In class recently, we explored some things I've been reading in Thomas Moore's books. (Care of the Soul, Original Self, and Soul Therapy). He writes about the Greek roots of the word "therapy" or therapeia, which is often thought of as "healing" or "curing," but originally meant "serving" or "caring for." Much as you might care for an animal or a garden. Giving it daily attention and tending, supporting the life force.

Moore writes specifically about caring for the soul, the literal meaning of psychotherapy, where psyche means soul. The deeper parts of ourselves, the hidden, and unconscious parts of ourselves, including the shadow.

He contrasts or distinguishes soul from spirit. Spirit is big. It's sky. "Spirit directs your attention to the cosmos and the planet, to huge ideas and vast adventures, to prayer and meditation and other spiritual practices, to a worldview and philosophy of life." "Soul is more intimate, deep, and concert. You care for your soul by keeping up your house, learning how to cook, playing sports or games, being around children, getting to know and love the region where you live. When the sour stirs, you feel things, both love and anger, and you have strong desires and even fears. You live life fully, instead of skirting it with intellectualism or excessive moralistic worries."

Spirit soars high, soul dives deep. 

You can see the role for the emotions here, serving the soul, giving one access to the depths, and taking one up for the view of the bigger picture. The earthy, the watery, the fiery, the airy. Mountain and sun. The reflective phases of the moon, where earth and sun dance together on the big screen. 

“Care of the soul does not mean becoming a better person or being free of neurotic tendencies. It means that you open your heart and care for your soul and your world, including friends and family members.”

“Your soul needs daily nourishment of a special kind—friendship, creative work, community, good dining, conversation, humor, a spiritual perspective. If you give your soul what it needs and wants, your life and maybe even your physical health will likely be good. Therefore, often the best healing of life and body is serious, positive attention to the needs of your soul.”

I invite you to some good soul tending in the coming week. It's a community garden, after all, and we all benefit from your care.