It’s been a challenging 6 weeks….I’ve found myself having to do things that I resist because they’re really not that fun for me. Taking care of tax stuff, calling around and shopping for health insurance, refinancing my condo and the learning curve that comes with the process. I’m glad I persevered because the process was actually empowering. I didn’t give up, I asked for and got the support I needed, and it was refreshing to stay centered and in flow throughout the projects.
The icing on the cake was when I received a call from one of my best friends from middle school. Her Dad just had a massive stroke. This man was such a big influence in my life and like a second father to me. Suddenly everything started whirling around and I found myself in between two worlds ~ one foot in real life and the other holding space for someone I cared about whose life in physical form was coming to an end.
As I started gathering photos for Dick Keating’s “Celebration of Life”, all of these memories started flooding back to me. Although I was feeling a lot of grief and sadness, I also felt immense gratitude.
What I came to realize is the way he lived his life, always playing full out, was very inspiring. He was like a breath of fresh air. Being in Dick Keating’s presence was soul refreshing! He inspired me and gave me permission to be more of who I am ~ taking risks, living on the edge, taking action and tapping into my wild side.
Dick used to fly us from Florida to Bimini in the Bahamas on the weekends. One time in high school he had us leave Walkers Cay in the Bahamas abruptly because a Hurricane was heading our way. It was a 10-hour boat ride back to Florida, each wave crashing against the boat. My body was so sore I took two days off of school to recover (I also had to cut my hair…shall we say it was a little “wind blown.”) As scary as this experience was, it was also exhilarating and refreshing and one I’ll always remember.
Diane, Jill & I leaving Florida for Bimini
I’ve come to know that refreshing my soul is a requirement for me to live a joy filled life. Whether things are going smoothly or swirling around….Soul Refreshment always brings me back to center.
Soul Refreshment is like a big sigh…ahhhhhhhh. Or the feeling of being “sun kissed” after a day at the beach.
Here are some ways I experience Soul Refreshment:
Acknowledging and validating my feelings & emotions
Acknowledging and validating my feelings & emotions
Letting the LOVE in ~LOVE in all forms
Walks on the beach
Hugs
Watching a sunset
Spending time in my Mom’s garden
Riding my bike with the wind in my hair
Being in the presence of someone I enjoy
Soul Refreshment is part of what Soul Play is about.
Spring is a great time to reflect on and be in inspired action with Soul Refreshment.
What would refresh your soul?
Take a moment and listen and then take the plunge!
Keep your heart brave and your imagination wild.
Oceans of refreshment,
In dedication to Dick Keating. Thank you for making such an impact on my soul’s journey. The way you lived life was Soul Refreshing!
6 Comments on Soul Refreshment
Rosalind Reis
March 21, 2017 at 6:23 pm (8 years ago)
What a beautiful honoring. I feel refreshed having read it. Thank you Melanie!
Rosalind Reis
March 21, 2017 at 6:23 pm (8 years ago)What a beautiful honoring. I feel refreshed having read it. Thank you Melanie!
Melanie Ericksen
March 22, 2017 at 3:07 pm (8 years ago)Thank you so much Rosalind!
Karen Brady
March 22, 2017 at 4:01 pm (8 years ago)That was truly beautiful, everyone should have someone in their life that is AWE inspiring!!!
Melanie Ericksen
March 22, 2017 at 8:12 pm (8 years ago)I totally agree Karen! It is truly a blessed gift.
Jenny
March 23, 2017 at 3:25 am (8 years ago)I Love you Mel!! You know how much my dad Loved you too❤❤ you my friend are a blessing to our family❤❤❤
Melanie Ericksen
March 30, 2017 at 3:04 pm (8 years ago)Thank you Jenny!