Many of us are in need of shelter – shelter from the brambles of the mind or wounds of the past stored within our bodies. We often reach outside ourselves to find shelter or comfort, but these attempts can fall short. 

John O’Donohue speaks of a type of shelter beyond structure – a shelter we always have that sweetly tends to us – the shelter of our soul. Expanding this concept with the wisdom of Meister Eckhart, O’Donohue invites us to experience our body within our soul. Imagine – your body surrounded by the wisdom and light of your soul, offering protection and comfort through any inner or outer storm. 

If you look at an icon of any saint, Jesus, or a prayer candle with Bob Dylan, you will see a glow around them. This light has been described in many ways, but through this lens, this beautiful glow is the light of their soul minding and tending to their body, mind, emotions, and purpose.

I find great comfort that no matter what is happening or where we are, we are being tended to and sheltered by our soul’s wisdom and limitlessness. 

Taking the abstract and making it applicable is something I love to do. So lately, I have invited childlike curiosity, inner stillness, imagination, and my body’s felt awareness to experience being sheltered within my soul. Feeling and seeing with my mind’s eye my soul’s light surrounding me, and allowing this to land like a warm hug, radiating inward – knowing where to go and what parts of me need tending to. 

This is such a sweet practice. I’ve done this as I’ve drifted off to sleep, in moments of frustration, and when I’m outside. My experience is amplified when I’m outdoors. It’s as if I’m experiencing the state in which trees, plants, and animals always reside – and they are helping me get back into rhythm.

Perhaps John O’Donohue and Meister Eckart were reminding us of our most natural state and how to navigate this complex world. May each of you find shelter within your soul. 

Hugs to you all!
Kathleen