From Self-Care to Soul-Care: Deepening Our Relationship to Ourselves
Deepening Our Relationship
to Ourselves
Life moves quickly. Between work, relationships, and the daily demands of living, there’s often little space to pause. But lately, I’ve been reflecting on those unexpected moments when everything comes to a halt—not because we choose it, but because our bodies choose it for us.
An injury or illness, chronic pain, mental health issues, or even a natural disaster can unexpectedly disrupt our lives. Regardless of the cause, our plans can fall apart, and we must confront the difficult reality: we can no longer continue at our previous pace.
When Slowing Down Isn’t Optional
I’ve been there. I’ve watched others go through it too. That moment when your pace is no longer sustainable, and something—illness, injury, emotional exhaustion, grief—brings life to a halt. While the circumstances vary, one thing remains consistent: the sharp contrast between what we consider “normal” and what we perceive as “slow.”
We live in a culture that tends to equate worth with output. Rest is often framed as indulgent, and listening to your body is considered optional, if not selfish. The result is that many of us push beyond our capacity, missing the messages our bodies are trying to send.
This raises important questions:
Who benefits when we ignore our body’s signals?
What are we giving up when we ignore ourselves?
What toll does constant striving take on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being?
These are big questions. But the one I keep returning to is this:
What would it be like to feel more connected and receptive to our bodies by weaving a slower, more intentional rhythm into our everyday lives?
Where do we even begin?
The Shift from Self-Care to Soul-Care
Let’s start with self-care—a familiar concept that usually includes elements of diet, sleep, movement, and mindfulness. These are valuable and necessary practices. But sometimes, what we most need is not another task but a different perspective.
Carl Jung wrote of the SELF as the totality of the psyche. The word psyche, in its most ancient roots, means soul. So, in short, SELF = SOUL. Therefore, when we talk about practicing self-care, I believe that we are actually seeking something more profound—soul-care.
This subtle shift in language has profoundly changed how I approach my well-being. When I recognize that my soul influences everything I do—and everything I do, in turn, shapes my soul—my relationship with myself becomes more than just managing symptoms or indulging in fleeting comforts. It becomes about developing a more compassionate approach to myself that recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. Soul-care is not about perfection or routine; it’s about presence, tending, and relationship.
Practices That Invite Inner Connection
One way I cultivate soul-care is by asking myself simple, open-ended questions. These aren't meant as a means to judge myself, but rather to help me check-in:
How am I feeling—calm, agitated, disconnected?
What is my body communicating in this moment?
Are there small adjustments I can make to feel more balanced?
Am I breathing freely? Do I need to release tension, cry, or simply be still?
Is this experience nourishing to my soul? If not, what might it be teaching me?
Over time, this kind of internal inquiry has become more intuitive. Some days I respond with movement, other days with stillness. Sometimes I paint or write to process what feels foggy and unspoken. I take baths when I’m holding strong emotions. I take a walk or workout when I’m feeling numb or disconnected. These small choices help me return to myself. They remind me that care isn’t a task—it’s a rhythm.
It’s a Practice, Not a Performance
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Perfection is the enemy of intuition. But practice is a doorway to healing.
Soul-care isn’t a checklist. It’s not something to perform. It’s a relationship—an ongoing conversation between you and your inner world.
And every time you pause to listen, adjust, and care, you’re coming home to yourself.
That’s not indulgent. That’s love.
And love is the most powerful catalyst for healing.
A Gentle Invitation
If something in this reflection resonates, I invite you to pause. Just for a moment.
Ask yourself a quiet question—perhaps this one: “What is my soul asking for today?” There is no need to rush, and there is no pressure to perform. Even a single breath can be a step toward reconnection.
If this concept of soul-care speaks to you and you feel moved to share your experience or reflections, I would love to hear from you.
(Image: Original painting by Katie Hathor-Jones - “I Can’t Guess at Why” 2023 is available for purchase)
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.
In my private therapy practice, I meet you exactly where you are—with compassion, curiosity, and an open mind. Together, we explore patterns, uncover new perspectives, and practice tools that support clearer communication, self-advocacy, authentic connection, and the pursuit of a life rooted in meaning, purpose, and vitality.
In addition to my clinical work, I’m also a professional artist, continually following my creativity into new forms of emotional and psychological exploration. Each discipline enriches the other, both grounded in a deep commitment to growth and expression.
Contact me to set up a free 30-minute intro call.
Email: katie@katiehathorjones.com
Website: www.katiehathorjones.com/therapy-coaching
