“Sometimes people say, ‘I don’t know what is happening with me.’ This brings up the question: is it happening to your body or your soul?” More often than not, it’s your soul that’s distressed, not your body. Often people use pain killers, intoxicants, alcohol or drugs for relaxation, all in vain. While physical pain can be treated with medication, true healing involves addressing the needs of the soul. This blog post explores how nurturing both the soil (nature) and the soul (our inner self) can cultivate resilience and foster a deeper sense of well-being.
Understanding resilience
Resilience can be thought of as “a collection of protective factors (resources and assets) that when strengthened and employed by an individual during times of disadvantage or adversity, promote desirable outcomes such as the maintenance of or return to positive mental health or prevention of negative mental health outcomes.” Whether facing personal loss, career setbacks, or everyday stress, resilience is what helps us move forward.
Several factors contribute to resilience, including a positive mindset, emotional regulation, strong social connections, and a sense of purpose. However, the role of nature and our inner self – the soil and soul connection – is often overlooked but incredibly significant in building resilience.
What is the connection between soil and soul?
The metaphor of soil and soul captures the essence of how our external environment (soil) and our inner self (soul) are intertwined. Just as soil provides nutrients for plants to grow, nature nourishes our soul, helping us develop inner strength and resilience.
Soil and soul through spirituality
Another way of looking at this is the connection of our physical body (soil) as it was created from clay, and our soul (created by God). When the soul is in pain, it needs relaxation. It is too easy to become ground down by the tasks, daily routines and hence attempt at finding meaning through consumerism and materialism. These do not nourish the soul yet we continue our search in vain and suffer needlessly.
Cultivating resilience through nature
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. The tranquility of a forest, the rhythmic sound of waves, or the simple act of tending to a garden can have profound effects on our mental and emotional health.
- Incorporate Nature into Daily Life: Simple activities like walking in the park, gardening, or even sitting quietly in a natural setting can have a calming effect on the mind and soul.
- Engage in Outdoor Activities: Hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities not only provide physical exercise but also offer a break from the daily grind, helping to clear the mind and rejuvenate the spirit.
- Practice Mindfulness in Nature: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment. Practicing mindfulness while surrounded by nature – focusing on the sounds, smells, and sights – can significantly reduce stress and increase resilience. During the daily grind, mindfulness can even be practiced during break at work or sitting in a quiet room at home for a few minutes.
Nurturing the soul for inner strength
- Self-Care and Spiritual Growth: Practices such as meditation, prayer, and reflection are essential for nurturing the soul. These activities help in maintaining emotional balance and mental clarity.
“Mankind there has come to you a guidance from your Lord and a healing for (the diseases) in your hearts, and for those who believe a guidance and a mercy.”
(Qur’an, Chapter Yunus, 10:57)
- Understanding and Acceptance: Pain can stem from both the body and the soul. When the soul is in pain, it needs relaxation and understanding. This discomfort may be due to a lack of understanding about Qadar (destiny) or the plan of Allah. The soul, originating from heaven, craves spiritual nourishment, which often isn’t available in the material world.
- Importance of the Quran and Good Company: Renewing the soul involves spiritual practices such as reciting, understanding, and implementing the teachings of the Quran. Being in the company of good people, learning Islamic studies, understanding Hadith (teachings of the Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon Him), and practicing good morals are essential for spiritual nourishment.
Integrating soil and soul for holistic resilience
Combining nature-based activities with spiritual practices offers a balanced approach to resilience. Here are some examples of holistic routines:
- Morning Walks and Meditation: Start the day with a walk in nature followed by a short meditation or prayer session. This routine can set a positive tone for the day. Consider why the first prayer of the day (Fajr) for muslims is at dawn. Use this time to not just perform physical actions of the prayer but also to show gratitude, reflect and recite the Quran for spiritual healing.
- Gardening and Reflective Reading: Engage in gardening, which provides a connection to the soil, and follow it up with reflective reading of spiritual texts. Spending time in nature and to look after and grow plants helps us reflect on our own life, growth and death.
- Outdoor Mindfulness and Spiritual Discussions: Practice mindfulness outdoors and engage in discussions about spiritual growth and understanding with like-minded individuals. Make time for walking in nature with friends and family.
These practices not only help in building resilience but also provide long-term benefits for mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Conclusion
Resilience is a key quality that enables us to navigate life’s challenges with strength and hope. By understanding and nurturing the connection between soil and soul, we can cultivate a deeper sense of well-being and inner strength. The body is secondary the true essence is the soul. In the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) model for many psychiatric disorders, thoughts occupy central part along with behaviours or actions. These also reinforce the connection between soil and soul. Nourishing the soul through spiritual practices and connecting with nature helps in building a resilient and fulfilling life.
What can you do?
Begin your journey of resilience building today by connecting with nature and nurturing your soul. Spend time in the natural world, practice mindfulness, and engage in spiritual activities that nourish your inner self. Remember, the key to resilience lies in balancing the needs of both the soil and the soul.