Soulful Sunday #47: Treasured Friendships

Welcome to my forty-seventh 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

As an introvert with a Scorpio sun-sign born in the year of the Rat, I fiercely value family, loyalty and authentic connection. I rarely surround myself with large numbers of frivolous friendships, choosing instead to keep a close circle of faithful friends, my chosen family, near to my heart.

When one discovers deep connection, then one has found a faithful friend. It doesn’t matter how often you meet, what matters is the love, trust and acceptance you share.

If you can place your heart in another’s hands and trust it is safe, held, and protected – when you’re at your best and when you’re at your worst – then you are blessed with an unbreakable bond that will survive all kinds of weather.

Such kindred spirits can be found in a parent, child, sibling, partner, teacher, friend or pet. It’s that instant recognition, that feeling of coming home, that moment when you know you can be completely yourself, free from fear or judgement.

Cherish those connections as you walk along this journey – because they are the true treasures in life.

Soul Strolls

Soul strolling this weekend took place in Warburton. This quaint country town is just an hours drive from Melbourne and a true treasure to visit. We enjoyed lazing by the river, getting our feet wet and exploring local walks and forestry.

On our way home we stopped for lunch with a treasured friend and fellow blogger, Miriam from Out an About and her husband, Doug. The food was scrumptious and the company was deliciously nourishing! I feel so blessed to have such a beautiful connection here in Melbourne, and what’s even more special is that our friendship was first formed whilst connecting here on WordPress.

If you know local bloggers that you resonate with, I encourage you to reach out and connect! You may just discover a kindred spirit like I did.

Kindred Spirits

Soul Music

Keeping with the theme of treasured friendships, I would like to share this stunning meditative track, Kindred Spirit by Deuter. Go on, I dare you to have a listen and become lost in its peaceful, healing vibes.

Soul Sisters

I would like to share Miriam’s stunning post, Planting Dreams. When Miriam told me of her serendipitous moment over lunch, I literally had goosebumps. The miracles that appear when we open our hearts to the Universe is beyond magic, and that’s what Miriam is tapping into, the magical creative force that emerges when we are in the flow of creativity, abundance and trust.

I hope your Sunday is filled with faith, deep connection and many many miracles.

Love Always,

Hayley xx

Soulful Sundays #23: Boundaries.

Welcome to my twenty-third 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

Many of us fall into ‘people pleasing’ mode. We keep quiet when something upsets us, or we decide it’s not worth the hassle to speak up. But voicing how we feel is an honest form of communication. Without boundaries, we risk trying to please everyone at the expense of our own happiness.

So why do so many of us fear voicing the truth? Being honest is often confused with being aggressive, harsh or outspoken. But communicating our truth can be done in a way that is both assertive and loving. It is possible to voice how we feel whilst still respecting others differences and opinions . We each value different things. This doesn’t make us any better or worse than one another. People either respect our wishes or they don’t. Yet through honest, open communication we can begin to surround ourselves with like-minded people and build healthy relationships based upon mutual trust. We can’t please everyone. Nor must we try. The right people will move in and out of our lives when we stay true to ourselves and others.

Today, speak from the heart. Remember that ‘boundaries are a part of self-care. They are healthy, normal and necessary.’

Soul Strolls

This week I have been a little over my head with moving house and working the holiday club with 90 children! Fun, yet exhausting. And without my walks to keep me sane, I may have buckled under the chaos. Finding a little moment of peace in your day, even if only for 5 minutes, is often the only thing that’s required to keep you afloat and above choppy waters. I captured these little pretties whilst walking this week. So delicate,

Soul Food

It’s a cold and rainy day here today in Melbourne. Weather likes this makes me crave comfort food! Which is why I am sharing these guilt-free Chewy, Fudgey, Vegan-Double-Choc Brownie’s. Now please! Yum.

Soul Music

I had the pleasure of watching Sacred Earth live this week in a beautiful chapel. The crystal clear sounds filled the convent and I was lost in 90 minutes of healing, soulful vibes. Such a mesmerising experience. Here I share one of their tracks, Divine Mother.

Soul Sisters

I haven’t had the chance to share much recently as I have barely Today I am sharing New Beginnings by Spiritual Journey 17. A  beautiful reminder for us to stay optimistic in the face of adversity.

In love and light,

Hayley xx