Feeling Soul Weary & Parched?

How many of you are giving, giving, giving?  Or producing, producing, producing? 
 
Years ago, a Spiritual Director offered me a great image after hearing my story of burnout as a youth pastor.  She said, “People in ministry often stand by the Well passing out cups of Living Water to others and forgetting to drink from it themselves!” 
 
How true!
 
I was so busy being productive and constantly giving of my time and energy that I had neglected my own soul.  I mistakenly thought my stamina and ability to be productive was soul food because after all, it was in service to God!   My subsequent burnout said differently.  EVERY area of my life was impacted…physical, emotional, mental, relational, & spiritual.  No area was left untouched because all areas are interconnected.
 
We have a tendency to separate the body and soul, but according to the Hebrew language, there is no division between the soul (“nephesh”) and the body.  So, YOU DON’T HAVE A SOUL YOU ARE A SOUL!  You may have heard this before, but it’s true.  You are a living, breathing, physical being, A WHOLE MADE UP OF MANY PARTS.  Any of those parts can be trying to get your attention and tell you the truth.
 
My own dualism 20 years ago, viewing my body as separate and of lesser importance than my soul caused me to not listen to the wisdom my body was offering me.  My body became a hurdle to my spiritual work and this was a major reason I burned out. 
 
Over the years, I’ve met with countless pastors, ministry leaders, those in nonprofits, and care-givers of all kinds who come to Spiritual Direction in a similar state…weary and parched from trying so hard, giving so much, and on the verge, if not in the middle, of burnout.
 
What were their indicators that their souls were parched?  Here are some…

• Chronic Dissatisfaction
• Cannot Turn off Brain/Overthinking
• Compulsively on Technology (Email, Social Media, News, etc.)
• Caffeine Overload &/or Exhaustion
• Feelings of Overwhelm or Numbness (with God, life, and others)
• Short Fuse or Perfectionism with Self & Others
• Inability to Be Still/Workaholism/“Slave to Shoulds”
• Chronic Headaches, Back/Neck Pain, Stomach Issues
• Sleeplessness, Repetitive Dreams &/or Nightmares
• Long-term Self-soothing over Self-caring practices

 
Any of these sound familiar? 
How about you, what are the indicators that your soul is parched?
 
I know Thanksgiving is coming up, but what if you stop giving to others just for a moment? 
 
Offer a cup of Living Water to yourself by listening.  Are there any parts of you (or your life) that are trying to get your attention?  Do you need help listening? Or help stopping?
 
Spiritual Direction is a great place to stop and listen for the wisdom within your own life, your own body.  I promise, these parts of you are eager for you to listen to the wisdom they hold.  They are only a moment’s notice away—and will give thanks when you finally pay attention!
 
Next week we’ll take a look at what your soul is craving (& it's more than pumpkin pie!).