Our lives and culture are filled with constant noise and endless stimulation. Within this noise, the concept of self-care has gained immense popularity. From Instagram feeds filled with picturesque bubble baths to motivational quotes encouraging us to put ourselves first, the self-care movement has become a cultural phenomenon. However, there's a subtle yet crucial distinction between the trendy self-care culture and the profound practice of true, deep, and reflective soul care work.

Unveiling True Soul Care: A Journey Within

1. Intention and Awareness: Soul care is intentional, mindful, and approached through prayer and reflective postures. It requires us to pause and reflect on our feelings, needs, desires, thoughts, and experiences. It's about being attuned to our inner world and understanding our motivations.

2. Unearthing Authentic Needs: Soul care involves identifying our genuine needs rather than succumbing to impulsive desires. In prayer, we are invited to connect with God - the only source capable of truly satisfying our needs. Likewise, reflection leads to more concrete awareness of the superficial ways we attempt to meet our needs on our own, what our compulsions are, and how we live into illusions of culturally defined happiness and satisfaction.

3. Embracing Discomfort: True soul care doesn't shy away from discomfort. It recognizes that growth often arises from facing challenges, examining our behaviors, and embracing vulnerability. In prayer, soul care invites us into a foundation of belovedness and trust in God. Often, what we experience as potential pain, sensitivity, or discomfort is actually the work of healing, recovery, and freedom.

4. Practices for Letting Go: Soul care practices go beyond the superficial consumeristic indulgences of self-care trends. Disciplines, both ancient and modern, like Examen Prayer, Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, Silence, Solitude, Sabbath, and more all share one thing in common - they invite us to let go. When we are drawn into communion with God, we learn to trust and we learn to loosen our efforts to control every aspect and outcome of our lives.

5. Addressing Roots Not Symptoms: The superficial self-indulgences of self-care trends are often an attempt to temporarily escape underlying internal wounds and unmet needs. Ironically, the wounds and the needs will be there waiting after returning from self-care indulgences. The self-care decisions and behaviors may even inflame the wounds and unmet needs. True soul care is a posture of patient discovery with the intent of engaging in the long-term work of internal healing, awareness, and freedom from quick-fix addictions.

6. Connection and Empathy: Soul care extends beyond the self. If we stand by the adage, “hurt people hurt people,” then we can also say the opposite: “healed people heal people.” Soul work increases our capacity to see the humanity in others with greater compassion, dignity, and empathy. Soul care softens the heart and often leads outwardly as we grow to find deep joy and satisfaction in meeting needs and showing compassion to others - especially in ways that are related to areas of our own lives that once were places of woundedness. Engaging in acts of kindness, building authentic relationships, and contributing positively to the world around us are all integral parts of nurturing the soul.

Cultivating True Soul Care: A Transformative Practice

While there's nothing wrong with enjoying a relaxing spa day or treating yourself to your favorite dessert, it's important to recognize these moments for what they are—brief respites rather than profound soul-care practices. To truly care for our souls, we must be willing to delve deep within, confront our own inner wounds, surrender our need to control, and commit to practices that promote holistic growth.

In a world often obsessed with appearances and instant gratification, let's remember that authentic soul care isn't about taking the path of least resistance. It's about embarking on a meaningful journey of self-discovery, growth, and lasting well-being—a journey that requires courage, introspection, and a genuine commitment to the health of our innermost selves.