......into your new and exciting world..
the adventures and the innocent, pure love ......... of youth.
i have a "home," with lots of rescued animals, and a young daughter.........
i make it their home.., everyone is happy.
it's not my home........i can never go home again.
like i said .........home is very complex.
peace and love to u...
Interesting handle, yours. What does it mean?
I celebrate your find! Hold the vision and the path will present itself. Maybe you'll end up in a different location, but one that evokes a similar response. The place sounds glorious!
Many blessings along the way,
Judith
Oh you got me there !!!!! so heartfelt and transporting
my grandparents were from Kiev Giorgia
I have never been but my soul is has russian resonance so thank you for sharing
reminded me of Tolstoy's quote
ALL,EVERYTHING THAT I UNDERSTAND, I understand only because I LOVE. "
oh those russians masters !!!
have a blessed trip !!!
and write from there or when you are back and bring photos !!!!
spasiba
Agapi Stassinopoulos my russian name Liuba
Ahhh, yes! Liuba, such a quintessential Russian name. Thank you so much for your comment. I will surely bring back many new memories to share here with all of you.
Blessings,
Judith
I live on Oahu, Hawaii (for three years now), initially drawn to Hawaii by the Island of Kauai (Hanalei and the Na Pali coast specifically).
This past weekend, I travelled to the Big Island of Hawaii for the first time. As soon as I had a glimpse of the barren yet beautiful lava fields of the Big Island, I instantly felt drawn to the land and a sense of peace settled over me. That morning I wandered around, overcome with joy, happiness, love - completely satisfied with my own company/presence, feeling connected to the people and the world around me. I experienced a deep sense of purpose and being (even without consciously knowing the purpose!). Since the deep layers of my soul was able to rest, my subconscious and subconscious mind felt at ease with all existence, which resonated through my body.
I love discovering these soul places on Earth!
I wonder: what meaning lies behind those places where we do not feel drawn? Why does the Earth draw us to certain places and repels us from others?
Finally, for the past two years I have been drawn to Bali (Ubud, specifically) - I have no idea why, and yet, I know I will be there when the time is right.
Mahalo and Aloha!
Shannon
Oh my! Your comment reminded me of my two trips to Hawaii. The first was to Kauai, where my then husband and I stayed in a private home on the grounds of Ola Pua, a public botanical garden on the island. Talk about magical!
We took a helicopter along the Na Pali coast and to the falls of Waimea. The chopper deposited us on the beach with a picnic basket and for the next few hours we were alone and in heaven! Thanks for stirring up that memory! Soulful indeed!
The next trip was to Kona, and walking along the lava fields to watch Kiluea erupting. I blew my knee out on that trek! Kona wasn't a soulful place for me, but it has its own raw beauty, not to be denied.
So to address your question: "what meaning lies behind those places where we do not feel drawn? Why does the Earth draw us to certain places and repels us from others? " good question! Kona would an example of this for me. It literally destroyed my knee and ankle walking on the lava beds and I don't ever need to go back. But somehow, I knew that even before my injury there. There are things which must remain in the mystery and this might one of them.
I'm open to hearing from other readers about this one. Anyone!
Best,
Judith