I often give my students famous quotes and ask them to try to get into the mind of the author to try to find the deeper meaning behind the words. Recently, this is the topic I asked them to write about...What Feeds Your Soul?
"If, of thy mortal goods, thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves
alone to thee are left,
Sell one & from the dole,
Buy Hyacinths to feed the soul"
- Muslihuddin Sadi,
13th Century Persian Poet
A Persian poet!!! Yes, I was born in Persia...modern day Iran. I'm of Armenian origin, but I must tell you that the Farsi language is just SO beautiful and melodic. For a time period, I did radio programs in the Farsi language and those of you who have heard my voice on Drake's Stand as One Show and have complimented me on my speaking voice need to hear me in Farsi. :) What a language! What beauty! We have wonderful poets. Here, you see a snippet from the work of Sadi. Sell one loaf and buy Hyacinths to feed your soul. Or orchids? ;) Whatever works for you, but feed your soul. What with? For me...
1) Poetry: Oh...poetry feeds my soul. I just...eat it all up and relish every bite. Every word...is just nourishment for me. I'm happiest when I'm reading and writing. I'm obsessive about poetry and words.
2) Pictures: I feed my soul with pictures. When I'm so depressed that I can't even think of leaving my room, I browse through web sites like Shabby Romantic...and others...which display pictures of flowers, furniture, decorations, hearts...that are dreamy and romantic. I browse...sometimes while crying, and I download the pics on my phone or lap top and try to hold on a little longer because of the beauty that there is in life. I actually have a file called For my Soul. I look at the vibrant colors of the flowers in my favorite colors (purple-pink). I look at heart decorations...pillows, jewelry, wreaths, buttons, rocks...and I breathe. I look at pictures of warm inviting rooms that are designed in styles that bring me joy. Pictures of nature in all her majesty. I look and I feed my heart. I wish I could share some photos with you, but I still haven't gotten the hang of doing that yet.
3) Music: Oh...music...some songs just take me to another world...a world where I can be whomever I want to be! Instrumental music also touches me, but music with lyrics...heaven on earth.
3) Rides: The beauty of Beirut...at night. The sparkling lights reaching into the Mediterranean Sea. The lights on the hills....a feast for my eyes! I just...breathe and LIVE.
Talk to me. How do YOU feed your soul? Nature, sports, friends, family, travel, pets, volunteer work, prayer, meditation, trips to the spa? What?
Thank you...for feeding my heart and soul with your friendship, love, and your words. What tasty treats! Sweet! Yummy! I'm never starved, but I enjoy a gluttonous feast thanks to you all.
Remember: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. There is the spiritual side as well that I didn't deal with....
:) Talk to me....Share!