I’ve spent a lot of time digging into the subject of self love and care. Tons of books, articles, and other sources of inspiration that have helped me cultivate tools to support loving and caring for myself. The only thing lacking was one term that I could point to and say, yes this is what I am going for.

So I pieced one together myself: Soul Soother. Soul soothers do just that- soothe the soul. But what does that mean?

Understanding the Meaning  

You know that feeling of pure warmth that you feel after a genuine belly laugh? That period of settling as you come into savasana or lay in bed after a long day? Those smiles that creep up when you make a particularly delicious cup of tea or eat a treat that takes you back to your childhood? It’s that feeling, that is a soul soother. Soul soothers are that mix of gratitude, joy, love, and just all around warm and fuzzy feelings.

Soul soothers are activities, thoughts and habits that are rooted in compassion, gratitude, respect, and support for yourself. They honor who you are, give you peace and help you calm.

Finding Your Soul Soother

What lights you up can change from person to person. To really hone in on your soul soothers, simply be an observer. Once you connect with your soul soothers, it will be easier to identify others.

Observe yourself in your day to day and notice what feelings come up and what really speaks to you. As my favorite Jonathan Van Ness says “I can’t tell you what your pocket of joy is, I can just tell you, you need to have her”. So I can’t say what soul soothers will strike a chord in you, but here are some of my favorites…

Nature

• Walking barefoot in the grass or sand
• Fall leaves or fresh snow crunching under you
• Waves crashing on a beach
• The breeze flowing through the trees
• Rainfall on the roof
• Sunrises and sunsets
• Birds chirping and flying overhead
• Spring flowers blooming
• Fall leaves changing color
• Moonlight behind the clouds or reflected in water
• A brisk fall breeze
• The anticipation of spring
• A fresh snowfall
• The long daylight of summer

Home and Family

• Cuddling with your pet
• Fire crackling
• Candles burning
• Soft blanket
• Photos of loved ones
• Soothing music
• Playing board games
• Solving puzzles
• Laughing at your favorite sitcom
• Cooking a wholesome meal
• Taking a walk with the dogs
• Catching up with an old friend
• Confiding in your safe people
• Trying a new restaurant
• Taking care of the plants
• Holiday gatherings
• Christmas music

Self

• Gratitude practice
• Getting lost in a good story
• Reading for personal growth
• Creative outlets
• Journaling and reflection
• Gentle yoga
• Meditation
• Dancing to your favorite tunes
• Singing in the car or shower
• Long baths
• Massage
• Getting a pedicure and manicure
• Doing your own nails
• Putting on a face mask
• Breakfast in bed
• The perfect cup of coffee or tea
• Getting a proper night’s sleep
• Taking a social media break
• Learning a new hobby
• Travel
• Positive affirmations
• Getting crafty – knit, doodle, etc.

Start Making Your List

Once you really hone in on your feel-good soul soothers, jot them down. That way, on a day when you’re not feeling your best, you can either find joy from the list itself or have inspiration for what to do.

Share your soul soothers in the comments below!