The Rootless Soul

“When the soul needs to both feel grounded and free. That is the Rootless Soul.”

Inspiration for this article: The amazing souls from Rootless Living Magazine

We often hear people using the term free spirit to describe their “hippie-like” or uncommitted friends  -- ones who beat to their own drum, freely wander and are fearlessly independent. Those who follow their heart. Having been called a free spirit my entire life, I’ve recognized both envy and cheer from those who frivolously throw the term at me. Whether it’s because of my traveling ways, multiple interests, or evolving soul, I’ve realized deep down the feeling of being free is what each and every person is really craving. 

OK, I hear you if you think that sounds a little fluffy. At the end of the day though, I am here to keep it real. People just want to KNOW FOR SURE. They are always seeking answers, trying to figure others out, but little do they know this unease with uncertainty is actually what is holding them back from the true freedom they really want to feel. (By the way, when it comes to people, just ask them what you want to know. It doesn’t have to be that complicated. When I stopped worrying about trying to figure it all out, that’s when shit really started to transform within me.)

As I observed the people around me and who I was attracting into my life, I noticed a pattern...

There is a group of people who aren’t talked about very often, and it’s more than likely because people don’t understand them: The people who immerse themselves in a life of everlasting change, variety and adventure. Not just in their extracurricular activities but in their careers and relationships as well. Their mission and journey in this world is off the beaten path. They are often untethered themselves until they realize they are exactly right where they are supposed to be. These folks have what I call the Rootless Soul.

What is a Rootless Soul you might ask?  A person whose soul is deeply committed to freedom and creating a vibrant life wherever the wind takes them, regardless of the unknown and uncertainty. It’s being rooted in uncertainty and peace simultaneously. It’s not just a lifestyle, it's a way of life that branches out into all areas of how one lives, including their vocation. It’s not as simple as stating, “I live in an RV and I work remotely.” It’s boldly staying true to where your soul is calling you to go, what it is calling you to do, and whom it is calling you to do it with. It’s feeling at home, at peace, and free regardless of the circumstances. Have you felt this calling on your soul? To become rootless?

My journey to transforming into a rootless soul wasn’t - and still isn’t - pleasant at times. I’ve traveled quite a bit in my life and have always considered myself to be a free spirit. Despite this call to wander, I will admit there was still worry, fear, and doubt that tagged along wherever I went. Rather than acknowledging this desire to explore as a part of who I am, it became an escape from the uncertainty and pain of life. How can a spirit truly feel free, if the soul is not rooted in the peace of uncertainty?

It wasn’t until last fall that I started to listen more and more to my soul. Prior to that, I may have said I was doing that but I didn’t understand or fully comprehend what that actually meant. I worked diligently to erase old patterns, thoughts, and habits that no longer served me; I still do to this day. Even with that, it wasn’t until I was out in nature with limited technology that I felt the shifts, really listened, and stopped taking action that was no longer in alignment with my soul. 

I was stubborn at first and didn’t want to let go. This is where something about nature steps in and provides the freedom to explore. That freedom is what fuels the mind, body, and soul to limitless possibilities if you allow it to. 

There are also people put into your life to shake you up. Don’t ignore these people. All relationships hold a key to learning life’s biggest lessons if you open your heart and mind, and receive the message. 

For the first time, I decided to actually listen. I mean really listen. Then the fall came. It always does when you have a big shift. My body became weak, my mind became confused, and for a moment in time I felt like I was regressing - until I caught myself and realized I just needed to STOP fighting it and accept the transformation. You can choose to stay comfortable in the old pain, or push yourself through to the next level.

To this day, this personal journey has been tough to explain fully to others. You may think that about this article! But I continue to try because even though it's a highly personal evolution, I know talking about it and encouraging others to pursue their own vision is worth it. I will continue to advocate because I know the discomfort of the process results in clarity and a new level of peace.

What are you resisting right now in your life? Why?

If you are reading this and it sounds like you, know that you can have both clarity around your sense of self, and ambiguity around what that looks like in immediate execution. We often feel like we have to choose a path or a certain way to live. There is certainty and a sense of security in that. Even if this is the first time in your life to do this, choose to carve a path that is your own, trusting that although you might be rootless your soul will guide you to others who will always make you feel grounded in belonging. 

In order to truly be a rootless soul, allow yourself to be nurtured by nature without technology, breathe in fresh, crisp air, feel the water on your skin and be at peace with the unknown. Be free to explore, rooted in your belief that you will shine only if you set your soul free. You see, the soul needs both - to feel rooted and free. This can only be obtained when you let go of the distractions, noise, and people who are no longer in alignment with who you are about to become. Are you ready now?

Shine,

Toni Bubb, Professional Lover of Life

ToniBubb.com

Grab your 1-year free subscription to the Rootless Living magazine here. 

Make sure to follow their adventure for your own inspiration here:

Instagram @rootlesslivingmag and Facebook and Twitter as @rootlessliving

Dedicated to my boyfriend Randall Chesnutt who both inspires and appreciates my Rootless Soul and free spirit. Check out his book, Open Your Mind and Let Doubt Out

About the Author: Toni Bubb, Professional Lover of Life is a Human Sustainability Advocate, Creative Consultant, and Spokesperson. Her WHY is to make someone smile or laugh each day, in order to ignite their desire to shine their light in the world. She has a deep dedication to interweaving both self-transformation and creativity. Toni loves to travel, meet random people, take road trips, be in nature, dance and be goofy! In her work, you can find her Igniting High Vibe Brands and Representing Wellness and Lifestyle Brands via media. For inquires contact her directly at  [email protected]