Soul Path Insights

I woke up late on a Tuesday morning, embracing the luxury of not having to rush out of bed for work. I wanted to savor the morning, imagining myself living in London, free from the pressures of my everyday routine. After getting ready, I strolled over to St. Pancras Station, my heart set on a simple delight: a pain au chocolat and a vanilla latte. I am a creature of habit, and while I often make my own breakfast sandwich, today was decidedly a pain au chocolat morning.

After placing my order, I found a cozy spot at a table in Pret A Manger, nestled in the busy station. As I sat there, I remembered the words from Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” I breathed in the moment, allowing myself to be present, to enjoy the simple pleasure of my surroundings. In a world that often demands us to keep moving, sometimes the most profound peace is found in stillness.

Moments later, a businessman approached me and politely asked if he could join my table. I nodded, and he settled in, quickly opening his laptop and beginning a conversation over the phone. It sounded like a business call, and I couldn’t help but overhear bits and pieces of his conversation. He received some bad news—something about needing to pay £3,000. “It’s just too much to take in,” he muttered, his voice strained. As the call continued, it reminded me of the unpredictability of life and how, for each of us, the narrative is constantly unfolding. As the writer Anaïs Nin once said, “We do not see things as they are; we see them as we are.” Each of us interprets our experiences through our unique lens, shaped by our emotions and perspectives.

The businessman eventually wrapped up his call, finished his coffee, and left the table. Not long after, a group of workers joined me. The older gentleman among them asked if it was okay to sit down, and I welcomed them. I listened quietly as they went through their work checklist, discussing tasks that needed to be completed. Then, the conversation shifted to more personal topics—health issues and the brevity of life. The older gentleman mentioned lung problems and how his heart hadn’t been the same since his surgery. “We all have two lives,” said Confucius, “and the second begins when we realize we only have one.”

Their conversation made me think about how life can change so suddenly, about the unexpected challenges that can shift our priorities. I was reminded of another verse, Psalm 62:5: “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him.” In moments of turmoil, finding peace within can anchor us through the storm. The workers, having finished their discussions, left the table. I remained there for a while, reflecting on their stories, their burdens, and the fleetingness of life.

I stayed a few more minutes, embracing the calm amid the station’s hustle. The words of Jesus in Matthew 6:34 also came to mind: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” I took this moment to practice being present, appreciating the here and now. Life has a way of pulling us into its whirlwind of anxieties and future plans, yet there is a quiet beauty in simply being here, in this moment.

Before long, I left Pret A Manger to make my way to Woolwich to meet a friend. My thoughts lingered on the stories I had witnessed that morning—the businessman facing financial strain, the workers discussing the frailty of health. It reminded me of a quote by Mary Oliver: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Each person that morning, whether consciously or not, was grappling with that very question in their own way.

Soul Insights

1. Embrace Stillness: In a world that constantly encourages us to move faster, embracing stillness can be a radical act of self-care. As Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Stillness allows us to pause and listen to the inner whispers of our soul, to connect deeply with our spirit, and to hear the gentle guidance that often gets drowned out by the noise of daily life. It is in these moments of quiet reflection that we often find our deepest clarity and peace. Embracing stillness is about acknowledging that we do not always have to be in motion to be moving forward in our journey.

2. Life Unfolds in the Present: We often spend so much time planning for the future or dwelling on the past that we forget that life is happening right now. The verse Matthew 6:34 encourages us not to be consumed by worries of tomorrow: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Being present means fully engaging with the here and now, appreciating the beauty, the lessons, and the experiences that each moment brings. When we focus on the present, we allow ourselves to truly live, rather than merely exist.

3. Everyone Sees Through Their Own Lens: As Anaïs Nin noted, “We do not see things as they are; we see them as we are.” This insight reminds us that every person we meet interprets their experiences through their unique lens, shaped by their history, emotions, and perspectives. Understanding this can foster empathy, compassion, and patience in our interactions. We all carry our own burdens and joys, and recognizing this can help us approach others with kindness, knowing that we might only be seeing a fragment of their full story.

4. Find Rest Amidst Chaos: The world is full of chaos, uncertainties, and challenges, but as Psalm 62:5 states, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him.” In times of stress or turbulence, finding rest and grounding within ourselves becomes essential. Rest is not merely about physical relaxation but about finding a place of peace within, where our spirit can rejuvenate and find strength. It is about turning inward, trusting in a higher power or the universe, and knowing that we are held and supported, no matter the external circumstances.

5. Cherish Life’s Fragility: Life is unpredictable, and its fleeting nature is a powerful reminder to cherish every moment. Confucius wisely said, “We all have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.” This awareness should push us to live with purpose, passion, and mindfulness. It’s easy to get caught up in routine and forget the gift of each day. By recognizing the fragile nature of life, we are encouraged to make the most of it, to be present for our loved ones, to pursue what truly matters, and to leave a positive impact on the world.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on my morning in London, I realized that life is filled with moments that, if we allow them, teach us to be more present, more compassionate, and more aware. In the bustling heart of the city, among strangers and fleeting conversations, I found a quiet invitation to be still, to listen, and to learn. The essence of living is not in rushing through but in savoring the journey, in every breath, every interaction, and every pause. Life is happening now, and it is up to us to be a part of it. By embracing the present and understanding that everyone around us carries their own story, we open ourselves to a deeper, richer experience of life.

© 2024 Amelie Chambord