Journal of Sacred Work

Days 332-336 Conversations Between Body & Soul

  Her side 4b Stanford researchers confirm that our cells replace themselves every seven years. What about our souls? What does the soul know that the curving, sentient figure in the photograph does not? 

   Your soul defeats all attempts by armies of poets, theologians or scientists to describe it.

   But, consider Thomas Hanna's somatic approach – a unified self in a "dynamic lived body." Imagine your soul as an independent though integrated presence that watches & guides you through your life & beyond.   

   There is nothing "practical" about any of this. But do you ever wonder what conversations go on between your body & soul – between this beautiful breathing being & her proximate angel? 

   This is not a dialogue of words. The soul converses in more mysterious ways. That is why your heart experiences what you cannot describe to anyone. In the most serene rooms of your heart your soul whispers reassurances you alone hear when you lean your sacred ear towards her secret voice.

   Speaking through leaves, lakes, sky, skin & the eyes of another the soul urges the vigorous embrace of the body's vibrancy. As the figure fades the soul sings new music. "…The sun rises beyond the borderlands of death," Czeslaw Milosz wrote, "…where, beyond every essence, a new essence waits."

   In this "new essence" lies an existence unseen with "a sound and a color which are more and more perfect."

-Erie Chapman

Photograph, "Curving Figure" – by Dane Dakota 2014

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7 responses to “Days 332-336 Conversations Between Body & Soul”

  1. Terry Chapman Avatar
    Terry Chapman

    Hauntingly written piece that makes me reflect on “being” and “sensing” and yes even the relationship of body to soul! For me, as I’ve said many times, this reflection has occurred on or near a body of water: a trout stream, river, or a lake, or once, far out at sea on a US Navy Cable Layer in the Atlantic. As I walked from my warm bunk out along the ship’s catwalk, a thin walkway from bow to stern, to stand a midnight to 4:00 am watch high up on the bridge,
    I had the sensation of almost “flying” as the ship’s engines throbbed and the immediacy of the vast sea plied me with vibrations both threatening yet reassuring. A young man then, I realized in a very visceral way, the meaning of our “visit” here on Planet Earth; our forward motion toward all goals, and the wondrously stupendous gift that life is, given to us I believe, by God!

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  2. Chapman Health International Avatar
    Chapman Health International

    What an eloquent testimony to being. Remarkable how these insights came to you so long ago and perhaps become more and more vivid. Yes. The sea – and the power and majesty of water. Thank you, Terry.

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  3. Teresa Reynolds Avatar
    Teresa Reynolds

    This is such a gorgeous reflection Erie. Thank you for reaching past the known into the mystery, past the poets even into the realm where their words are awakened.

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  4. Chapman Health International Avatar
    Chapman Health International

    Thank you for this deeply affirming comment, Teresa. I am very touched that you, such a terrific writer yourself, would offer the thought that I could “reach past the poets…. You are the one who does that so well and so often. Thank you.

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  5. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    “In the most serene rooms of your heart your soul whispers reassurances you alone hear when you lean your sacred ear towards her secret voice.” We all have this inner wisdom and guidance if we lean in and listen. In this reflection, your soul’s essence shines through to us, Erie. Thank you for this stunningly beautiful gifting of grace.

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  6. erie chapman Avatar
    erie chapman

    Thank you for picking lines that are powerful for you and thank you for appreciating whatever gifts are offered here, Liz.

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  7. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    Blessed are you
    who work with goodness
    who stand for the right
    who live in truth.
    For you come to know the Friend
    who dwells in the secret room
    of your heart.
    You are like an acorn planted
    in fertile soil
    that grows into a mighty oak.
    Your work blesses others,
    you radiate love;
    joy delights your heart.
    ~ from MEDITATIONS AND MANDALAS by Nan C. Merrill

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