As the cooler Fall weather rolls in, I always desire to make soup. There’s nothing like a bowl of warm, homemade soup to nourish the soul.
I’ve been trying a few different recipes, and one thing holds - no matter what kind of soup it is, it always tastes better the next day. There’s something about letting it sit overnight and noticing how it enhances the flavors.
As I was making my last batch of soup, I was stirring it and was reminded of the similarity of the path of self-discovery (my mind quite often goes here!).
It’s always better when we don’t rush things.
Can we be patient?
Can we let things simmer?
We are living in a fast-paced world that is filled with instant gratification. We want it, and we want it now. And the way the world is designed, we can often get things “right now.” We can order something on Amazon and get it the next day. We send a text, and we want an instant response.
This creates a sense of urgency, a push to accelerate ourselves, our plans, and our lives. This is the ego at work, attempting to convince you it’s the only speed to go or you’ll be left behind. Your sense of productivity, and ultimately your sense of worth, becomes tied into how much you can get done and how quickly you can do it.
We think we won’t be as productive if we slow things down. But this is not true. My experience is the more I slow things down, time seems to have a way of expanding.
It can take practice to slow things down.
To notice this moment. To notice what you are seeing, smelling, sensing. To inquire and explore how your perception is changing.
We need space to do all of this, and when we pause, we create that space, allowing us to understand and digest our experience.
As the weather cools, we witness nature slowing down and going inward. This is a time for us to go inward. To slow down, to reflect more.
I invite you to explore creating more space, even if it’s pausing and taking one breath. To connect with the Divine, we need space.
In addition to making soup, I like to journal and just let the words fall on the page. This is another way to express and gain insights or inspiration.
Let things simmer just like we let the soup simmer on the stove.
Maybe you don’t need to know yet. Be patient. Trust the answer will come at the perfect time.
You could reflect more on a situation.
You could talk less and listen more.
You may be pleasantly surprised, as I was, to find the depth and beauty in slowing things down.
I’ve included a soup recipe for Thai-Inspired Butternut Squash. It’s yummy! Enjoy this season, enjoy your moments, and be well.
With love,
Diane