Welcome to my fifth instalment of ‘Soulful Sundays’. A weekly share where I post a roundup of soulful reflections, each including recipes, songs, quotes, blogs I have read and/or any other inspirational discoveries to sooth the soul.
For me, Sunday’s have become a day of quiet contemplation and simple pleasures. A time to reflect on the week gone by and to consider my hopes and dreams for the week ahead.
My hope is to extend some love outward and to share some simple pleasures with anyone who cares to receive them.
Soul Reflections
This week has been a little tough. I have felt overwhelmed. Pulled in different directions. I have been frustrated and blocked creatively.
So easily our vision is pulled from the Now. We are interrupted, or become distracted; and not always by another well meaning person, often it can be our own self-sabotaging thoughts that intrude on our peace and sacred space. Despite our best efforts and intentions, if we listen to the voice of procrastination for too long, doubt begins to set in. Or we lose focus entirely, abandoning our project on the grounds that ‘now is not a good time to be creative.’ But Now is the only time.
Who are we kidding when we tell ourselves that we’ll work on it ‘later’ or ‘tomorrow’ or when we have ‘more time’ and the ‘conditions are ripe’?
Every time we tell our selves this – we are ‘cock-blocking’ creativity. And as vulgar as that may sound to some, that is the reality of how vulgar, intrusive and pervasive our self-sabotaging thoughts can be. The endless cycle of perfectionism and procrastination kills creativity and stops it in it’s tracks before it even has chance to gain some forward momentum.
So my advice is to simply begin. Regardless of the conditions, take action. Because worse than a blocked creator, is a frustrated one. And the only way to become unblocked is to oil the instrument and put it in motion. It doesn’t matter if it’s not great, at least it is something. And so last night, as the rain poured, I penned this little poem. And today, the sun made her appearance.
Rain kisses earth,
Cleansing dense energy.
As energy outside shifts,
Souls inside create their lists.
Sun embraces land,
Birthing new ideas.
As inspiration takes form,
Hearts grow warm; their souls reborn.
Soul Food
Another simple yet tasty dish to share today. When I feel overwhelmed, it’s important I prepare foods that are healthy and simple and quick to prepare. Otherwise, I find myself reaching for ‘quick fixes’ and foods that inflame my body. So here’s a quick Chickpea & Tepenade Salad that is both filling and delicious.
Soul Sounds
I play this meditation track to the children I teach during their relaxation. It is soothing and speaks to the soul. A breath of stillness is certainly what I have needed this week, and so I though I would send a Breath of Stillness your way to soothe your Sunday.
Soulful Strolls
When the sun made an appearance this afternoon, I took advantage and went for a stroll. It was just what I needed to let go of some of the frustrations and blockages that have been holding me back. I captured these beautiful roses in full bloom.
Soul Sisters
Today I am sharing Michelle’s post from Two Are Better Than One, titled You Can’t Hide. Since I often go walking to clear my head and meet with the ‘hopeful whispers’ of encouragement, I resonated a lot. Mosey on over and have a read! I’m sure you’ll find some inspiration on Michelle’s blog too!
In love and presence,
Hayley xx
Oh I love this post and all your offering with it! You are so right about the self-sabotaging thoughts that go on in our heads. Oh my, I’m my own worst enemy….and I often stop and say ok I’m not going to have negative thoughts, be gone…and they go away and all of sudden I realize there they are again…and I keep going over the same thing UGH! Absolutely love your music, I’m listening to it as I’m typing this. I think I’ll play it tonight when I go to bed. I love your poem too and those roses are gorgeous!! I have been so caught up in my work and so tired when I get home that I have not been by to visit others….I especially miss you!! I hope this week has been better for you. Keep embracing the positive, some days it’s harder than others but never give up!! xoxo 🙂
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Aww I miss you too wonderful lady! It’s always a breath of fresh air to receive your wonderful presence on my posts – I’m so glad you loved the mediation track and the images. And yes! We can be our own worst enemies at times – but it’s true that we must never give up and always reach for those better feeling thoughts 💛 I find gratitude helps on days like this xx
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Thanks Hayley, you always lift me up too. I listened to the track when I went to bed and it lulled me off to sleep. It was wonderful, I’ll be adding that to my Playlist! Have an inspirational day!! xo
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Ahh I’m so glad! Wishing you a wonderful day too! xx
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And you! xo
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Lovely!
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Thank you Jennie xx
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You are welcome!
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Such a beautiful post Hayley and I love your poem here. Sorry to hear you’ve been overwhelmed but hopefully you’re on the right path again. I love the mediation you’ve included here and might have to replay it again tonight. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. xo
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Thank you Miriam, it is such a beautiful meditation and I hope it brings you much peace. I am feeling much better today, thank you. Nature, meditation and a moment of reflection sorted me out 😉 I am off to do some yoga now! Further peace awaits me still 🙂 Wishing you a warm Sunday xx
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Glad you feel better Hayley. And I’ve no doubt some calming Sunday night yoga will also help. Enjoy the week ahead. Hugs xo
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