Nurturing your Inner Flame

"The Purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls" ~ Pablo Picasso

I couldn't find a better way to introduce the topic I want to write about this week. In my eyes, nurturing our inner flame is all about washing the dust off our souls.

Nourishing the inner flame refers to the practice of cultivating and nurturing our inner vitality, passion, and motivation. It involves taking care of our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being in order to maintain a sense of purpose, enthusiasm, and resilience in life. Many authors addressed this topic from different angles.

In her book "Big Magic" Elizabeth Gilbert wrote "Your creative pursuits are not just art, they are alchemy. They are how you turn grief into joy, darkness into light, ignorance into wisdom."

Through his work, David Whyte also did a contemplative and poetic exploration of the inner life and the importance of engaging with authenticity, courage, and joy. His works delve into the depths of human experience and inspire individuals to nourish their inner flame and live a more purposeful and authentic life.

“Anything or anyone that does not bring you alive is too small for you.”~ David Whyte

“Art is the act of triggering deep memories of what it means to be fully human.”~ David Whyte

"Our physical eyes don't register the deepest truth of who we are, what's truly happening, or what things mean. There is, however, an inner eye, the opening of which is the purpose of our lives." ~ Marianne Williamson

I have been on this journey of self-transformation for many years now and I have time and time again chosen the paths that ignited my soul purpose and lit up my inner flame. Not consciously at first as my passion and inner vision were guiding me along the way. Whether it was through my contemplation practices, how I chose to express myself, my connection to Nature, the relationships I have with the people I love, my mindfulness and self-care practices, as well as my deep immersion in what inspires me, be it the beauty of art, music and poetry, prayer or books written by some of the great spiritual teachers.

Nourishing the inner flame is an ongoing process that requires dedication and self-reflection. Here are some steps you can take to nourish your inner flame:

1.Self-awareness: Developing self-awareness is crucial in nourishing your inner flame. It involves understanding your values, strengths, weaknesses, and passions. Take time to reflect on your aspirations, desires, and what truly ignites your enthusiasm.

This is a lifetime journey that started for me in 2005 and I still dedicate time for it every day.

2.Self-care: Engaging in self-care activities is essential for maintaining a healthy inner flame. This includes physical exercise, proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and relaxation practices. Taking care of your physical well-being directly impacts your emotional and mental state.

If you read my previous articles you would know that my health journey started last October. I am still on a healthy diet to reduce the inflammation in my body, I am engaging in exercise that I enjoy, I am being followed by a functional medicine doctor and I regularly see my chiropractor and acupuncturist. I also practice embodiment through Tai Chi, Pilates and meditative dancing.

3. Emotional well-being: Acknowledge and process your emotions in a healthy way. Practice self-compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness to cultivate a positive emotional state. Surround yourself with supportive relationships and seek help when needed.

I have the most amazing husband, children, mother, sister, family, friends and mentors who surround me with their love and support. I maintain a daily meditation practice. Self-compassion doesn't come easily to me as I have historically been someone who is very hard on herself but I have gotten much better at it over the years. Practicing gratitude, contemplation and prayer have been my daily companions for years. I also have my circle of professional coaches and therapists who practice different modalities that I call to for support when I need it.

4. Personal growth: Continuously seek opportunities for personal growth and learning. Pursue your passions, and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Engaging in activities that align with your values and interests helps fuel your inner flame. Finding outlets to express your distinctiveness, creativity, artistry and voice.

For me it is writing, dancing and singing. I am in a choir with my daughter and I will have a solo in our upcoming performance which was my challenge to myself. A way for me to express my authenticity through my voice on stage.

5. Mindset and positivity: Cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on optimism, resilience, and gratitude. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and maintain a sense of hope and possibility. Practice positive affirmations and visualization techniques to reinforce a positive internal dialogue.

In the world of transformational coaching, we call this practicing pause and consciously moving from a reactive to a creative state of mind especially when triggered. When I find myself in a difficult situation, I remember what my teachers Lisa Doig and Gita Bellin used to say and I ask "what is the setup in this upset?"

6. Inspiration and creativity: Seek inspiration from various sources such as books, art, music, or engaging with like-minded individuals. Allow yourself to explore your creativity and engage in activities that bring you joy and a sense of fulfillment.

I am big on musicals, operas and concerts. When something speaks to my heart I feel immersed in a sense of deep joy and I immediately have tears in my eyes. This is how I know I am being inspired in the moment and that something is strumming the strings of my heart.

7. Purpose and meaning: Reflect on your life's purpose and what gives it meaning. Clarify your values and align your actions with them. Engage in activities that contribute to something larger than yourself, whether it's through volunteering, helping others, or pursuing a career that aligns with your passions.

I live my purpose everyday through the work that I do. I am on a mission to help others become aware of the fear that is driving them and find the courage to make more empowered choices everyday.

8. Your relation to the Natural World: Practice spending time in nature. See how being surrounded by trees, water, majestic mountains or sand in the desert uplifts you and creates feelings of serenity, awe and beauty.

In the summer I prefer hiking in the mountains over lounging on the beach but nothing beats the orange hues at sunset, my eyes feast over the far horizon and my ears surrender to the sound of waves gently breaking at the seashore on a warm summer day. Sitting in my garden and listening to the songs of birds in the early morning is also very soul-nourishing so is the wagging of my dog's tail when he sees me.

Nourishing your inner flame is about prioritizing your well-being, embracing personal growth, and living a life that aligns with your values and passions. It is about resourcing yourself in the most difficult times and finding the strength to stand up again no matter how Hard you fall.

How do you nourish your inner flame? Please tell me in the comments.

Before I sign off, I would like to leave you with this gift, a poem I came across titled "the Invitation" written by the Indian Elder, Oriah, Mountain Dreamer

"It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain!

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, or to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.

I want to know if you can be faithful and therefore be trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty even when it is not pretty every day, and if you can source your life from the Goddess’s presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full Moon.

It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after a night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done for the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments."