BREATHE + PAUSE + PONDER
The gift of caring is grounded in the soil of shared living.
How care moves between organisms in the forest through intricate communication connections at the root system mirrors how care moves at the root system between people.
Communication is what flows through the connection, much like when fungi come to the beckoning lament of a decaying tree to share their lives in exchange for a decomposing, life-giving home.
The sending + receiving of meaningful messages is the opportunity for care to emerge in a forest, as well as in friendships.
All too often, we neglect caring for ourselves as we care for another. However, consider the life of the mushroom, generously sharing its life while generously receiving life.
Notice how care moves through you + others. Is the result of you caring for another an advantage for one side and an equivalent loss for the other? Do you believe there’s enough good to care for both yourself + another?
scribbling BENEDICTION
SOULjourner, how are you creating the conditions for life-giving care to grow within and work itself out? This is not a shaming space; rather, it’s a contemplative, compassionate space.
Consider listing the ways you are being cared for by yourself, others, and God. Keep an ongoing list if it helps you.
Reflect on what a summer downgrade would look like, where you minimize quantity, not quality.
Scribble a meaningful message of care to yourself and/or another.
this summer spotlight
Get a sneak peek at some of the new mushroom + floral design collection added to the studio.
Some of the new pieces will be included the July 2026 summer soul care kit, along with other surprise goodies for your summer downgrade. July’s soul care kit theme: “Caring for Caregivers.”
subscribe quarterly for one of the seasonal soul care kit
The Affirmation Postcard:
“There is enough care to go around for caregivers” (front)
“Take care” coloring prompt; blank for writing a caring note to yourself or someone else (back)
The non-toxic apothecary Candle
The glass mug
the affirmation postcard
The Sticky Notepad
COMMUNAL BLESSING
To care for the garden of our souls, may we acknowledge that we are grounded in grace to move as a collective even in our personal coming + going. Ase’ + Amen.
Tune in to this marvelous song by Beautiful Chorus – Brilliant Mycelium (a lyrical video) – or tap/click the image below to play.
Soulful gifting for social change 🧡
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique. Be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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Soulful Giving and Living 
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