Are You Nourishing Your Soul?
By Marisa Rivera
When we talk about being
healthy, we tend to talk about
healthy foods, exercise,
diets, body fat measurements, etc. but we
often forget how important it is to feed and
no
happ
nourish our soul. I have found that my
happiest moments in life are when I have
balance of mind, body, and soul.
Recently, I traveled to Puerto Rico to
volunteer with my son Javier in the re-building
of some homes in Maunabo as part of a Fuller
Center for Housing project. I felt what Gary Zukav
so well described in his book, The Seat of the
Soul, that when the deepest part of you becomes
engaged in what you are doing, when your
activities and actions become gratifying and
purposeful, when what you do serves both
yourself and others, and you do not tire within
but seek the sweet satisfaction of your life and
your work, you are doing what you were meant
to be doing. Being back in Puerto Rico sparked
that feeling for me.
Ever since Hurricane Irma and Maria hit
Puerto Rico, I have been longing to do more for
my beloved Island. I was devasted watching the
natural and human disaster unfold during the
hurricanes. The land was converted into
rubbish and flooded, the electricity was gone for
months, and many people were left without a
home. After many fundraisers, supply deliveries,
volunteering hours at Chef José Andrés World
Central Kitchen and several other volunteering
experiences, I still felt I needed to do more. I kept
dreaming of a “New” Puerto Rico that was
vibrant, beautiful, green, clean, and economically
independent. A Puerto Rico that every Puerto
Rican inside and outside of the island and any
visitor could be proud of. I have found that while
I was searching for ways to help Puerto Rico, its
people and its natural beauty were helping me
by nourishing my soul.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was recently back
in Puerto Rico sharing Hamilton as a fundraiser,
said “There’s nothing better for your soul than a
trip to Puerto Rico! Come visit Puerto Rico, it is
open for business.”
After 18 months of recovery, Puerto Rico is
blossoming in many beautiful ways. The newly
grown fertile soil, flora and fauna is a deeper
Isla Verde, PR.
green than ever, the ocean waters are clean and
bluer than ever, the freshly painted communities
show the resiliency of the Puerto Rican people,
and the increase in tourism since the hurricane
is a testament that the best days for tourism
are ahead of us, together with economic
development for small businesses.
There are many ways to nourish your soul.
For me, helping others and coming home was
extremely fulfilling. For you it might be to serve
somebody in need, or learn to forgive someone
- it will be the best gift you give yourself! You
could take alone time in nature to connect with
your thoughts and emotions. Maybe practice
Yoga, or fuel your passion more often, listen to
music, dance, enjoy the rhythm of the moment.
Last but not least, DREAM BIG! Author Paulo
Coelho in his book, The Alchemist writes,
“Dreams provide nourishment for the soul just
as a meal does for the body.” I had a dream for
a “New Puerto Rico” better than ever, and it is
unfolding as we speak.
As you search for your next chapter in life,
search for your next big dream and a healthier
lifestyle. Search deep inside of you for more, and
realize that the true essence of yourself comes to
light when your passion meets the personality of
your soul. Stay healthy as you feed your body and
nourish your soul.
¡Las Jefas!
LS
Marisa Rivera is president of
Mpowerment Works, a
motivational speaker, executive
coach and leadership and
empowerment consultant.
Marisa@Mpowerment
Works.com.
Want to comment or have any questions on
this article? Email us at info@latinastyle.com
Javier Albert and Marisa Rivera
rebuilding homes in Maunabo, PR.
40 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 25, No. 3, 2019
/www.latinastyle.com
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